Deputy Minister of Human Settlements Initiates Key Interventions in Greater Oudtshoorn’s Housing Sector

In a significant move, Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Thandi Mahambehlala, marked her presence in Greater Oudtshoorn on November 27, 2024, aiming to tackle the persistent housing issues plaguing the region. The visit, which started at the New Council Chambers of Oudtshoorn Municipality, expanded into a field tour and public consultation at Dysselsdorp Stadium, reflecting a hands-on approach to governance.

The local leadership, including Executive Mayor Johan Allers and Deputy Mayor Mziwoxolo Tyatya, expressed their commitment to resolving the housing challenges, as they welcomed the Deputy Minister. The issues at hand, highlighted during the community meeting, included delays and defects in Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing projects, discrepancies in housing allocation affecting the elderly and disabled, and a troubling lack of essential services like water and sanitation for residents on privately held lands.

Acknowledging these challenges, Deputy Minister Mahambehlala reassured the community by emphasizing the government's responsiveness to their hardships. She outlined the forthcoming changes in housing application processing that would prioritize the elderly, people with disabilities, and child-headed households, respecting President Cyril Ramaphosa's directive.

To combat discrepancies and improve transparency in housing allocations, the Deputy Minister announced a revamped verification process for housing applications. Moreover, she pledged comprehensive assessments by a team from the National Department of Human Settlements and the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to address quality concerns and expedite the completion of ongoing housing projects.

Addressing the immediate needs of those residing on privately owned lands without basic facilities, the Deputy Minister secured an agreement from the municipality to provide portable toilets and water supplies, ensuring a minimum standard of living for all citizens pending long-term solutions. Additionally, addressing veteran housing concerns, the Deputy Minister reiterated the government's commitment to veterans, recognizing their service and ensuring they are kept in the loop about housing developments.

The day concluded with a strategic session involving the Deputy Minister and Oudtshoorn’s senior municipal leaders, laying out a roadmap for the ongoing collaboration between local and national housing authorities. The focused engagement in Greater Oudtshoorn suggests a robust governmental push towards alleviating the housing distress, aligning with broader national objectives to improve living standards and ensure equitable resource distribution.