FLTR: Deputy Minister Thandi Mahambehlala, Deputy Mayor of the Greater Oudtshoorn, Alderman Mziwoxolo Tyatya, Executive Mayor of the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality, Alderman Johan Allers
Oudtshoorn, 03 December 2024 – On Wednesday, 27 November 2024, the Deputy Minister Thandi Mahambehlala, Human Settlements, conducted an official visit to the Greater Oudtshoorn. The day began with a briefing session at the New Council Chambers of the Oudtshoorn Municipality, where Alderman Mziwoxolo Tyatya, Deputy Mayor of the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality, welcomed attendees and set the tone for the engagements.
The Executive Mayor of the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality, Alderman Johan Allers, welcomed Deputy Minister Mahambehlala. “We appreciate your visit to Oudtshoorn. Housing is a concern and priority for this council, and we seriously want to work on our housing situation in the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipal area.” Alderman Allers said.
The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the Department of Human Settlements to address housing challenges in the region. Following the briefing, Deputy Minister Mahambehlala, Executive Mayor Allers, and Deputy Mayor Tyatya went out to engage directly with community members at the Dysselsdorp Stadium to discuss pressing housing issues and explore solutions.
At the stadium, residents voiced concerns about incomplete housing projects, substandard RDP houses, lack of access to water and sanitation for those living on privately owned land, and inequities in housing allocations, with young residents receiving homes before the elderly and people with disabilities.
The Deputy Minister assured residents that all housing applications would be thoroughly reviewed, urging them to submit the necessary documentation to verify their positions on the housing waiting list. She further announced that, in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive, the waiting list will be reorganized to prioritize people with disabilities, elderly residents, and child-headed households. The National Department of Housing will assist the municipality in this process.
National Department officials recorded notes and contact details from attendees for follow-up actions. A team, including representatives from the NHBRC and the National Department of Human Settlements, will visit Oudtshoorn to conduct quality assessments, address incomplete housing projects, and survey houses with asbestos roofs, which require eradication.
Addressing veteran housing concerns, the Deputy Minister emphasized that veterans remain a government priority in recognition of their sacrifices. She encouraged veterans to stay engaged by attending municipal meetings for updates on housing progress.
To address immediate needs, the Deputy Minister requested the municipality to provide portable toilets and water for residents living on privately owned land. Manager of Human Settlements, Ms. Lauren Jones, responded to questions regarding municipal responsibilities during the session.
The event concluded with a wrap-up session involving the Deputy Minister, Oudtshoorn’s Municipal Senior Management, Executive Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and councillors to discuss the way forward.
The Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality and the National Department of Human Settlements reaffirm their commitment to addressing housing challenges and improving the quality of life for all residents.