Department of Housing: Strategic Plan 2007/08
NCOP Public Services
07 March 2007
Meeting Summary
A summary of this committee meeting is not yet available.
Meeting report
PUBLIC SERVICES SELECT COMMITTEE
7 March 2007
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING: STRATEGIC PLAN 2007/08
Chairperson:
Mr R J
Tau (ANC, Northern Cape)
Relevant Documents:
Chief
Directorate of Communications Presentation
Policy,
Research, Policy and Program Monitoring and Information Management Presentation
Inter-governmental
relations, Capacity Building and Program Implementation Support Presentation
Housing
Development Finance Presentation
Presentation on
Trends and Challenges
Presentation by Chief
Directorate on Internal Audit, Risk Management and Special Investigations
Audio
recording of the meeting
SUMMARY
The Department of Housing delivered five presentations relating to various
programmes, informing the committee on the progress made and their strategic
plan for 2007/08. Issues discussed
included research and information management and the role of the various
sub-sections in planning for 2010. Four key areas were mentioned including;
intergovernmental municipal accreditation, sector liaison and stakeholder
support, social and rental housing and PHP (people housing process), and
service delivery implementation support. The role and plans of financial and
grant management, housing institutions, housing equity and development finance,
integrated housing and human settlement development grants, and interests and
redemptions on private loans were discussed. The essential role of
communication to facilitate the information flow between the department and
stakeholders was promoted. Finally, the plans and achievements of the
directorate of internal audits, risk management, and special investigations
were presented.
Some salient issues raised in the discussion included ineffective monitoring
processes for the building of quality housing in the Eastern Cape, inadequate
capacity and under-spending, and the inadequacy of communication at the grass
roots level.
MINUTES
Policy, research, policy and programme monitoring and information management
Mr M Maphisa, the coordinator of Program 2 considered the overall purpose
of program 2 which was the development of sound national human settlement
and housing policies supported by responsive research, monitoring and
assessment of implementation, performance and impact of policies and programs
and to provide integrated business information.
The respective sub-programs included four main areas. First policy development
research to develop new and review and maintain existing human settlement and
housing policy and plan the implementation; while adopting a strategic plan to manage the development and plan the
implementation of national housing and human settlement policy. Secondly,
policy and program monitoring to coordinate the monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the National Housing
Policies and Programs, the adherence to project and program planning, the
implementation and delivery processes and the assessment of the impact of
Government’s programs in all provinces. Thirdly, industry and market analysis
and best practice to manages, initiates, undertakes and coordinates
research on human settlements and housing.
Finally
sector management information services to provide integrated business
information systems, maintain national housing databases and information
systems, and provide access to business and analysed information. Under each
sub-program an in-depth progress analysis was provided, as well as a list of
the planned activities for 2007, 2008 and the rest of the MTEF until 2010. A
breakdown of staffing requirements was also provided for the national branch
indicating a total of 105 members, 24 under policy development, 13 under
research, 28 under Policy and Program Monitoring (PPM), and 40 under sector
management and information. A brief budget outline was provided showing a
steady increase from 89 million at between 2007 and 2008 till a projected 171
million at the end of 2010.
IGR, capacity building and programme implementation support (Programme 3)
Mr W Jiyana outlined four key areas of responsibility. Firstly,
intergovernmental municipal accreditation to
manage critical and strategic governance, IGR & Inter-sphere processes and
programmes relating to delivery of human settlements where measurable goals
include, the facilitation and implementation of municipal accreditation,
coordinated interdepartmental liaison and co-operation, coordinated
intergovernmental (inter-sphere), and cooperation towards delivery of human
settlements.
Secondly,
sector liaison and stakeholder support to
manage sector stakeholder liaison support, priority focus groups &
collaborative project, where measurable goals include; management
and liaison with sector stakeholders, provision of management and
implementation support to sector focus groups, and management
and implementation facilitation of sector collaborative projects.
Thirdly,
social and rental housing and PHP to manage the implementation of the
affordable and the community rental housing programmes and the PHP housing
delivery mechanism and to regulate and have oversight over the rental housing
and PHP sectors, where measurable objectives include; delivery of social / rental housing
implementation support, implementation of regulatory & tenant support in
the rental housing sector, provision of implementation support to community
driven housing initiatives (PHP/ Cooperatives, etc).
Finally, service delivery implementation support, which was broken down into
two clusters, where cluster A included the provinces of Gauteng, Limpopo,
Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and Western Cape, while cluster B included the
provinces of Free State, North West, Eastern Cape and KZN. The purpose of this
responsibility, the presentation indicated, was to provide delivery support and
capacity building for housing & human settlements programs and special
projects in provinces. Measurable outcomes include, increase the delivery of
housing in sustainable housing settlements by effectively providing provincial
and systems with knowledge, skills and guidance. In these areas direct and
hands-on delivery and implementation support & facilitation was emphasized.
Under each of these responsibilities the achievements for 2007 and 2008 where
provided as well as an overview of planned objectives until 2010 closely
concurrent to the documents handed out (see documents).
