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MIDDLEBURG LEGAL HOMEOWNERS THRILLED TO RECEIVE THEIR TITLE DEEDS

MIDDLEBURG LEGAL HOMEOWNERS THRILLED TO RECEIVE THEIR TITLE DEEDS
Middelburg is a small town in the great Karoo that falls under the Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality, in the Chris Hani District Municipality, Eastern Cape. Driving around the area you will admirer the scenery of historical buildings surrounded by beautiful mountains as it is an area known for it’s rich and natural striking herbal plant life. With such nature’s beauty and great potential in tourist attracting activities, as a resident in the area, who would dare say they would not love to own their own home?
To ensure a sustainable housing for the previously destitute families, the EC Department for Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, handed over 643 title deeds in Middleburg alongside Mayor of Inxuba Yethemba, Cllr N. Zonke. The road to transformation is very long, and “transforming communities together” remains the department’s brand promise. The most important thing for the department is fulfilling that promise through provision of integrated sustainable Human Settlements with improved quality of household as per the department’s vision statement. Provision of title deeds thereof stand as proof that every homeowner is rightfully placed and the title deed legally binds the owner in their rightful government subsidised houses.
“Protect that piece of paper the same way you protect your marriage certificate, it gives you proof of ownership of your house, this house is a legacy and inheritance for your children and their children.” Said MEC whilst addressing the community on the day. “Let us secure what we already have. It’s your responsibility to make sure that you protect what has been given to you” MEC added.
The recipients that benefitted are from two housing developments in Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality called Middleburg Midros and Kwanonzame. The Department together with the local municipality went through a verification process to ensure that the rightful beneficiaries received their title deeds. This process also assisted in ensuring that existing and possible challenges regarding human settlements were addressed in that municipality.
The event also formed part of the rollout of the National Title Deeds Restoration Programme which seeks to prioritise and accelerate the issuing of title deeds to rightful beneficiaries. This program is important because it brings back dignity to our people, families and all those that are destitute.
MEC explained to the community members who filled the hall that in the current economic state the more job losses there are result in increased demand for housing. And as the demand for government subsidised houses increase with social ills, the budget shrinks. “We are not where we want to be, but with all these small victories and achievements, we will celebrate because it gives hope. Restoration of people’s dignity is in the process of patience from the one waiting for their house to be built while another person is receiving theirs.”-MEC said.
One by one, Human Settlements offers our communities a better living environment. It is for a good reason that the department of Human Settlements is no longer department of housing. It goes beyond the actual house.
A 91 years old Mama Ntombizodwa Mobo was enjoying one of nature’s pleasures (sunlight) in front of her house when the MEC and Mayor visited her to hand over her title deed. They both talked with Mama, describing why the title deed is important and why she should keep it safe. ”I am full of joy. I am very happy, it is because I would sit and wonder when I would get my title deed, I will put this important paper where I store my grant papers”.- said Mama Mobo as she was receiving her title deed.
The Department has embarked on a Title Deeds Restoration Programme to address the backlog and thus ensuring access to adequate housing and full homeownership.

Dignity restored for thousands of Eastern Cape destitute families through housing delivery

Dignity restored for thousands of Eastern Cape destitute families through housing delivery

Dozens of Eastern Cape destitute families continue to benefit from the delivery of decent quality houses, reshaping their lives and the Provincial landscape. More than 28 000 destitute and vulnerable families have been provided with houses by the Eastern Cape Provincial Government through the Department of Human Settlements, in the current term of administration. This shows good progress as the province is changing the narrative as far as service delivery is concerned. This is one of the commitments made by the ruling government, of serving the Eastern Cape citizenry and upholding the responsibility to effectively provide quality homes thereby restoring the people’s dignity. A reported case on the plight of a 32-yearold Amalinda mother of three who found herself homeless after her shack burnt down, leaving her without any belongings including identity document, saw South African Social Services Agency (SASSA) move swiftly to ensure that the family receive appropriate social grants to change their plight.
To ensure qualifying individuals who are not in possession of identification due to various reasons access social grants and improve their livelihoods, government has put policies in place to allow citizens to benefit whilst still awaiting identification documents. The South African Social Services Agency (SASSA) Regulation (13.1) of the Social Security Act 2004 stipulates that the Agency may accept alternative proof or any supporting documents for an application of a social grant to make the process easier. Such situations include a person who have never had an identity document or birth certificate.
In situations where these documents have been destroyed or lost, One of the beneficiaries, 84- year-old Ntonga Notshu from Mqanduli, was elated when she was notified that her name was amongst those identified and deserving families, following natural disasters that destroyed her house in the area. Even the relatively cold weather conditions on the day of the handing over could not dampen her spirits, as she eagerly waited for her new house, and her life changing for the better. The story of mama Notshu is much familiar to many families in the province who had to seek refuge from neighbours after natural disasters destroyed their homes. She stated that the house brought positive change to her family.
“I am very excited to receive the house. Previously I was staying in a delipidated mud structure for years with my grandchildren, but today it is a different story. The entire family is joyful knowing that we have a quality house that cannot be easily affected by disasters,” said Notshu. The department has made strides in executing its priorities which include provision of housing prioritising the destitute, vulnerable groups and military veterans, as well as the systematic unblocking of historically blocked projects, accelerated registration and issuing of title deeds to homeowners. Human settlements’ mandate requires to go beyond low-cost housing and create social, special, and economic integration through sustainable settlements with due consideration of mixed housing typologies. This is being done through strengthening relationships with stakeholders and developers to make a lasting impact on the landscape of the province. The Eastern Cape Government is committed to effectively coordinate and secure mutually supporting actions amongst all stakeholders to fast-track delivery of integrated and sustainable human settlements.

