Daily Maverick
Dailymaverick logo

Maverick Citizen

Maverick Citizen, Maverick News

Government’s Ekurhuleni house handover links housing to empowering women

Government’s Ekurhuleni house handover links housing to empowering women
Sixteen Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children is a United Nations campaign held annually from 25 November (International Day for No Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). (Photo: Sune Payne)
Michelle Banda
By Michelle Banda
25 Nov 2024
Facebook
0
An Ekurhuleni housing handover by Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Gauteng MEC Tasneem Motara and Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza coincided with the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, focusing on housing as a tool for empowerment and justice.

Amid South Africa’s enduring housing backlog, the government says it has intensified its efforts to provide homes for vulnerable citizens. On Monday, 25 November 2024, Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, alongside Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Tasneem Motara and Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, handed over Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses in Helderwyk, Ekurhuleni.

While 10 houses were handed over to 10 beneficiaries, the minister pledged 16 houses for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Kubayi highlighted the importance of housing in breaking cycles of poverty and vulnerability, especially for women and children.

“We are not just handing over houses,” she said.

“We are empowering women by creating economic opportunities – 40% of our projects, amounting to R11-billion, are allocated to women contractors. This is about restoring dignity and independence to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).”

women housing Western Cape government staff and citizens outside the provincial legislature in Wale Street, Cape Town on 5 December 2023 as part of the 16 Days of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)



Kubayi connected the housing crisis to social issues, emphasising that survivors often remained in abusive situations due to a lack of alternatives.

“We need to provide homes and economic opportunities for women to escape such environments.”

The minister also spoke about corruption, which has hampered housing delivery. She said a forensic investigation had been launched to tackle irregularities in housing allocations in Ekurhuleni, where residents often report houses being occupied by people other than the allocated beneficiaries.

“Unlike other provinces, Gauteng has a backlog dating back to the 1990s. We are issuing houses, but the waiting list keeps growing. We are investigating, starting with Ekurhuleni, and will hold those involved accountable.”

Read more: Ekurhuleni residents were approved for RDP houses in 2000 — yet today they still live in shacks

‘A place to call home’


For many recipients, the house handover marked the end of years of struggle.

Rahab Skhosana (72), who had been waiting since 1996, shared her relief: “I have faced homelessness and hopelessness. I have long suffered and waited for this house. If not for myself but for my child to have a place to call home. Today, I finally have a place to call home. This house brings peace for me and my son.”

Chantel Dyantyi (18), the youngest beneficiary, now has a secure home for her and her six siblings after losing their mother earlier this year. Supported by social workers, Dyantyi’s story is a testament to the programme’s focus on addressing unique challenges faced by vulnerable families.

Dyantyi was living in a child-headed home in Rondebult after the death of their mother in June. She said they had been living at a family home in Rondebult after relocating from the Eastern Cape. Dyantyi and her siblings are receiving aid from Boksburg Child Welfare.

A social worker involved in her case, Laentitia Lephalala, praised the initiative: “This collaboration between departments is making a real difference in our communities. We’re thrilled for Chantel and her siblings.”


Housing as a catalyst for social change


Studies have found that secure housing enables access to other fundamental rights, including safety, health and education.

“Housing connects women to dignity and independence. This is why we focus on housing delivery as part of a broader social justice strategy,”  said Kubayi. 

This approach aligns with calls from experts for gender-aware housing practices, positioning social workers and government agencies at the forefront of addressing the intersecting challenges of GBV, poverty and housing shortages.

Broader housing challenges


South Africa’s housing backlog remains a national issue, with Gauteng’s challenges amplified by its high urbanisation rate. While the government continues to deliver homes, systemic issues, including corruption and outdated data systems, hinder progress.

Read more: Human Settlements to give ‘missing middle’ a helping hand for access to housing

Kubayi emphasised the need for cooperation among stakeholders:
“We can only succeed by working together – government, NGOs, municipalities and communities. As we understand we all have a role to play. We can’t just sit and say it’s Minister Chikunga’s [Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities] role to deal with GBV or Minister [Thembi] Simelane [Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development] to prosecute and Minister [Senzo] Mchunu [Minister of Police] to apprehend.”

16 Days Sixteen Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children is a United Nations campaign held annually from 25 November (International Day for No Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). (Photo: Sune Payne)



The handover also coincided with the launch of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. Kubayi linked the event’s goals to broader societal issues, urging collective action against violence.

“Our role is to ensure women and children have safe spaces to live and thrive. Housing is not just about shelter; it’s about security, dignity, and opportunity. This is not just a handover – it’s a commitment to building a South Africa where everyone has a place to call home,” concluded Kubayi. DM

Categories:

Tags: