During the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) debate on 16 September 2025, Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane spoke on the occasion of 2025 Local Government Week, outlining ambitious plans for housing transformation, spatial planning reform, and improved access to services.
What Happened
Minister Simelane emphasised the need to overcome systemic failures in local government that have blocked service delivery, particularly in human settlements, water, and sanitation. She recalled the Breaking New Ground (BNG) policy (2004) as the blueprint for sustainable human settlements, which include upgrading informal settlements and integrating housing types and subsidies.
She cited examples of ongoing initiatives:
- Cornubia mixed-income development, recently handing over 1,000 homes, with a total of 28,000 planned.
- Major projects like Fleurhof, Savannah City, Vista Park, and Lufhereng, targeting tens of thousands of housing units.
Simelane also introduced the National Digital Human Settlements Management System (NDHSMS), a platform that will enable online applications for housing, real-time application tracking, and regular updates via digital channels. She committed to have the system fully operational by March 2026.
Official Response
The Minister reiterated government’s resolve to uphold the principles of the Freedom Charter and To reverse apartheid spatial planning. She warned that financial constraints, increasing material costs, and stalled projects must be addressed with innovation, stronger oversight and collaboration.
“We make no apology for creating a conducive environment for the clauses of the Freedom Charter… in our quest to completely obliterate the apartheid spatial geography,” said Simelane.
Simelane also reported that title deed distribution remains a priority. The ongoing “Title Deeds Fridays” campaign aims to issue 80,000 title deeds between 2024 and 2029, unlocking over R16 billion in property value for beneficiaries.
Community Impact
For citizens living in informal settlements or underdeveloped areas, Simelane’s address brings hope for more inclusive access to housing, improved infrastructure, and enhanced services.
Communities in areas like Cornubia, Lufhereng, Vista Park, and Fleurhof may benefit from mixed housing developments, better water and sanitation services, and greater appointment transparency via the digital system.
However, successful outcomes will depend on effective implementation amid budget tightness, cost pressure, and logistical challenges.
FAQ
- What is the NDHSMS?
The National Digital Human Settlements Management System will enable housing applicants to apply online, track progress, and receive updates via SMS or WhatsApp. It is expected to be fully operational by March 2026.
- How many title deeds will be issued, and by when?
The government aims to issue 80,000 title deeds between 2024 and 2029, under the Title Deeds Fridays campaign, unlocking R16 billion in asset value for beneficiaries.
- What are catalytic mixed development projects?
These large-scale housing developments combine various housing types, income groups and subsidies to integrate communities historically separated under apartheid spatial planning.
