The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements has wrapped a successful week-long oversight visit programme that closely focused on community development and service delivery in informal settlements in the North West and Gauteng provinces yesterday.
The committee concluded its oversight programme with a worthwhile engagement with the community of Slovo Park Informal Settlement in Johannesburg, where it noted tangible progress made by the Gauteng Provincial Government and the City of Johannesburg in addressing long-standing service delivery issues.While the committee welcomed the short- to medium-term plans presented by the provincial government and the City, it stressed the importance of their swift and effective implementation.
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Nocks Seabi, said: "While the plans are commendable, in the context of the history of promises made to the residents of Slovo Park, the only thing that will bring comfort to the committee is the actual implementation of these plans. We reaffirmed our commitment to monitor the delivery of all agreed milestones."
The committee was assured by the Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements and the MMC for Human Settlements in the City of Johannesburg that critical interventions will be rolled out while awaiting the formalisation of the township. The interventions include, ensuring access to water and sanitation, refurbishment of the community hall, and the installation of high mast lighting with integrated cameras.
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The committee heard that procurement processes for water service installations are expected to conclude by the end of October 2025, with construction anticipated to commence shortly thereafter.
The committee acknowledged that its oversight efforts are already yielding visible results and will continue to monitor these developments to ensure implementation, accountability, and community benefit.
The committee further welcomed strengthened community engagement and consultations, noting that this approach has helped to allay public concerns and will safeguard projects against disruption. "As a house that is premised on enhancing consultation, we are encouraged that the City and the province have taken measures to promote and protect community participation in their development," Mr Seabi added.
During the visit, the committee witnessed first-hand the daily struggles faced by the people of Slovo Park, underscoring the urgency of implementing real change in the lives of residents.
In addition, the committee visited the Eric Molobi Innovation Hub in Soshanguve and was impressed by the research and innovation being explored in the human settlements and construction sectors.
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The committee reaffirmed its support for incorporating new technologies in the state's housing delivery programme.
"By including innovative building technologies, we can deliver more houses at a lower cost. This is a win-win scenario that improves service delivery and ensures that more South Africans benefit," said Mr Seabi.
The committee was also briefed on progress relating to the MAWIGA petition, a matter it has been following since the 6th Parliament. Of all the petitioners, only one case (the Mere matter) remains outstanding. The committee resolved to allow the relevant departments and the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality time to resolve the legal impediments.
The committee remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the constitutional right to adequate housing becomes a reality for all South Africans.
