Hansard: Minister's Responses

House: National Assembly

Date of Meeting: 25 Mar 2010

Summary

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Minutes

Question number 58

The Minister of Human Settlements received a Parliamentary Question from a Member of Parliament, Mrs G M Bornman (ANC) who enquires on the following issue:

"Whether he will be appointing the new Director-General in his department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?"

2. REPLY

2.1.

The post of Director-General has been advertised nationwide in the media with a closing date of 5 February 2010.

A Panel of Ministers has been appointed. The type of DG we are looking for, must be a person who;

Will provide effective leadership skills to Human Settlements Fully understands the new mandate of Human Settlements Is a highly committed individual

Question number 59

Ms B N Dambuza (ANC), to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

What is his department doing to:

(a) Deal with the problem of alleged manipulation and corruption by contractors who are assigned to coordinate housing beneficiary lists, especially in Matatiele and,

(b) To ensure that municipalities take responsibility in coordinating and managing human settlement development in their areas?

REPLY

We are watching the Matatiele situation very carefully. A number of steps have already been taken.

The Provincial Department has scheduled a meeting with the housing committee, the contractor and municipality to try and obtain the names of those persons that have allegedly acquired housing units fraudulently. Once the information is available, the matter will be further investigated.

To ensure that housing allocations are done in an equitable, fair and just manner, my department has developed a National Housing Needs Register from which all prospective beneficiaries will be sourced and it is envisaged that the new system will minimise housing allocation corruption. To further enhance the process my department has also developed allocation guideline to assist the provinces and municipalities, and to ensure transparent and fair processes for the allocation of housing subsidies. We believe that these measures will go a long way in strengthening our policies.

(b) However, what applies in Matatiele, must apply everywhere. The Honourable members will also be aware that we have launched a comprehensive National Audit on Fraud and Corruption, to respond proactively on all these matters.

(c) We are not going to retreat in our fight against corruption. We are putting measures in place to tighten monitoring. We are working together with COGTA to bring normality in Matatiele and other areas.

(d) We are also encouraging the participation of ordinary people in these processes through their structures, namely housing forum and so on.

Question: 60

To provide a response to Parliamentary Question No. 60 asked by A Mrs. V Bam-Mugwanya (ANC),Member of Parliament. She wanted to know:

a. Whether there is any consultation of rural communities on architectural designs to conform to characteristical and cultural paths which distinguish rural to stereotype matchbox design units; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

b. Whether his department has any plans to consider indigenous knowledge technologies regarding rural housing development; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; and

c. Whether any research has been conducted regarding the methods of constructing rural houses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

RESPONSES

(a)

Whether there is any consultation of rural communities on architectural designs to conform to characteristical and cultural paths which distinguish rural to stereotype matchbox design units; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details

Response

This is an important question, which is central in our new mandate of Human Settlements. The current rural housing programme gives opportunities to beneficiaries in the rural areas to design their own houses. I have, in addition to such a flexible policy, personally spoken to some Chiefs- noKumkani, in many of the rural areas.

(b)

Whether his department has any plans to consider indigenous knowledge technologies regarding rural housing development; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details

Response

Our approach in Human Settlements, embraces the diversity of existing instruments, old, new and alternative. Many of us in the house, grew up and continue to stay in rural houses that were built many years ago. These houses weathered the storms many many years ago. These houses were built by women.

We must also understand rural housing in the broader context. Franschoek here in the Western Cape, is a rural set up. There you find old Cape Dutch houses that were built by ordinary people with their own skills. At the time, technology was very rudimentary.

We continue to tap on people's indigenous capabilities. The People's Housing Process- PHP, is an example that we continue to promote.

In conclusion, I want to state categorically that we are going to put a lot of emphasis;

On good norms and standards On quality of the product- NO SHODDY WORK

(c)

Whether any research has been conducted regarding the methods of constructing rural houses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Response

The department conducted a comprehensive research regarding methods of constructing rural houses. Full details can be shared with the Honourable Member and the House.

Further more, I have met with different people, including some of the major cement producing companies- PPC's and so on. I have challenged all of them.

ADAPT FOR MODERN USE! This is the home I have given them.

ORAL REPLY: QUESTION 61 (No. 580E)

Mrs Bam-Mugwanya, MP (ANC) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

What housing provision or plan does the Government have for middle class professionals like teachers, nurses and clerks?

Reply

In the first instance, all Government employees, including teachers, nurses, clerks and so on, qualify for the Government's down payment housing loan guarantee scheme that was designed to assist public servants in accessing mortgage loans to buy residential properties.

In addition, public servants also qualify for a monthly home loan subsidy which is linked to the interest rate charged by banks on mortgage loans, and provides assistance to employees to afford the monthly loan redemption instalments.

Further more, the Minister of Finance announced a R1 billion guarantee scheme for this income group. More information and detail will be articulated in my Budget Speech on 21 April 2010.

This initiative, which has got far reaching economic advantages, must be applauded by this house. An important breakthrough indeed by this government.

QUESTION 65

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister in terms of Parliamentary Question Number 65 on the following:

1. Whether he has been informed of the ruling of the High Court in Gauteng in which the City of Johannesburg was ordered to pay rent to a property owner on behalf of persons illegally occupying a building in Berea (details furnished); if so

2. Whether he will make a statement on the matter?

2. REPLY

1. The Ministry is aware of the ruling of the South Gauteng High Court wherein the City of Johannesburg was ordered to pay rent to Blue Mountain Properties on behalf of persons illegally occupying their commercial property , which is in the CBD.

2. At this stage, it will not be appropriate, to make a statement on the matter as the City of Johannesburg is in the process of filing an appeal against the judgment. The matter is therefore still sub judice.

3. However, we view this matter with serious concerns. It has far reaching implications. I will remain ceased with this matter, including the cabinet. After consultation, we will go deeper into this in our budget speech.

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