Meeting with Ndifuna Ukwazi, Development Action Group (DAG), SA SDI Alliance on their work in human settlements and informal settlement upgrading

Video The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements met to engage with civil society organisations and the Department of Human Settlements on housing delivery, informal settlement upgrading, affordable housing, land release, community-led development, and the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in advancing human settlements objectives. The Committee received presentations from civil society organisations involved in affordable housing advocacy, informal settlement upgrading, community-led housing delivery, land justice, and township rental housing development. Presenters highlighted challenges relating to the release of well-located public land, the implementation of the People’s Housing Process (PHP), informal settlement upgrading, regulatory barriers to incremental self-build housing, affordable rental housing, inclusionary housing, and access to finance for small-scale developers. They emphasised the importance of community participation, partnerships with government, and the need for more responsive housing policies and implementation mechanisms. Members welcomed the presentations and commended the organisations for their work in supporting vulnerable communities and complementing government efforts. Discussions focused on balancing the rights of unlawful occupiers with the interests of people on housing waiting lists, the future of the People’s Housing Process, informal settlement upgrading, land release, affordable housing delivery, community-led housing models, township rental housing, illegal electricity connections, infrastructure provision, and the need for stronger institutional coordination. Members also raised concerns about housing affordability, rapid urbanisation, social and economic inclusion, municipal capacity, regulatory constraints, and the slow pace of housing delivery. The Department of Human Settlements acknowledged the valuable contribution of civil society organisations and reiterated its commitment to continued engagement and collaboration. The Department noted that many of the issues raised had been discussed previously and undertook to continue working with stakeholders on policy development and implementation challenges. In concluding remarks, the Committee emphasised that the engagement marked the beginning of a closer working relationship between Parliament, the Department and the sector. The Chairperson indicated that the Committee would hold further engagements with organisations individually to better understand their work and identify areas of cooperation. The Department agreed to coordinate a stakeholder engagement within the coming weeks and report back to the Committee. Stakeholders called for stronger institutional coordination, greater recognition of community-led approaches, improved public participation processes, and innovative solutions to address South Africa’s housing challenges.