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On a somber note, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has unveiled findings that reveal grave inadequacies within the North West Department of Human Settlements regarding the delivery of RDP housing. The report, made public on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, exposes a department beleaguered by mismanagement, malfeasance, and missed deadlines, leading to systemic failures and a provincial housing backlog of 318,605 reported as of March 2023.
Commissioner Philile Ntuli highlighted an array of issues, including stalled projects to substandard construction, which breach the right to access adequate housing. These shortcomings stem from deep-rooted problems such as financial mismanagement, poor project planning, alleged corrupt contractual practices, and grossly inflated costs. Moreover, an accountability void within the North West Treasury and Office of the Premier has aggravated the situation.
Perhaps more concerning is the Department’s attempt to deflect blame to external factors and municipalities, rather than tackling the systematic defectiveness under its purview. This alarming detachment from accountability has set a tone that is reflective of a larger national crisis.
Reports dating back a decade point to a chronic state of unfinished RDP homes, with Gauteng alone accounting for 7,000 incomplete structures since 2008. Former MEC for Human Settlements Lebogang Maile attributed this to exhausted funding and sought repurposing of funds from underperforming programs.
The migration towards informal settlements has grown, with around 300 new settlements noted between 2016 and 2023, bringing to light the urgent need for capacity enhancement, better coordination, and resource allocation at the municipal level.
While the SAHRC has recommended the North West Department of Human Settlements report progress on remedying these issues within 90 days, past behavior casts doubt on its responsiveness. The Department already missed its initial response deadline of July 17, 2024, and with a follow-up report-back deadline impending, the department's response—or lack thereof—will be a litmus test for its commitment to resolving the housing debacle.
In essence, stable, adequate housing is fundamental for human dignity and societal stability, as emphasized by sociologist Matthew Desmond. The North West Department's actions in the coming days will not only determine its dedication to rectifying the current housing crisis but will also have a lasting impact on the lives of its residents and the socio-economic fabric of the province.