A New Chapter in South African Housing: The 2023 Updated Accreditation Framework

The Emergence of a Transparent Accreditation Process

In a crucial move to enhance South Africa’s housing landscape, the Human Settlements Sector has given the green light to the Updated Accreditation Framework for Municipalities to Administer National Housing Programmes (2023). This groundbreaking initiative ensures that municipalities gain the needed expertise to handle the assigned tasks without negatively impacting their delivery capabilities in the short term. The framework received considerable backing and was officially authorized on September 15, 2023, during a meeting attended by Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete, and provincial MECs of Human Settlements (MINMEC).

This landmark decision paves the way for developing an impartial criterion for accrediting municipalities and unveiling a transparent accreditation process schedule. Minister Kubayi is confident that this will further the long-term objective of fostering a setting wherein municipalities can achieve self-reliance in human settlements delivery.

In comparison to the 2012 Accreditation Framework, which faced multiple obstacles during its execution, the 2023 Updated Framework introduces several advancements. A significant modification is the incremental approach based on programs, in which municipalities attain accreditation for executing a program or a set of programs pertinent to their capacity and priority requirements. Another crucial move is the central significance of intermediate city municipalities and secondary cities, considered essential for a more equitable and distributed growth across the country.

Prioritizing Title Deeds and Addressing the Backlog

During the MINMEC gathering, the need to prioritize the title deeds program was emphasized. Numerous interventions were agreed upon, such as holding weekly roadshows to distribute the 234,757 available title deeds throughout the nation. The conversation also highlighted the necessity for collaboration on cross-border demarcation, particularly regarding its influence on the title deeds distribution.

To address the backlog, municipalities were encouraged to persistently put in the effort to grant individuals rightful ownership of their residences, rather than retaining title deeds in their offices. The Department has been incorporating the issuance of title deeds with housing handovers, spurred by the government’s dedication to unlocking economic advantages.

Evaluating the Sector Performance and Future Outlook

Concerning sector performance, the Human Settlements Sector has witnessed mixed outcomes during the Medium-Term Strategic Framework period (2019-2024). The meeting divulged that out of a target of 300,000, the sector has accomplished 69.5% delivery, equating to 208,358 fully subsidized houses. Despite budget reductions, 172,066 serviced sites have been provided out of the anticipated 190,437. In addition, 22,035 units have been delivered via the First Home Finance program, exceeding the initial 20,000 units target set in 2019.

Minister Kubayi highlighted the progress made in assisting the “missing middle” with homeownership by bringing more individuals into the housing market. However, apprehensions were raised concerning provincial spending for the current fiscal year. Provinces were urged to comply with their business plans or risk having resources redirected to higher-performing areas. With eight months remaining in the fiscal year, the sector’s expenditure stands at 32%.

Significant strides have been made in the Human Settlements Sector to guarantee prompt payment of all claims within 30 days. As decided during the previous MINMEC meeting, all provincial departments are committed to eliminating any barriers that may result in project delays or stalled projects in housing delivery.

Moreover, provincial departments are working towards achieving the compulsory allocation of 40% set for first-quarter performance. This ensures that budgets and contracts are earmarked for businesses and companies owned by women, youth, and individuals with disabilities.

Before the MINMEC meeting, the participants visited the Moses Kotane Community Residential Units (CRU) in the Bojanala Platinum District. This low-cost rental housing project in North West consists of 110 units, including bachelor and two-bedroom accommodations. The CRU is a government-owned communal rental accommodation improvement aimed at offering secure and stable rental tenure for lower-income earners. Beneficiaries, such as Sharon Chelopo (41), Nthabiseng Mkhwanazi (33), and Keolopile Gaolalwe (37), commended the affordable rent, safety, and closeness to work provided by this government-supported program.