The presentation also provided examples of pilot and special projects. These
included; in Kwazulu Natal: MT Moriah, Free State: Grassland (Mangaung), North
West: Klerksdorp, Rustenburg, Khutsong, Eastern Cape: Zanemvula, Duncan
Village, Mbashe (Elliotdale), Western Cape: N2 Gateway Project, Northern Cape:
Ouboks; Soul City, Gauteng: still to be announced, Limpopo: Tubatse; Lepelle;
Makhado; Phalaborwa and Polokwane, and finally Mpumalanga: still to be
announced.
Housing development finance (Programme 4)
Mr N L Mbengo informed the committee that the purpose of this program was
to provide funds to national housing and human settlement development programs
in terms of the Housing Act (1997); provide financial; grant and housing
institutions management; and manage all matters provided for by the Home Loan
and Mortgage Disclosure Act (2000).
The structure of housing development financing was divided into five sectors.
Firstly, financial and grant management whose purpose was to provide overall
financial and grant management services. Secondly, housing institutions,
housing equity and development finance, which monitors the performance of
housing institutions reporting to the Minister of Housing, monitor trends,
impacts and patterns in housing and investment finance against government’s
development programs, and aims to eradicate discrimination and unfair practices
to do with access to housing finance, by implementing and administering the
Home Loan and Mortgage Disclosure Act (2000) and regulations through the Office
of disclosure.
Thirdly, integrated housing and human settlement development grant, which
reflects the conditional grant allocations that are transferred to provinces.
The fourth area concerned the contributions made to housing institutions.
Finally, interests and redemptions on private loans, which administered the
interest payments on liabilities held by the National Housing Development Board
and the South African Housing Trust, all of which have been transferred to
National Treasury.
As with the above presentations, Mr Mbengo’s presentation included the
achievements for 2006 and 2007 while considering the projections for the years
leading to 2010. In addition the presentation provided estimated budget usage
for the subprograms totaling approximately 8.5 billion in 2007 and 2008
increasing to 11.9 billion at the end of 2010. A provincial allocation table
was also provided (refer to documents).
Communication Services (Programme 1)
Mr M Maclean stated that the purpose of the communications service was to
facilitate and promote the free flow of information between the department and
its stakeholders through effective communication and improved interaction with
beneficiaries, and provincial housing structures. Their objective was to design
new catching mechanisms of re-engaging society on housing, making it central in
the political debate, develop and sustain a positive image of ministry and the
department, and integrate marketing communications campaigns to support
programs, housing institutions and other stakeholders.
The planned activities included managing the communications environment,
developing and implementing an integrated communications public relations
program to bring housing into the political agenda, produce information,
education and communication materials, inform beneficiaries of their right and
obligations and publicize department of housing policies, programs and
services, and finally develop an internal communications program. Some
achievements thus far were outlined. Finally his presentation considered some
challenges for 2007 and 2008, which included, successfully making housing “a
buzz word” in society, capacity and infrastructure in some provinces and
municipalities, and communication dependent on delivery of programs.
Chief Directorate: Internal Audit, Risk Management and Special
Investigations
Adv. S Damane stated that the directorate of internal audits specific
functions was concerned with developing and managing the implementation of
internal audit strategies, policies and plans. The second component of risk
management was shown to entail the management and development of implementation
and monitoring of the departmental risk management policies and plans. Finally
the special investigations component concerned the development and management
of the implementation of the special investigation strategies, policies and
plans.
Her presentation also looked at the achievements for 2006 and 2007. The plan
for internal audit was to provide independent assurance on the system of
internal controls, risk management and corporate governance processes, monitor
implementation of recommended actions, and render services and support to the
audit committee. Risk management intended to develop and implement the
departmental risk management policy based on the national policy framework,
monitor the implementation of the departmental risk management policy plan,
facilitate the risk identification and assessment process to be conducted at
least once a year and finally to develop and maintain the departmental risk
register.
Finally the aims of special investigations were discussed. This included
managing and conducting housing investigations, developing fraud prevention
strategies and plans, to develop and finalise the anti-corruption database,
promote anti-corruption, implement 24 month amnesty project, finalize and
implement whistle-blowing policy, expedite finality on the issue of Single
Presidential Proclamation, intensify coordination investigations of corruption,
encourage provincial departments to set up internal investigation capacities,
and ensure housing departments regain public confidence and credibility through
intensification and finalisation of investigations.
Discussion
Rev P Moatshe (ANC, North West) was concerned that fraud and corruption was
still in the process of being addressed and that fraud prevention in the provinces
was still not in place. Who was responsible for building in the low laying
Eastern Cape region with no water control mechanism? There was a lack of
adequate monitoring of contracted engineers and builders.
Mr G R Krumbock (DA, Kwazulu Natal) asked if the vacancies for NHBRC were
filled. When would the process of grading of builders and contractors policy
come into effect? There had been no results for five years.
Ms B N Dlulani (ANC, Eastern Cape) was also concerned with the monitoring
process. How was this being handled with regard to quality housing? She was
concerned with under-spending. What is going to be done to ensure that decent
housing is provided in a timely and lasting manner?