MEC LUSITHI TO HAND OVER 53 HOUSES TO MZIMVUBU FAMILIES WHO WERE LIVING IN MUD STRUCTURES

TO ALL MEDIA
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
05 FEBRUARY 2024
MEC LUSITHI TO HAND OVER 53 HOUSES TO MZIMVUBU FAMILIES WHO WERE LIVING IN MUD STRUCTURES
Poverty stricken communities in Mzimvubu Local Municiaplity will benefit from a human settlements intervention to provide decent quality houses to 53 families living in delipidated mud structures. The Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, will officially handover 53 houses to destitute families in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality.
The 53 houses form part of Mnceba 1000 Rural Housing, a project spread over 3 villages. Beneficiaries of this rural development are mainly elderly women who were living in collapsing structures. The Department of Human Settlements prioritised them as a destitute and vulnerable group.
One of the beneficiaries is 94-year-old Eunice Senzela from Sugar Bush who was living in a mud structure with 10 dependents. The other beneficiary is 71-year-old Matsalisa Mjama who was also living in a mud structure with her 4 dependents.
The Department plans to boost rural development with 973 more houses from 8 projects running in Mzivumbu, Ntabankulu and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela local municipalities during this financial year.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
DATE: THURSDAY, 08 FEBRUARY 2024
VENUE: SUGAR BUSH, MZIMVUBU
TIME: 10H00

ENDS.
Confirmations contact Phiwokuhle Soga, 076 8044292, PhiwokuhleS@ecdhs.gov.za
Issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements.
Inquiries:
Mr Siyabonga Mdodi: Media Liaison Officer
Mobile: 072 345 8457 | Email: SiyabongaMd@ecdhs.gov.za

NTABANKULU VILLAGERS GET MUCH NEEDED MULTI-MILIION RAND FACILITY

MEDIA ADVISORY
TO ALL MEDIA
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
06 FEBRUARY 2024
NTABANKULU VILLAGERS GET MUCH NEEDED MULTI-MILIION RAND FACILITY
Poverty stricken villagers in Ntabankulu under Alfred Nzo District Municipality will benefit from a multi-purpose community facility that will improve their lives. The Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, will officially open a Multi-Purpose Community Centre (MPCC) for community use and bring much needed services to the area as well as offer educational and recreational space for the youth.

The facility is situated within close proximity to the community for them to access it easily. The villagers currently need to travel long distance to access some of the services. The MPCC has on offer offices for sector departments such as Health and SASSA, a computer lab, library, kitchen and ablution facilities, traditional authority council court, sports field for netball and a day care facility. Five villages within the local municipality will be able to conveniently access the facility for various activities and provide them with work opportunities.
The MPCC will serve as a cornerstone facility to improve the lives of the destitute and vulnerable groups as well as generate social togetherness. The handover forms part of MEC Lusithi’s two-day service delivery visit in Alfred Nzo which includes handing over 53 houses in Mzimvubu Local Municipality.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
DATE: FRIDAY, 09 FEBRUARY 2024
VENUE: MPCC, MATSHONA VILLAGE
TIME: 10H00

ENDS.
Confirmations contact Phiwokuhle Soga, 076 8044292, PhiwokuhleS@ecdhs.gov.za
Issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements.
Inquiries:
Mr Siyabonga Mdodi: Media Liaison Officer
Mobile: 072 345 8457 | Email: SiyabongaMd@ecdhs.gov.za

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS INITIATES BOLD STEPS TO UNBLOCK PROJECTS, PAVING THE WAY FOR SUSTAINABLE INTEGRATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

MEDIA STATEMENT
TO ALL MEDIA
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
5 February 2024

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS INITIATES BOLD STEPS TO UNBLOCK PROJECTS, PAVING THE WAY FOR SUSTAINABLE INTEGRATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

In her 2023/24 Policy Speech, Honourable Siphokazi Lusithi, MEC of Human Settlements, committed to leading decisive efforts to systematically unblock historically blocked/stalled projects. This commitment stems from the acknowledgment that since 1994, the ANC-led government has successfully delivered subsidized housing to over 3 million households, marking a significant quantitative achievement in South Africa’s developmental goals.

The 2022 Census by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) reported a remarkable 20.4% increase in households living in formal dwellings in the province over ten years, reaching 83.6% in 2022. Access to piped water inside dwellings has also risen from 18.3% in 2001 to 49.5% in 2022, contributing to extended homeownership and increased productive assets for the people.

However, despite substantial government-led investments, the demand for shelter continues to grow due to factors such as urban migration for economic opportunities and a growing population.

Background and Context

Honourable MEC Lusithi launched a campaign to systematically unblock historically stalled projects across the province, ensuring value for money and responding to the needs and aspirations of our people, as articulated in the 2023/24 Policy Speech. The ongoing campaign involves rigorous oversight of both blocked and ongoing projects, engagements with various stakeholders, including communities and contractors, and the enhancement of departmental systems to prevent future occurrences.

The Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements is pleased to provide a comprehensive update on the remarkable progress made in unblocking historically stalled projects within the province. At the start of the 2022/23 financial year, the department faced the challenge of 87 stalled or blocked projects, translating to 23,975 housing units spread across all eight regions, each encountering unique challenges.

Through strategic interventions and collaborative efforts, we proudly announce the successful unblocking of 58 projects, translating to 12 759 housing units, with plans in place to address the unblock the 11 216 housing units in the remaining 29 projects.

Project Unblocking Overview

At the commencement of the 2022/23 financial year, the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements grappled with 87 stalled/blocked projects across its eight regions. These projects faced various challenges, ranging from poor contractor performance to issues related to the rural nature of certain areas and the unavailability of serviced sites. However, determined to address the housing needs of our communities, the department took significant steps to overcome these challenges.

Out of the 87 blocked projects, the department successfully unblocked 58 projects, now slated for implementation over multiple years. Professional Services Providers were appointed to assess the construction status, contractors engaged to complete works, and planning processes initiated. The department anticipates a substantial number of completed houses on these sites by the end of the 2023/24 financial year.

Challenges and Regional Dynamics

Each region faced distinct challenges. For instance, O.R. Tambo, Alfred Nzo, Chris Hani, and Amathole Regions witnessed contract terminations due to poor contractor performance. Nelson Mandela Bay Region struggled with the unavailability of serviced sites, while Sara Baartman Region grappled with the long-standing issue of insufficient bulk infrastructure. These challenges underscore the diverse dynamics faced by the department in different regions.

The majority of blocked projects were initiated by municipalities in the past, with insufficient pre-planning and implementation activities. To address this, the department introduced Project and Home Enrolment with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to ensure project readiness before implementation, preventing future project blockages.

Financial Overview and Future Plans

The department required a budget of approximately R3.269 billion to construct about 23,975 housing units on the then 87 blocked projects, which now has 29 blocked projects. The financial allocation reflects the department’s commitment to overcoming historical project challenges and meeting the housing needs of our communities. Plans are underway to secure funding from various sources, with the National Department pledging support on a case-by-case basis.

Regional Breakdown

A detailed breakdown of unblocked projects, remaining blocked projects, and required funds for completion has been provided for each region, showcasing the department’s transparency and commitment to addressing specific challenges unique to each area.

 In Amathole Region, the department has successfully unblocked eleven projects and is now remaining with three blocked projects.

 In the Buffalo City Metro, we proudly announce the successful unblocking of three projects, with one remaining blocked project.

 In the Joe Gqabi Region, we are working tirelessly to address the seven remaining blocked projects.

 In the Nelson Mandela Bay, a total of six projects have been unblocked, with ten remaining blocked projects.

 In Sara Baartman Region, we have progressed to unblock a total of five projects, remaining with five blocked projects.
The high number of projects blocked due to Bulk Infrastructure in the 2022/23 Financial Year totals 27 unblocked projects, requiring funds of approximately R2.423 billion for completion. The 58 unblocked projects have housing units on various stages of construction.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Outlook

The department has undertaken several measures to address project blockages, including the establishment of a panel of contractors, appointment of Implementing Agents, and fast-tracking additional funding applications. Continuous engagement with municipalities and implementing agents, alongside collaboration with the National Department, demonstrates a concerted effort to ensure the successful completion of these projects.

The Eastern Cape MEC-MMC Forum is a platform established by the Honourable MEC for a coordinated political-administrative interface between local and provincial governments to inform and enable a shared understanding on critical matters pertaining to the transformation of the sector and the delivery of integrated Human Settlements in the Eastern Cape.

The MEC-MMC implementation platform plays a critical role in coordinating the establishment of sustainable integrated human settlement. Municipalities should address delaying issues related to bulk infrastructure as it requires funding from different grants, and Municipal By-Laws must be applied to prevent land invasions.

Conclusion

The Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing housing challenges and ensuring the timely completion of stalled projects. The establishment of a National Steering Committee on Blocked Projects underscores the collaborative approach adopted by the department and sets the stage for successful project implementation over multi-years.

“We are acutely aware that the phenomenon of blocked projects represents a serious predicament for people in dire need of subsidized houses. It requires bold and decisive action to turn around the situation for the benefit of the people. We are committed to ensuring that all projects are unblocked with the introduction of new integrated settlements that will contribute in building the Eastern Cape we want.” said MEC Siphokazi Lusithi

Our goal is to leave no one or place behind, consistently aligning with the UN Habitat emphasis on the importance of human settlements that promote economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

Issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements

For media inquiries, please contact:

Siyabonga Mdodi
Spokesperson to MEC S. Lusithi
Mobile: 0723458457 | Email: SiyabongaMd@ecdhs.gov.za