A Decade of Injustice: Housing Failures in Naledi

Issued by John Adonis – DA Councillor, Naledi Local Municipality
26 Nov 2024 in Press Statements

Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by John Adonis

The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls for immediate action to address the housing crisis in Naledi’s Extension 25, where the Department of Human Settlements fails to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice.

A glaring example is the unresolved plight of the owner of House 8228, who has battled for over a decade to rectify an egregious error: half of House 8196 was built on her property. Despite repeated pleas, the department has failed to resolve this encroachment, leaving the homeowner trapped in an unresolved bureaucratic problem.

This issue highlights a broader crisis in housing delivery. Across South Africa, substandard housing has become a recurring issue, characterised by structural defects, incomplete projects, and administrative failures. Housing is not just shelter; it is the foundation of dignity and opportunity. The DA envisions an open opportunity society where every South African has access to quality housing and a fair chance to thrive.

The negligence in Extension 25 reflects a failure of oversight, transparency, and responsiveness within the Department of Human Settlements. The DA calls for a full investigation by the Portfolio Committee for Human Settlement in the NW Legislature into housing irregularities in Naledi, engagement with affected residents to provide clear timelines for resolution, accountability of contractors and improved oversight to prevent future errors.

Housing delivery must prioritise quality and efficiency to restore dignity to affected communities.

The DA remains committed to addressing such injustices and ensuring quality housing for all. The residents of Naledi deserve better—a government that listens, acts, and delivers opportunities for a brighter future.