The prioritization of vulnerable groups in housing allocation is one of the key priorities of the Human settlements minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi’s visit to the metro.

A performance review ministerial meeting will be convened on Friday (4/10) with the Free State Department of Human Settlements and Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality to discuss key performance indicators and progress on housing delivery.

The meeting with the provincial department aims to address concerns such as the slow pace of issuing title deeds, removal of asbestos roofs, and unblocking stalled projects. The minister had a Minister and Members of Executive Council (MINMEC) meeting on Thursday (3/10) to focus on the 2024/2025 human settlements priorities.

“We have taken a decision to rotate provinces in terms of MINMEC ordinarily we would’ve started with visiting projects and then out of those visits we sit and go through our agenda,” said Kubayi.

“The intention of going around provinces is to allow MECs to showcase good practices so we can learn from each other as a sector, but also where there are weaknesses we can be able to provide support to the MECs.”

The MINMEC meeting held on Thursday (3/10) at the President Hotel and Conference Centre included mayors and MMCs for Human Settlements in metropolitan municipalities and representatives from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

The meeting was held to tackle key critical areas, including prioritizing vulnerable groups in house allocation, the title deeds restoration programme, housing for military veterans, emergency housing, and an update on the Human Settlements White Paper.

“There are several issues that we deal with when it comes to the title deeds restoration programme, one is around the issue of formalization of informal communities or townships that municipalities have to do when municipalities delay we have a challenge.”

“Another challenge is when families fight over who is the rightful owner of the deed and that becomes an inhibitor in us being able to distribute the title deeds but we have partnered with the Master of the High Court office to assist.”

Another thing on the agenda was the acceleration of the delivery of housing for military veterans, and it was concluded that provinces would implement several strategies, including availing serviced sites for employed military veterans to build their own homes.

Additionally, existing homes will be renovated by converting portions into additional bedrooms. These comprehensive measures aim to provide suitable housing support to military veterans, ensuring their well-being and recognition for their service, she said.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh