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MEDIA ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATT: REPORTERS, ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
18 February 2020
MEC PIETERS TO LAUNCH OPERATION SIYAKHATHALA WITH BUSINESS TO FAST–TRACK DELIVERY
East London ——– In efforts to create partnerships and sponsorships for the development of the EC’s human settlements delivery, Human Settlements MEC, Ms Nonkqubela Pieters will meet with big business leaders on Friday, 28 February 2020 at the EL Golf Club. The purpose of the session is to launch Operation Siyakhathala (we care), a service delivery programme, which is in partnership with the private sector to fast-track service delivery especially for the destitute and vulnerable groups.
The MEC will outline the state of human settlements, the challenges affecting delivery and solutions to overcome them. The Department has over 70 000 approved beneficiaries in the Housing Subsidy System (HSS) against a limited budget. MEC Pieters has urged municipalities to reprioritise their lists in order to build and focus on destitute and vulnerable groups which include; the elderly, disabled, child-headed families and military veterans.
The call is for the private sector to establish partnerships and sponsorships to assist government in providing sustainable human settlements and housing opportunities to the most vulnerable and destitute beneficiaries. Some of the invitees who will attend the session include leaders in the mobile networks, mining, financial and motor industry.
Over the last 25 years, the Department has facilitated the construction of housing units using the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG), a conditional grant from national government. However, given the limited budget, the Department will not be able to address these challenges alone, hence the engagement with business.
Members of the media are invited to the Business Breakfast, to be held as follows;
DATE: Friday, 28 February 2020
VENUE: EL Golf Club, Bunkers Hill
TIME: 08H00
Kindly RSVP your attendance by 24 February 2020 to P. Soga, PhiwokuhleS@ecdhs.gov.za 076 804 4292.

ISSUED BY: Ministry of Eastern Cape Human Settlements
Enquiries: Spokesperson Mr Masiza Mazizi
Cell: 072 389 8609/ 076 804 4292
Facebook: EC Human Settlements News Channel