The Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Lindiwe Sisulu, has announced the new interim Council of the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), an agency of the Department. The SHRA was established in 2010 as per the Social Housing Act, No 16 of 2008 with a mandate to invest in and regulate social housing in South Africa.

Social housing is a state subsidised rental housing programme targeted at low to medium income groups (R1500 – R15000). The purpose of this subsidy is to contribute to the national priority of restructuring South African cities in order to address structural, economic, social and spatial dysfunctionalities whilst contributing to widening the range of housing options to the poor.

Amongst the new board members is Ms Bathabile Dlamini (Chairperson), Mr Phakamile Ximiya, Mr Tim Mandla Sukazi, Ms Busisiwe Nzo, Mr Dali Duma, Mr Obi Mabena, Ms Zimbini Hill, and Ms Refilwe Matenche. Mr Rory Gallocher (SHRA CEO) and Ms Alice Puone (Corporate Service Manager) will also be part of the Council as executive members.

The Minister welcomed the mix of experience and knowledge from public and private sector and said she was looking forward to working with them in the implementation of the Social Housing Programme.