The South African Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, and Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete will hold an imbizo in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on May 12, 2023, at 11:00 am. The purpose of this event is to engage with informal communities and provide feedback on the provision of fundamental services. The gathering follows previous government engagements aimed at addressing community leaders’ concerns.
The Informal Settlement Upgrading Programme
During the 2023/2024 Budget Vote in Parliament, the Department of Human Settlements announced ambitious plans to upgrade 1500 informal settlements through the Informal Settlement Upgrading Programme (ISUP). Currently, 1269 settlements are undergoing different stages of the upgrading process. However, the ISUP faces various obstacles such as budget constraints, inadequate land, and coordination with stakeholders. To address these challenges, the department aims to form social compacts with communities and obtain suitable land for housing development, promoting community empowerment and enhancing living conditions.
The Community Engagement Event
The community engagement event will take place at the Tusong Multi-Purpose Centre in Khayelitsha and will be attended by community leaders, local stakeholders, and members of affected informal settlements. The event will provide a platform for open dialogue, where attendees can express their concerns and grievances directly to government officials.
Minister Kubayi and Deputy Minister Tshwete will present an overview of the progress made so far and the government’s plans for the future. Attendees will also have the opportunity to pose questions and discuss matters of concern.
The organizers have requested that members of the media confirm their attendance with Isaac Skhosana to foster transparent communication and trust between the government and the public.
Initiatives to Improve Living Conditions
The Department of Human Settlements has launched various initiatives to improve living conditions in informal settlements. These initiatives include the provision of basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity and efforts to promote safety and security within the communities.
Through community engagement events and ongoing initiatives, the government aims to upgrade informal settlements and improve the lives of those residing within them. The imbizo in Khayelitsha is an important step in fostering open communication, trust, and collaboration between the government and the communities they serve.
