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/