The Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Lindiwe Sisulu is pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached between the Housing Development Agency (HDA), an agency of the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) and South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) averting the latter’s intention to auction its Sea Point building to the private developers.

The SABC had intended to action the building today, 15 July 2021 after it received a go ahead from the High Court. In May 2021 the High Court issued an urgent interdict to the HDA and Department of Human Settlements which resulted in the cancellation of the auction.

“We remain committed to redress the pre-1994 spatial segregation by ensuring that we acquire strategic land parcels for human settlements development. The building we have acquired from SABC will make it possible for us to respond to the housing needs of our people in the City of Cape Town”, said Minister Sisulu.

“What we have achieved with all our social partners is a clear indication that together we can do more to change the lives of our people for better”, added Minister Sisulu.

Since the beginning of this year DHS through HDA has acquired number of buildings from Eskom including the recent one in the City of Johannesburg. These buildings will be used to provide decent, and affordable social housing for people earning between R1500 and R15 000. Government has delivered over 30 000 social housing units while contributing various housing opportunities for the people.

In her 2021-2022 Budget Vote Speech Minister Sisulu indicated that Department of Human Settlements had “taken advantage of processes of land redistribution to request that all urban state land should be released for Social Housing. This would allow working people to live near their place of work. It makes for inclusive societies, which is our ultimate goal”.

Enquiries: Steve Motale, Ministry Spokesperson on 083 784 0719

Issued by the Ministry of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
Govan Mbeki House
240 Justice Mahomed Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0001