Uniting South Africa’s Spheres of Government for a Bright Future in Human Settlements

1 min read
south africa human settlements

In recent years, South Africa has seen a positive shift in its approach to human settlements, thanks to Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete and the Department of Human Settlements. With the implementation of the innovative District Development Model, various spheres of government have been able to collaborate more effectively, resulting in improved service delivery.

A Model for Success

The success of the District Development Model can be seen in the Harry Gwala and Central Karoo District Municipalities. Collaboration across various government departments has led to the implementation of impactful programmes, such as the construction of 84 BNG houses for destitute families in Kromhoek, part of the Harry Gwala District Municipality.

Empowering Women in the Housing Sector

Women empowerment has been central to these housing projects, with a female contractor overseeing home construction. This commitment to gender equality is in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s emphasis on the forty percent set-aside for women-owned businesses.

A Green Future for Human Settlements

The Department of Human Settlements is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment soon, marking the beginning of the human settlements greening programme. This initiative aims to provide one indigenous tree and one fruit tree for each house during housing handover programmes.

Prioritizing Vulnerable Populations

The Department has prioritized vulnerable populations, with over 2,000 military veterans provided with adequate housing across South Africa’s nine provinces. The Department of Human Settlements will continue working closely with the Department of Military Veterans to prioritize and fast-track the beneficiary verification process.

Sector Transformation for a Better Future

South Africa’s focus on sector transformation is evident in its attention to five distinct areas: procurement spend, training opportunities for youth and persons with disabilities, job creation, allocation of housing opportunities, and transformation of spaces. The Department of Human Settlements plans to host a Women in Construction Indaba in August to further support women in the construction industry.

A Sustainable Approach to Human Settlements

Despite challenges posed by climate change, South Africa’s government is committed to sustainable human settlements and improving the quality of household life. The upcoming Govan Mbeki awards will recognize top-performing provinces and entities in various categories, including new technologies, innovative social facilitative work, and civil society groups collaborating with the government.

A Model for Other Nations

South Africa’s human settlements sector has emerged as a pioneer in the field, inspiring other nations seeking to learn from its progress. For instance, a delegation from Uganda recently visited South Africa for a benchmarking exercise on the real estate sector.

A Collective Responsibility

Recognizing that housing the nation is a collective responsibility, the Department of Human Settlements calls on the private sector, NGOs, and communities to join them in accelerating housing delivery and promoting sustainable human settlements. The Department is setting an exemplary standard through its dedication to collaboration, innovation, and equality.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Empowering Women in the Tourism Industry: Minister Patricia de Lille’s Pledge

Next Story

Reversing Pandemic Learning Losses: The Launch of the #BackOnTrack Campaign in the Western Cape

Latest from Blog

A New Dawn for Atlantis Business Hives: Revitalizing Local Commerce

The Atlantis Business Hives has been revitalized, thanks to the city’s efforts to support local traders and provide them with a safe and clean working environment. The upgraded facility offers a wide range of services catering to traders in various sectors, and the city has allocated R184 million for upgrading trading spaces throughout the metro over the next three years. The city is not only focusing on physical infrastructure but also promoting the growth of business skills among traders and emerging entrepreneurs. With the support of the city, the traders of the Atlantis Business Hives are poised to seize fresh opportunities and chart a course towards prosperity and success.

Cape Town Marks 45 Years of Artistic Excellence at the Loeries

Cape Town is celebrating its 45th year of hosting the prestigious Loeries festival, which brings together exceptional talent from Africa and the Middle East for a weeklong immersion into the world of creativity. The festival’s theme, “Blood, Sweat, and Tears,” showcases the resilience and dedication of the brand communications industry. Loeries Creative Week is expected to host approximately 8,000 innovative individuals from over 20 countries, offering an unparalleled opportunity for the exchange of groundbreaking ideas, trends, and best practices. The festival serves as a testament to Cape Town’s dynamic creative community and its commitment to supporting the growth and development of creative industries.

Prompt Action and Remarkable Investigation by SAPS Alexandria Leads to Rapid Conviction

The prompt investigation by the SAPS Alexandria officers led to the recovery of stolen property and the arrest of three accomplices after they apprehended an individual vending suspicious items. As a result, one of the suspects received a sentence of 18 months’ incarceration, suspended for three years, showcasing the outstanding work of the SAPS Alexandria in upholding the law and fostering community collaboration.