Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has today, Monday, 04 November 2024, arrived in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt where she is leading team South Africa to the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12)’s Summit held under the theme: “It All Starts at Home. Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities”.

The Summit takes place between 04-08 November 2024.

WUF12 is a high-level forum established by the United Nations (UN) in 2021, convened by the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

Member States hosts the Summit on a rotational basis every two years.

WUF12 brought together a diverse array of stakeholders and champions of sustainable urbanization from around the world and participants included representatives from governments, non-governmental organizations, community organizations, private sector entrepreneurs, students, academics, and foundation delegates. This broad coalition convened to explore the urban transformation agenda, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Summit places particular attention on multilevel governance arrangements and partnerships for adequate housing, climate action, finance systems, digital technology, and urban crises response.

It will seek to address one of the currently pressing issues in the world, that is, rapid urbanisation and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change and policies.

WUF12 aligns with this year's theme, emphasizing the vital role local action plays in accelerating urban sustainability.

While at the Summit, Minister Kubayi is expected to participate in a number of sessions as a panellist and address a number of other sessions, including the session on localising the Implementation of the Global Action Plan for Accelerating the Transformation of Slum and Informal Settlements.

The networking session will create a dialogue space between the India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) countries and development partners around the Global Action Plan to share visions and actions for slum transformation, localised prioritisation, and multi-partnership approaches.

The South African delegation will comprise officials from all spheres of government, Human Settlements entities, Members of the Executive Councils responsible for Human Settlements, representatives from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Mayor’s and MMCs of Human Settlements.

*Media Enquiries:* Terrence Manase, Spokesperson to the Minister on 082 338 6707 / Terrence.manase@dhs.gov.za or DHS Head of Communications Nozipho Zulu on 078 457 9376 / Nozipho.zulu@dhs.gov.za

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

Minister of Human Settlements Mmamoloko Kubayi, KwaZulu-Natal MEC Siboniso Duma, and eThekwini Mayor Cllr Cyril Xaba will launch the Pilgrim X informal settlements upgrading project on Thursday, 31 October 2024.

Pilgrim X is a community of 392 informal structures and 500 households, strategically located near economic opportunities, schools, healthcare, and other essential social amenities, helping to address apartheid-era spatial planning disparities.

The upgraded project will yield 404 housing units with metered water, electricity, and sanitation, as well as social amenities such as parks, early childhood development sites, and places of worship.

This initiative is funded by the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant (ISUPG) and the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG), a collaborative effort between national and provincial Human Settlements departments and eThekwini Metropolitan municipality.

The project prioritizes in-situ upgrading, improving existing settlements without relocation, and providing permanent engineering services and secure tenure.

eThekwini has made notable strides in upgrading informal settlements, having utilized a substantial portion of its allocated budgets for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.

In addition to the launch, Minister Kubayi will engage with women in the built environment to discuss economic empowerment opportunities, aligning with global initiatives promoting women's economic participation and sustainable development.

*Details are as follows:*

Date :Thursday, 31 October 2024
Time : 09h00
Venue :Open Field, Pilgrim X, Ward 90, Isiphingo, eThekwini

*For media Enquiries, contact:* Terrence Manase, Spokesperson to the Minister on 082 338 6707 / Terrence.manase@dhs.gov.za or DHS Head of Communications Nozipho Zulu on 078 457 9376 / Nozipho.zulu@dhs.gov.za / Ndabezihle Sibiya, Spokesperson to the MEC on 082 375 4742

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

Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi concluded her three-day working visit to San Francisco, where she played a key role in the World Economic Forum's Urban Transformation Summit, under the theme "Mobilising global action for more inclusive and sustainable cities", by calling on global leaders to fund climate-resilient communities and just transitions.

As one of the senior members of the Summit, Minister Kubayi was fully engaged, participating in knowledge-sharing sessions focused on pressing urban development issues.

The sessions covered key topics such as ‘Driving Climate Action in Cities’, ‘Financing Suitable Development in Cities’, ‘Re-imagining Downtown’, ‘Accelerating Urban Innovation’, and ‘Accelerating a Circular Built Environment’.

The Minister effectively utilized the sessions to tap into the collective wisdom of fellow delegates from varied backgrounds, encompassing the public and private sectors, as well as civil society.

By doing so, the Minister drew valuable insights from a rich tapestry of experiences, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to knowledge sharing.

She also seized the opportunity to share South Africa's experiences and perspectives on these themes, further solidifying the country's commitment to addressing complex urban challenges and promoting sustainable development.

During her participation, Minister Kubayi consistently stressed the vital importance of collective action in tackling climate change and urban transformation challenges.

She emphasized that inclusivity is crucial, ensuring everyone's involvement and engagement from a foundation of trust.

Minister Kubayi also shed light on the urgent need to address the trust deficit amongst stakeholders, recognizing it as a significant obstacle in effectively addressing these pressing challenges.

