International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women worldwide. This year’s theme, “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress,” is a reminder that advancing women’s empowerment and achieving gender equality is crucial for societal advancement and economic prosperity. Pam Tshwete, the Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, is an advocate for women’s involvement in policies and regulations, empowerment programs, and establishing a Women in Human Settlements Task Team. Women in the human settlements delivery value chain plead for investment through a social compact to ensure the poor have access to adequate housing.
The South African government has made significant progress in providing affordable housing and community infrastructure, despite challenges such as the lingering effects of apartheidera spatial planning and corruption. Initiatives such as upgrading informal settlements and eliminating asbestos roofing have had a positive impact, and the commitment to inclusion of designated groups, such as women, is inspiring. The government remains resolute in reforming apartheidera regulations and prioritizing vulnerable communities in its service delivery programs. Challenges remain, but progress has been made, and the commitment to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable communities is evident.
The Gugulethu Infill housing project in Cape Town has faced many challenges, from contractor issues to Covid19 delays, but the project teams and beneficiaries have remained dedicated and resilient. The project will provide 1,004 homes to deserving families, and the City is committed to completing it efficiently. Housing allocation follows strict procedures to ensure fairness and transparency. The project is a beacon of hope and a symbol of a prosperous future for the community.
The Local Government Residential Property Development Summit was a significant meeting that brought together the leadership of the Local Government, representatives from the private sector, and the Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi. The goal was to explore creative and innovative ways to efficiently provide human settlement. The summit offered a platform to address critical questions such as how to access more suitably positioned land for human settlement, what funding instruments can aid human settlement, and how to adopt Innovative Building Technologies in an affordable and sustainable way. As we chart the interplay between property development and local government, such meetings pave the way for a future of integrated, sustainable human settlements.
Cape Town’s Human Settlements Directorate is preparing for a momentous 2024, with a budget of R707 million allocated for affordable housing and development projects. The Directorate is committed to transforming the lives of its residents by upgrading informal settlements, enhancing backyarder services, and strengthening alternative building technology initiatives. With a steadfast dedication to progress and a beacon of hope, the Directorate is poised to write a new narrative in the city’s development, where every resident actively participates in the story of progress and development.
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has taken swift action to demolish over 200 illicitly constructed shanties in an effort to curb illegal settlements. The decision came after a lengthy legal battle and the unauthorized use of essential services. The department’s Ikageleng Rapid Land Release programme provides eligible beneficiaries with fully serviced plots, complete with essential services such as water, electricity, and sewage connections. The department is determined to evict those who illegally occupy land and property and to guard against fraudulent land transactions.