Dear Editor
Briefings last week to the Human Settlements Portfolio Committee laid bare a department in freefall:
- The CEO of the National Home Builders Rgistration Council (NHBRC), Songezo Booi, was suspended for misleading the Council and mishandling the George building collapse;
- The National Homing Finance Corporation (NHFC) CEO, Azola Mayekiso, is under investigation for misuse of funds and irregular leases, while the board’s term has quietly expired;
- The Social Housing Regulatory Authority’s (SHRA) top leadership has been terminated, creating a regulatory vacuum; and
- Community Schemes Ombud Services (CSOS) continues to flounder after the resignation of its Chief Ombud, Adv. Boyce Mkhize, amid a corruption probe.
There is clearly a catastrophic collapse of governance across several housing entities under the Department of Human Settlements. This dysfunction has deepened under the watch of both former Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and current Minister Thembi Simelane, who has so far failed to restore order or credibility.
This situation directly impacts South Africans as the dysfunction within these housing entities undermines the delivery of affordable housing, essential regulation, and financial support for homeowners. Without proper leadership and accountability, vulnerable communities face further delays and mismanagement in securing safe, stable living conditions.
To make matters worse, most of these entities’ boards are either non-functional or in violation of the PFMA due to vacancies. This is not administrative slippage, but a sheer gross political neglect and ANC cadre deployment.
The DA demands decisive ministerial intervention. We wrote to Minister Thembi Simelane, calling for the following:
- The Minister must urgently fill all executive and board vacancies, in compliance with legislation;
- She must table a full report to Parliament detailing the status of ongoing investigations and if there is any disciplinary action; and
- She must explain how and why the Department allowed this systemic breakdown to occur under her leadership.
The facts are now on the record. The time for excuses has expired. Minister Simelane must act or take full responsibility for this disaster.
Reagrds
Luyolo Mphithi MP
DA Spokesperson on Human Settlements
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