The Commission through its work monitored and received complaints on a number of issues concerning human settlement which include conditions of informal settlements, asbestos roofing, location of Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP)  and Integrated Sustainable Human Settlements (Breaking New Ground [BNG]) housing, rapid urbanisation, the impact of natural disasters and  housing for people with special needs.

In responding to issues raised by the Commission, the Minister highlighted some of the challenges the department has to overcome such as  lack of resources, capacity, and adequate laws and policies. Another challenge highlighted was that the responsibility overlaps with that of municipalities, provinces, and sometimes government departments.

The Commission has noted progress as reported by the minister particularly on addressing the conditions in informal settlement and that the Department is spending money on research and development to redesign the inner cities in the South Africa to enable affordable housing. The Minister also indicated that the White Paper Policy is nearing its final stages, and she would be working to produce other progressive laws and policies.

The SAHRC is committed to continue discharge its monitoring work to ensure that current challenges with regards to access to housing  are adequately addressed and that the right to housing is actualised in South Africa. Commissioner Gungubele is responsible for human settlements focal area and Commissioner Boshoff is responsible for water, sanitation and socio-economic rights.

ENDS

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

For more information and queries contact Wisani Baloyi, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 081 016 8308