The Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, will tomorrow, 22 June 2026, deliver a keynote address at the official launch of the Institute of Human Settlements Practitioners South Africa (IHSP – SA) at the Nelson Mandela University, in Ggeberha, Eastern Cape. 

The (IHSP – SA) launch serves as platform to formally introduce an institute as a national professional body representing Human Settlements practitioners, administrators, researchers, academics, students, and development professionals. 

Established in 2026, the not-for-profit voluntary professional association aims to advance the professionalisation of the Human Settlements sector while fostering collaboration among government, academia, industry, civil society, and international development partners. 

The launch will take place during the 2026 Pan-African City Symposium and Exposition (PASC) convened under the theme: “Smart Futures: From Smart Villages to Smart Economies – Exploring Models that Create Resilient, Equitable, Regenerative and Thriving Communities”. 

The Symposium will bring together policymakers, government leaders, academics, industry experts, practitioners, students, development agencies, researchers, civil society organisations, and international partners to explore innovative approaches to sustainable urban and rural development.

Minister Simelane is expected to be joined by the Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuayene, and the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe and leadership of Nelson Mandela University. 

Details are as follows: 

Date: Tomorrow, 22 June 2026 

Time: 09h00 

Venue: Nelson Mandela University, South Campus, Summerstrand, Gleberha

Enquiries: Tsekiso Machike, Spokesperson to the Minister on 077 410 5050 Tsekiso.machike@dhs.gov.za 

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