In order to accelerate service delivery and address the housing backlog in the Eastern Cape, the Eastern Cape Human Settlements hosted a three-day human settlements Indaba from 05-07 July 2023. This event took place at the Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, where key stakeholders from various sectors came together under the theme, “Accelerating the delivery of sustainable integrated human settlements in the Eastern Cape through collaborations and partnerships: Leaving No One and No Place Behind.”
The Human Settlements Indaba aimed to foster collaboration between various stakeholders, including government officials, academics, private sector representatives, NGOs, and civil society organisations. Among the esteemed attendees were the Minister of Human Settlements, Honourable Mmamoloko Kubayi, and the Eastern Cape Premier, Honourable Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane. The HDA’s CEO, Mr Bheki Khenyisa, and Region A Manager, Mr Phumlani Mbulawa, were also present among the attendees. In the discussions held during the Indaba, particular attention was given to the implementation of the National Housing Programme and the identification of challenges and opportunities unique to the Eastern Cape. Policy developments, financing strategies, and institutional arrangements were also scrutinised to ensure effective and sustainable solutions to the housing backlog.
In her speech during the Indaba, Hon. Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi called for a total rethink on how we build human settlements going forward. “Currently, we have to respond to the devastating impact of these natural disasters, which, in most cases render families homeless and at worst lead to deaths.” She further asserted that “Planning, designing and building human settlements with climate change in mind will help us to be proactive and avoid loss of lives and homelessness. The technology used at the Burj Khalifa building has shown that it [technology] exists for creating climate-resilient cities and communities. Indeed, some of these technologies are not accessible for the poor and there is a need for us to drive and encourage the research and development of innovative, resilient, durable and affordable alternative building technologies.”
To access the full speech,
follow the link at: https://www.gov.za/speeches/eastern-cape-hs-indaba-6-jul-2023-0000-0.
In addition to the informative discussions, the Indaba included a
special certification ceremony in the evening to honor the councillors,
traditional leaders, and municipal officials who had completed the Nelson
Mandela University Short Learning Programmes on human settlements. The Human
Settlements Indaba marked a critical juncture in the Eastern Cape’s journey
towards sustainable, integrated human settlements, and with the HDA’s continued
support and collaboration with other stakeholders, the province is poised to
achieve its goals of providing quality housing for all its residents and
creating thriving communities that leave no one behind.
