Informal settlements, rapid migration and slow economic growth are some of the challenges that hinders Government’s ability to deliver services effectively, says the Minister of Human Settlements Nomaindiya Mfeketo.

Minister Mfeketo was speaking today in Parliament during her Budget Vote at the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

“I see this clearly as I visit communities that are affected by wild fires, pressures of landlessness, and unfortunately, a chain of corruption and maladministration that affect the poor,” she said.

This was one of the reasons that she presented the Golden Era of Human Settlements Expansion as this year’s budget speech theme.

She added that one of the cardinal pillars of the Golden Era of Human Settlements Expansion was Building Formidable Institutions.

“I continually engage with Provinces and Municipalities collectively through MinMec, as well as on a one-on-one basis to deal with specific issues in communities,” said Minister Mfeketo.


A total of R31,3bn of the Department’s budget was allocated as grant funding and transfers in the 2018/19 financial year. This was divided between Provinces, Municipalities and Human Settlements Entities.

Of this, R18,1bn went to all nine provinces whilst R11.3bn went to the country’s Metropolitan Municipalities and R1.1bn to the seven Human Settlements entities.

These funds were meant for the provision of sustainable human settlements, bulk infrastructure as well as public amenities.

About R140 million and R260 million was set aside for emergency housing for municipalities and provinces, respectively.

“We urge efficient use of this emergency fund to alleviate the plight of our people in the face of unfortunate circumstances such as fires, floods and other natural disasters,” said Minister Mfeketo.


A total of R518 million for the Title Deeds Restoration Grant that was meant to prioritise the issuing of Title Deeds as it was the surest way to create security of tenure for the previously marginalised.

“We know of cases where families live in houses for decades without the security of a title deed. I will work with municipalities and provinces to fast-track the provision of title deeds this year and I will personally oversee these,” said Minister Mfeketo.

To support workers earning less than R15 000 per month to access home loans, over R900 million was apportioned for the Finance-Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP).

“We continue to call on Banks to help increase access to home loans in order to close the gap for this important sector of workers across all industries.

“I can say it in this House without fear of contradiction, that the success or failure of the National Department depends on the performance of Provinces and Municipalities. This House is the most appropriate institution to hold all levels of the Executive accountable,” said Minister Mfeketo.

For Information Contact Xolani Xundu: 083 788 5747

Issued by the Ministry for Human Settlements

Date: 07 June 2018