Change in Housing Policy to Empower Women to Leave Abusive Relationship

 

The way kungakhona, ndinenqqondo ndizothath’into zam ndigoduke, ndinenqondo

ndobelek’usanalwam, ndibhinqele phezulu ndigoduke, these famous words are sung by the

multi-talented singer Thandiswa Mazwai of Bongo Maffin, in the group’ song, “The way

kungakhona”

These lyrics are sung passionately by young and old women at places of entertainment, but

they paint a bleak picture of a woman ready to pack her bags, take her child and return home.

Due to the high rate of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa, it is common for a

woman to leave her house in fear for her safety and that of her children and return to her

home.

Less is said about the abuser, but she will be given senseless words of wisdom, that

“Kuyanyamezelwa emzini.” When prospects of her returning to the abuser vanish, she will be

labelled many derogatory names, the latest used by the so-called Ama2000, being “the return

soldier”.  Many of these women have to start afresh with limited or no resources.

Noting the numerous challenges faced by these women, it is heartening that the Minister of

Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi,  has implied a change in policy that disqualifies

women from receiving the so-called RDP houses because their names are added as

beneficiaries even after separation or divorce.

Minister Kubayi said the review by the department is a response to today’s challenges facing

the country, such as GBV, which compels women to flee unsafe and abusive households to

protect themselves and their children.

 Kubayi’s action will amplify the message that women in abusive relationships should leave

the abusers, as it removes the fear of homelessness.

Housing Subsidy Mitigates High Interest Rate

 Luzuko Pongoma

The high-interest rate is a noose around the necks of the already struggling working-class people. It

further deterred working-class citizens from realizing their dreams of owning property. The

announcement of a 29 percent increase in First Home Finance subsidy by Minister of Human

Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, will assist in curbing the runaway costs of affordability for first-

time home buyers whose household income is between R3501 and R22000. People with this income

struggle to qualify for housing finance referred to as the gap market.

First Home Finance is a once-off housing finance that enables qualifying beneficiaries to buy or build

their first homes on affordable basis.  The subsidy has been increased to the maximum of R169 265,

this financial year.

For those living in Gauteng, through its mega human settlements’ projects around the province, the

Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has made it possible for many people to access gap

market houses. These gap market houses are also provided by private developers. With everything

increasing against the working class, a 29 percent increase to benefit people should be taken

advantage of by those who qualify as it will go a long way toward offsetting the consequences of the

high-interest rate.

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/opinion/letters/2023-05-16-reader-letter-housing-subsidy-mitigates-rate-hikes/

Housing demand remains uphill battle for government

 Luzuko Pongoma

The elusive right to have access to adequate housing continues to be a thorn in democratic

South Africa. With almost 3 decades of democratic dispensation, many strides have been

made in ensuring that the majority of South Africans have access to their basic rights as

enshrined in the country’s constitution.

As much as millions of South Africans have been housed by the government through what is

commonly known as RDP houses, millions more continue to be on the waiting list. Provinces

with economic opportunities such as Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal account

for the largest number of people on the waiting list. This demand is compounded by the high

unemployment in the country which leads to more people depending on the government for

houses. The government as such is dealing with a moving target some of which do not

qualify for RDP houses as they earn above R3500.

Secondly as stated in the bill of rights, the government continues to take reasonable

legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive

realisation of the right to access adequate housing. This is the form of First Home Finance, a

once-off housing finance subsidy that enables qualifying beneficiaries to buy or build their

first homes on an affordable basis. First Home Finance targets people whose household

income is from R3 501 up to R22 000 monthly. This market segment is generally referred to

as (the ‘affordable’ or ‘gap’ market) and they struggle to qualify for home loans. Another

programme being rolled out by the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements is the

Ikageleng rapid land release whereby applicants who do not qualify for RDP houses are

given a stand with amenities such as water, electricity and sewer and encouraged to build

for themselves.

 

These programs are part of many efforts by the government to ensure that as many South

Africans are able to realize this right to housing.  Like any right, the right to access adequate

housing comes with a responsibility for those who now own houses through the assistance

of the government. As the face of those who need houses changes, it is vital for the

government to continuously adapt its product to ensure more people have access to decent

housing.

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/opinion/letters/2023-02-16-reader-letter-gauteng-bridging-the-gender-gap-in-science-technology/

Gauteng Bridging the Gender Gap in Science and Technology

Luzuko Pongoma

 

During February the world observes the International Day for Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS)  which among others seeks to close the gender gap at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world.

The rollout of close to 20 Schools of Specialisation by the Gauteng Provincial Government in mostly previously disadvantaged communities contributes to closing this gap. These schools specialize in Mathematics, Science, ICT and Engineering among others and play a role in preparing learners from previously disadvantaged communities, especially the girl child for careers in the STEM disciplines.

This year’s IDWGIS focuses on the role of Women and Girls and Science on Sustainable Development Goals that include the provision of  clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities  as well as innovation and infrastructure. These SDGs talk to the Townships, Informal Settlements and Hostels (TISH) programme that is being rolled out by the Gauteng Provincial Government. This programme puts an emphasis on the development of these areas.

The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements which plays a key role in the TISH programme continues to empower women in the STEM disciplines by offering them opportunities in the provision of clean water and sanitation in its informal upgrade programme.  It further works with women in innovation and infrastructure development in the Alternative Building Technology (ABT) sector and mega human settlements development projects.

The mega projects also offer opportunities in the creation of sustainable cities and communities as they encompass more than 10 000 residential units, light industries, and amenities such as malls, schools and clinics. As we observe the International Day for Women and Girls in Science, by focusing on some of the SDG goals, it is vital that we empower women to be able to play a role in all the 17 SDGs as the goals  recognize that ending poverty is linked to education, reducing inequality and spur economic growth.

*This article was published by the Sowetan Newspaper

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/opinion/letters/2023-02-16-reader-letter-gauteng-bridging-the-gender-gap-in-science-technology/