The Community Schemes Ombud Services (CSOS), an entity of the Department of Human Settlements, held its first-ever Indaba on 3-4 August 2023, under the theme “Governance and Regulation: Shaping the Future of Community Schemes” in Gauteng. It aimed to inform trustees, community scheme homeowners, managing agents and other property stakeholders about the role of CSOS, compliance with community scheme legislation, and dealing with common issues in community schemes. The Indaba discussed and debated issues affecting the sector, including the impact of load shedding and water security, the role of trustees in transforming community schemes, the challenges of managing diversity in community schemes, and the importance of education and awareness in the community schemes sector. The Indaba also featured several workshops and presentations on specific topics related to community schemes.
The CSOS is a statutory body that was established in 2011 to regulate the conduct of parties within community schemes. The CSOS is independent of government and its mandate is to promote harmonious community schemes by providing regulation, education, and accessible dispute resolution services to all relevant stakeholders. The CSOS Indaba paved the way for the community schemes sector in South Africa a platform for stakeholders to come together and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. The Indaba also played a role in raising awareness of the CSOS and its services.
The HDA, as one of the human settlements’ entities and an MoU partner, participated as an exhibitor, showcasing its expertise and initiatives in community schemes and housing development. This involvement encompassed providing informational materials, engaging with attendees for networking, presenting practical solutions and success stories, emphasising its contributions aligned with the event’s theme, raising awareness about its mission, vision, and capabilities, and facilitating educational exchanges. The HDA aimed to actively contribute to discussions, promote its role in governance and regulation of community schemes, and foster collaborative opportunities among stakeholders within the sector.