The Minister also utilised the occasion to urge the global community to fulfil its commitments to mobilise finances and combat climate change, emphasising that developing countries, particularly in Africa, struggle to fund climate-resilient communities and just transitions, despite being disproportionately affected.

The Minister highlighted South Africa's proactive approach to addressing financing concerns, with the President stressing the importance of meeting financial commitments.

In this regard, the Minister said, “that honouring commitments, mobilizing climate finance, and strengthening partnerships are crucial to support country-led initiatives”.

She also stressed the significance of local conversations and initiatives in building climate-resilient communities, underscoring the need for increased funding, global cooperation, and local action to drive meaningful change.

Minister Kubayi concluded the Summit by participating in the ‘Accelerating Urban Innovation’ session where she shared South Africa's innovative approaches to reducing carbon emissions in human settlements.

She highlighted the country's exploration of alternative building techniques to minimize environmental impact.

She emphasized the importance of collaboration, urging stakeholders to contribute to a vibrant innovation ecosystem.

"A vibrant and thriving innovation ecosystem can only make the desired societal impact if it brings together all societal stakeholders. Each of the stakeholders must play its role in ensuring innovative products and services find expression in the lives of ordinary people in communities", said the Minister.

Two essential themes emerged from the sessions, that is, the importance of tailored solutions for urban transformation and the need for innovative climate change mitigation strategies.

It became clear that a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective in addressing urban challenges, and instead, shared experiences and knowledge exchange will empower countries to construct unique plans suited to their specific environments.

Furthermore, innovation is crucial in developing strategies to mitigate climate change and adapt to new norms, enabling countries to proactively address this pressing global issue and build resilience for a sustainable future.

The Summit, held in San Francisco from 21 – 23 October 2024, brought together influential figures from business, government, civil society, and academia to explore innovative solutions for urban development.

*Media Enquiries:* Terrence Manase, Spokesperson to the Minister on 082 338 6707 / Terrence.manase@dhs.gov.za or DHS Head of Communications Nozipho Zulu on 078 457 9376 / Nozipho.zulu@dhs.gov.za

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

Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi concluded her three-day working visit to San Francisco, where she played a key role in the World Economic Forum's Urban Transformation Summit, under the theme "Mobilising global action for more inclusive and sustainable cities", by calling on global leaders to fund climate-resilient communities and just transitions.

As one of the senior members of the Summit, Minister Kubayi was fully engaged, participating in knowledge-sharing sessions focused on pressing urban development issues.

The sessions covered key topics such as ‘Driving Climate Action in Cities’, ‘Financing Suitable Development in Cities’, ‘Re-imagining Downtown’, ‘Accelerating Urban Innovation’, and ‘Accelerating a Circular Built Environment’.

The Minister effectively utilized the sessions to tap into the collective wisdom of fellow delegates from varied backgrounds, encompassing the public and private sectors, as well as civil society.

By doing so, the Minister drew valuable insights from a rich tapestry of experiences, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to knowledge sharing.

She also seized the opportunity to share South Africa's experiences and perspectives on these themes, further solidifying the country's commitment to addressing complex urban challenges and promoting sustainable development.

During her participation, Minister Kubayi consistently stressed the vital importance of collective action in tackling climate change and urban transformation challenges.

She emphasized that inclusivity is crucial, ensuring everyone's involvement and engagement from a foundation of trust.

Minister Kubayi also shed light on the urgent need to address the trust deficit amongst stakeholders, recognizing it as a significant obstacle in effectively addressing these pressing challenges.

The Minister also utilised the occasion to urge the global community to fulfil its commitments to mobilise finances and combat climate change, emphasising that developing countries, particularly in Africa, struggle to fund climate-resilient communities and just transitions, despite being disproportionately affected.

The Minister highlighted South Africa's proactive approach to addressing financing concerns, with the President stressing the importance of meeting financial commitments.

In this regard, the Minister said, “that honouring commitments, mobilizing climate finance, and strengthening partnerships are crucial to support country-led initiatives”.

She also stressed the significance of local conversations and initiatives in building climate-resilient communities, underscoring the need for increased funding, global cooperation, and local action to drive meaningful change.

Minister Kubayi concluded the Summit by participating in the ‘Accelerating Urban Innovation’ session where she shared South Africa's innovative approaches to reducing carbon emissions in human settlements.

She highlighted the country's exploration of alternative building techniques to minimize environmental impact.

She emphasized the importance of collaboration, urging stakeholders to contribute to a vibrant innovation ecosystem.

"A vibrant and thriving innovation ecosystem can only make the desired societal impact if it brings together all societal stakeholders. Each of the stakeholders must play its role in ensuring innovative products and services find expression in the lives of ordinary people in communities", said the Minister.

Two essential themes emerged from the sessions, that is, the importance of tailored solutions for urban transformation and the need for innovative climate change mitigation strategies.

