22 July, 2005

By Clifford Mogotsi

AS PART of the government's mission to stamp out shacks, Gauteng MEC for Housing Nomvula Mokonyane recently undertook a door-to-door campaign in Mogale City to inform residents about the state's housing plans.

After speaking to officials and councillors at Kagiso Hall, Mokonyane boarded a bus bound for Horseshoe, a settlement in Munsieville. Here she witnessed how people live in dilapidated shacks.

The visit came after the department named Munsieville and Kagiso among 20 townships that needed housing.

Speaking to the shackdwellers in Horseshoe, the MEC promised houses and a better life for all. "As part of our townships programme, our department aims to formalise rental agreements between landlords and tenants.

"We also aim to provide housing opportunities for families who are currently renting backyard shacks or living in clustered shacks," Mokonyane said.

Adam Masonganye, the City's deputy director for housing implementation, accompanied the MEC. "We have taken pictures and interviewed people in that area, and sent reports to the province about the matter," he said.

Horseshoe is dirty and grimy and there is no proper sanitation. The residents asked the visitors to look into the lack of toilets.

From there, Mokonyane's bus travelled to the developing area of Sqobile, near Kagiso hostel. Once again, she went from door to door, speaking to the shack's occupants.

The aim to eradicate shacks and build proper housing stems from the government's commitment to fulfill the principles of the Freedom Charter, which include access to basic services and housing. At the end of her tour, Mokonyane spoke to a gathering at Kagiso Sports Complex.

She said the government planned to upgrade or eradicate informal settlements. "Informal settlements that are found in well located land are being upgraded with water and sanitation, electricity, roads and other basic amenities."

A pilot project of 10 targeted townships for the 2005/06 financial year included Kagiso and Munsieville, Mokonyane said. These two areas were on the priority list, while another 10 settlements would be dealt with in the 2007/08 financial year.

As part of its plans, the government aimed to collapse the subsidy system and create a three-tier category of income groups.

The hardcore poor, with a monthly income of R500 or less, would receive the full housing subsidy of R31 920. Those with an income of R1 500 to R3 500 would also receive the full subsidy, Mokonyane explained.

"A new subsidy band is created for affordable housing targeting the middle income level of those earning R3 500 to R7 000 per month."

Housing MEC Nomvula Mokonyane inspects Sqobile

Regarding complaints or perceptions of maladministration or corruption in the allocation of houses, the department had introduced various mechanisms to deal with such problems.

An anti-corruption unit had been established within the department, and a toll-free number had been set up that people could call if they had information about corruption. Their identities would not be made public.

The toll-free number was 080 004 6873, Mokonyane said.

Provincial officials were already registering occupants of backyard shacks; in Kagiso they had visited 3 303 and 1 565 in Munsieville. There were 1 971 shacks in Kagiso and 563 in Munsieville.

"We will come back to register people even it means working after hours or weekends," she said.

Land had been identified for the relocation of about 18 000 households. Mokonyane said the necessary tests, like environmental impact assessments and geotech, would be conducted before finalising the plan.

"We urge you to work with us to make our programmes successful. It is going to benefit you, your children, and the generation to come," she concluded.

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