MEDIARELEASE

Human Settlements Minister boosts low-cost rental projects

Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale has established a new regulatory authority to stimulate the amount of rental accommodation available to people in low income groups.

The Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) was inaugurated by Minister Sexwale in Cape Town today (26August 2010).

Among other things, SHRA will be responsible for supporting and stimulating social housing projects – primarily multi-storey blocks of flats for people in low-income groups, such as the Emerald Sky project launched by President Jacob Zuma in East London on 19 June 2010.

It will facilitate and channel increased funding for social housing projects and help to define new norms and standards. In addition, it will stimulate the development of new social housing projects in urban areas.

“The bolstering of our social housing capacity is part of the paradigm shift from housing to human settlements,” Sexwale said at the inauguration.

“There is an increasing demand for rental stock in urban areas, particularly on well-located land close to where people work. We are addressing that demand through the increased provision of social housing projects in urban areas, and increasing our expenditure on affordable rental units for people in low-income groups.”

Zora Ebrahim, Cape Town-based chairperson of the Social Housing Company (SOHCO), was appointed as chairperson of SHRA. Other members are Mr Gratitude Booysen from the SA Local Government Association (deputy chair), Ms Nontutuzelo Nogaga, Advocate Seeng Ntsaba-Letele, Ms Maputhi Lamola, Advocate Collen Weapond, Ms Shanaaz Majiet, Mr Ahmedi Vawda, and Ms Sharon Trail.

Queries:Chris Vick, Special Advisor to Minister Tokyo Sexwale
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