It became clear that a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective in addressing urban challenges, and instead, shared experiences and knowledge exchange will empower countries to construct unique plans suited to their specific environments.

Furthermore, innovation is crucial in developing strategies to mitigate climate change and adapt to new norms, enabling countries to proactively address this pressing global issue and build resilience for a sustainable future.

The Summit, held in San Francisco from 21 – 23 October 2024, brought together influential figures from business, government, civil society, and academia to explore innovative solutions for urban development.

*Media Enquiries:* Terrence Manase, Spokesperson to the Minister on 082 338 6707 / Terrence.manase@dhs.gov.za or DHS Head of Communications Nozipho Zulu on 078 457 9376 / Nozipho.zulu@dhs.gov.za

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

Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, applauds the Competition Commission's initiative to encourage the public to expose unfair business practices within Internet Service Provision (ISP) agreements in residential complexes and estates.

Minister Kubayi also commends the Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA) for highlighting anti-competitive behaviour in fibre connectivity provision across the country.

The Commission's investigation revealed that some homeowner associations and body corporates, limit resident’s choices by appointing single service providers for essential services.

Minister Kubayi's push for transforming community schemes, particularly in service procurement, aims to address such challenges, extending beyond fibre services.

The Minister's stance aligns with her previous remarks calling for transformation in the sector to open it up for previously disadvantaged members of the society, remarks that were received, by some sections of the society with an uproar.

Minister Kubayi emphasised that her critic’s opposition stems from resistance to positive change, specifically the transformation that promotes social cohesion.

At the time, The Minister noted that the core of their resistance stems from a troubling premise; the assumption that services obtained from Black individuals inherently lack quality due to perceived incompetence.

The Minister lamented that some segments of society still cling to racial hierarchies, doubting black people's capacity to own and operate successful businesses.

She said that, ironically, in many instances, white-owned companies contracted for services like gardening and painting are managed and staffed primarily by black individuals.

She further said that this disparity highlights the need for ongoing transformation and education to combat entrenched prejudices and foster a more inclusive society.

*Media Enquiries:* Terrence Manase, Spokesperson to the Minister on 082 338 6707 / Terrence.manase@dhs.gov.za or DHS Head of Communications Nozipho Zulu on 078 457 9376 / Nozipho.zulu@dhs.gov.za

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

Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has arrived in San Francisco, United States of America where she is scheduled to join esteemed global leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Urban Transformation Summit.

The three-day Summit is taking place between 21 – 23 October 2024 and brings together influential figures from business, government, civil society, and academia to explore innovative solutions for urban development under the theme "Mobilising global action for more inclusive and sustainable cities".

Minister Kubayi's participation underscores South Africa's commitment to shaping and contributing to vital global developmental conversations.

As a champion of pivotal policy discussions, Minister Kubayi’s collaboration with the WEF has positioned her as a key voice in the international exchange of knowledge.

She has championed South Africa’s national interest in discussions on government policies, innovation, and tourism and made significant contributions to the WEF's dialogues on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and tourism.

The WEF Urban Transformation Summit aims to strengthen public-private partnerships and drive collective action for a greater impact on global urban development.

Minister Kubayi's attendance demonstrates South Africa's dedication to addressing complex urban challenges and promoting sustainable development.

The Minister’s participation at the Summit will include delivering remarks at the Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony, participating in the Mayors and Urban Economic Leaders Forum and lead a pivotal discussion on Driving Climate Action in Cities.

Additionally, Minister Kubayi will address the Urban Innovation Forum session, focusing on Accelerating Urban Innovation, sharing valuable insights and expertise to drive progress in this critical area as well as address a session on Green Procurement and Sustainable Development.

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

Minister Kubayi sends condolences to the Buthelezi family on the passing of Princess Sibuyiselwe (MP)

The Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, offers heartfelt condolences to the Buthelezi family on the passing of Princess Sibuyiselwe Angela Buthelezi.

Sibuyiselwe was a member of parliament and served on the portfolio committee on Human Settlements.

Minister said that, as the daughter of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, renowned politician and founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Princess Sibuyiselwe also forged her own path as a politician.

"Her contribution to the Human Settlements sector will be deeply remembered," said Minister Kubayi.

Minister Kubayi extends comfort to the family, relatives, and comrades of Princess Sibuyiselwe, acknowledging that her efforts have developed the sector.

"As we move forward, we pledge to continue Princess Sibuyiselwe's legacy, striving to provide South Africans with adequate and sustainable Human Settlements. May her dedication not be in vain. May her soul rest in peace, " concluded Minister Kubayi.

Media Enquiries: Terrence Manase, Spokesperson to the Minister on 082 338 6707 / Terrence.manase@dhs.gov.za or DHS Head of Communications Nozipho Zulu on 078 457 9376 / Nozipho.zulu@dhs.gov.za

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