The Chairperson expressed concern over the shortage of capacity in the
department hindering the timely and efficient use of resources. Was this due to
the capacity creating mechanism lacking capacity themselves? Regarding the
provinces and program 4, he argued that capacity again becomes a problem. What
was happening at a national level that hampers this process? How many provinces have successfully
unblocked their projects? Why has Gauteng and Mpumalanga not announced their
projects. With regard to whistle blowing, the chairperson wondered why it was
still being developed and asked for clarity on the process. Finally regarding
the accreditation of municipalities, he asked why there was separation of data
for allocation of housing nationally, provincially, and in municipalities.
Mr I Kotsoane, the Director General of the Department of Housing, with regard
to capacity building admitted to the limitations from the national department,
and pointed out that the problem emanated from the lack of expenditure. He also
argued that the problem is related to concurrence of functions. Mr. Kotsoane
said that the department was constantly considering what could be done to play
a more proactive role in the municipalities and provinces. He alluded to Mr.
Jiyana’s presentation regarding the division of the country into two components
dealing with specific provinces, and maintained that two chief directors would
be more focused on providing hands on support including the extent of helping
to formulate business plans to insure adequate planning and management.
Mr. Kotsoane pointed out that the increased investment in housing has meant a
loss of skills in the housing sector and that provinces must then be able to
buy skills to build capacity, which he argued the chief directorates involved
in the two partitions would be able to deal with this. He claimed that this
approach was new and more dynamic. There was a need to deal with the relaxed
culture of the public sector relative to the efficiency of the private sector.
Regarding Gauteng and Mpumalanga he said that information on pilot projects was
not updated but there are current projects being developed. Concerning whistle
blowing, he argued that there was a policy but it needed to be expanded and
popularized. Regarding the Eastern Cape and the low laying areas, Mr. Kotsoane
argued that water managements needs to be addressed in creative ways, however
with regard to engineering flaws legal action should be taken to address
incompetent engineering contracting in order to prevent the poor quality
housing development.
Considering the blocked projects, he maintained that additional funds were
trying to be secured, but it had not been achieved, however this will be
continued to be pursued while some of the provinces were engaged in unblocking.
On NHBRC vacancies, Mr. Kotsoane said that much of the vacancies have been
filled while interviews on advisory positions are still being conducted.
Finally he said that a written submission addressing Mr. Krumbock’s second
question would be provided.
Rev. Moatshe asked, bearing in mind the three spheres of government, who would
be taken to court or pursue legal action in the event of poor engineering and
building contracting. He re-emphasized the need for adequate monitoring of
these processes.
Mr Van Rooyen (ANC, Free State) asked how the public service on housing was to
follow Batho Pele principles emphasised in the report by the public
service commission. Secondly, regarding the finalisation of farm workers
housing, he asked when in the next twelve months plans would be finalised. On
the program 2, he pointed out that the deliverables are too wide and some of
these would take too long to come to fruition.
Ms Dlulani asked that a presentation be made regarding the draft on farm worker
housing assistance. How much progress is being made on housing assistance for
children who have lost their guardians?
The Chairperson, regarding strategic intervention, asked to what extent the
department works in collaboration with other departments. He expressed concern
for the ineffective communication strategies in the department. How could these
communications be improved to make access to information available at grass
roots level?
Mr Kotsoane, concerning ineffective communication, acknowledged that the
communication strategy has not been effective, but this was largely due to the
budget constraints, which are being addressed. Regarding interdepartmental
co-operation, he maintained that the department does relate to other
departments nationally and provincially but the challenge has always been the
translation of the relationship into an effective plan to address the
challenges of human settlement. He pointed out that program 3 addresses this
via the plan for relations protocol to make relations more effective and
congruent. Regarding the moratorium on land, he argued that the short term sale
of land by the municipalities failed to consider long term goals compromising
long term resettlement strategies. Therefore through cooperative processes
municipalities are being limited with their sale of land. He claimed that 70%
of municipalities have adopted restricting policies; however, some have
expressed concerns around its impact on revenues and the limitations of
providing land for development.
Mr Maphisa, concerning integrity of data between the three spheres of
government, maintained that a process of integration is being pursued to unify
national, provincial, and municipality data. On Batho Pele principles
and public service, he argued that on the 5 July all departments attended
workshops to develop adherents to non-financial monitoring and evaluation
mechanisms and the details of these workshops address the public service
requirements. The department was part of the system and was reporting to
treasury on these principles. Regarding farm worker housing assistance
programs, documents will be circulated regarding this and specifically the
draft to the indaba related to this. Finally regarding monitoring and
evaluation, he argued that there is a drive towards accountability via an
occupancy audit that may be a mechanism for monitoring.
Mr Maclean, regarding communication, said that the department has approved a
directorate which will be starting soon which will develop and conduct an
integrated communications across departments and the spheres. This will provide
more effective communication.
The Chairperson pointed out that one question was not answered that related to
which municipalities have been accredited and where they are situated. He was,
however, confident that this could be made available and requested that it be
provided to the committee.
The meeting was adjourned.
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