Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has met with the Board of Directors of the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB), an entity of the Department of Human Settlements. The meeting was held in Pretoria on Tuesday 17 December 2019.

Minister Sisulu was briefed on the progress the EAAB is making in executing its mandate, including the recent assessment by the Auditor-General that points to an improvement in its internal processes. The Board also gave a report on work being done towards implementation of the Property Practitioners Act, which was promulgated by the President few months ago.

Minister Sisulu also received a briefing on the challenges that the EAAB has been experiencing internally and the allegations of maladministration that have been reported on in the media. The Board informed that it has instituted processes, including through its Social and Ethics Committee, to investigate grievances and various allegations that have surfaced. The Board also disclosed that its processes were being undermined through the regrettable leaking of information to the media and through various unfounded statements.

Enriched by the discussion the Minister voiced her concern that internal matters that should have been addressed by the entity had reached mainstream and social media. The meeting determined that the Department would look into the veracity of the allegations including unethical behaviour and the leaking of confidential information.

She further called for swift implementation of the Board resolution and recommendations regarding the execution of a comprehensive change management process by the executive team towards smoother running of the organisation. The Board was also expected to address matters that could potentially damage the reputation of the organisation.

Minister Sisulu urged the Board of the EAAB to use the opportunity presented by the challenges to turn the situation around and focus the entity on working in collaboration with its stakeholders in the property sector towards building a resilent property market in South Africa and housing the nation.

Issued by the Ministry of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation. For queries call Makhosini Mgitywa on 060 564 0462 or email makhosini.mgitywa@dhs.gov.za.