Simelane Charts Bold Path for Human Settlements: Housing, Dignity and Accountability at the Core

During her site visits to key human settlement projects, the Minister assessed on-the-ground conditions and engaged with stakeholders.

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has outlined her department’s progress and future focus areas in a comprehensive review of her first three months in office. Emphasising the guiding principles of the Freedom Charter — particularly the promise to provide “houses, security and comfort” — Simelane expressed pride in the milestones achieved while candidly addressing the sector’s persistent challenges.

Since assuming office, Minister Simelane has spearheaded several impactful initiatives. Notably, the department has provided rapid responses to housing emergencies following devastating floods and fires in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. These interventions are part of a broader commitment to responsive governance and disaster resilience in vulnerable communities.

During her site visits to key human settlement projects, the Minister assessed on-the-ground conditions and engaged with stakeholders. A crucial meeting with provincial Members of the Executive Council (MECs) resulted in key agreements related to the five-year Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), review of the 2024/2025 priorities, and a critical discussion on proposed policy adjustments to better address evolving housing needs.

One of the most notable achievements has been the development of the Special Housing Needs Programme (SHNP) in collaboration with the Department of Social Development. Supported by the newly created Special Housing Needs Programme Grant, the initiative seeks to ensure dignity and security for society’s most vulnerable: persons with disabilities, elderly citizens, and survivors of domestic abuse.

“Through this programme, we’re ensuring that our human settlements cater to the real-life needs of people who cannot live independently,” said Simelane.

Improved Governance and Policy Reform

Efforts to restore governance and improve stability within the department’s entities have also been central. New board members have been appointed and inducted into five of the department’s six entities, signalling a drive toward more accountable leadership.

A significant policy milestone was achieved in December 2024 with the approval of the White Paper on Human Settlements. This framework sets the groundwork for a legislative and policy environment that supports the creation of Integrated and Sustainable Human Settlements. The policy emphasises inclusive housing for low-income earners, vulnerable populations, and the often-neglected “missing middle” — working-class citizens who fall outside conventional subsidy frameworks.

Facing Challenges Head-On

Despite progress, Minister Simelane acknowledged the serious challenges plaguing the sector, including:

• Budget constraints and funding shortfalls
• Poor contract management and abandoned projects
• Allegations of fraud and corruption
• Trust deficits between the government and communities
• Distressed and underperforming social housing projects
• Widespread informal settlements needing permanent solutions

“There is no silver bullet,” she said. “We need a collective effort involving government, the private sector, non-profits, and the public. Collaboration is our only way forward.”

The Minister also addressed a rising issue in the sector: tenants in social housing projects who deliberately boycott rental agreements. She issued a strong warning that failure to pay rent will lead to eviction.

“Social housing is rental housing,” Simelane stressed. “People must take responsibility — do the honourable thing and pay rent to sustain these projects.”

Boosting Developers and Investing in the Future

A new initiative aimed at empowering emerging contractors is set to be launched on 28 March 2025. The Emerging Developer Incubator and Post Investment Support Programme, developed through the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC), will provide non-financial support to historically disadvantaged developers.

The programme is designed to help these developers:

• Package bankable funding proposals
• Successfully manage construction phases
• Navigate the post-construction marketing and sales process

“Empowered contractors are critical to our success,” Simelane said. “If they deliver quality projects on time and within budget, we can fast-track transformation in the housing sector.”

Immediate Priorities: Unblocking Delays and Restoring Dignity

Looking ahead, Simelane outlined a list of urgent priorities for the department:

• Fast-tracking stalled or blocked housing projects
• Resolving the backlog in military veterans' housing
• Prioritising vulnerable communities and the destitute

The department also plans to use existing partnerships and expand private sector participation to meet its ambitious targets.

George Building Collapse Under Review

The Minister confirmed that she has received a preliminary report from the National Home Builders Regulatory Council (NHBRC) regarding the 2024 building collapse in George, Western Cape, which left multiple people injured and displaced.

“We await the final report, which will help inform our regulatory approach and strengthen building standards nationwide,” she said.

Vision for a More Inclusive Future

Simelane reaffirmed that all departmental efforts are aligned with government’s overarching objectives:

• Driving inclusive growth and job creation
• Reducing poverty and the high cost of living
• Building a capable, ethical, and developmental state

In the coming months, Simelane will release a detailed implementation plan of the 2024-2025 MTDP, which will spell out exactly how the department intends to convert policy into practical outcomes.

“Our work is far from over,” she concluded. “But we are on the right path — one that leads to dignity, shelter, and opportunity for all South Africans.”