In this issue Breaking New Ground e August 2015 no. 1 · The Minister of Human Settlements, Lindiwe Sisulu, MP, has announced that all provinces will prioritise the provision of houses

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ISSUE 1 August 2015news

2015 GOVAN MBEKI AWARDS“There shall be houses, security and comfort” says the 1956 Freedom Charter.

In celebrating excellence in human settlements delivery, the Department of Human Settlements hosted the Govan Mbeki Awards on August, 13, 2015 at Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The Awards are named after the late freedom struggle hero Govan Mbeki, colloquially known as “Oom Gov” by many patriots. The Awards pay tribute to the role he played in pursuing the struggle for freedom for all in this country, particularly, the poor and the down trodden. They are hosted nationally and in all provinces by the department of Human Settlements.

While celebrating excellence in housing delivery, the Minister of Human Settlements, Lindiwe Sisulu did not mince her words when she expressed her frustration at the poor performance of the sector over the past years. “This past year I had a rude awakening. Our delivery statistics remained as dismally low as the previous few years, despite all the goodwill and effort put into it and I have resolved to be as blunt with you as I was with my top management a few weeks ago. It will not go on like this, not in my time. It is shocking and unbelievable that over the past six years, one of these years being in my time, we have delivered almost half of the number of houses that we delivered at the height of our delivery. I have done some soul searching and though I cannot find an answer, I have taken some deliberate steps to rectify the situation. Everyone in my institutions will sign a pledge to recommit themselves to work harder”.

The Minister sent a strong message to the human settlements sector that, henceforth, it will now be business unusual.

“I want to send a strong message to all of us, especially our officials and our contractors that, unless we change our attitude at all levels of government and entities, there can be no radical delivery on what we have promised. There can be no radical transformation of the economy as it affects the ordinary person. A house is not only a right to dignity; it is an essential asset for the poorest of us to have a foothold in the economy”.

She acknowledged the love and commitment of many in the sector despite the challenges. “Despite our lackluster delivery over the past few years, there are some who have distinguished themselves by their hard work, their commitment to and passion for the rights of the poor. And to these we want to dedicate the night, to honour them and thank them for being the light, even in our darkest days”.

In the category of Life Time Awards, the Minister acknowledged the role and influence of the women struggle veterans. “In this Women’s Month, we honour all women in construction and specifically Mme Ruth Mompati and Mme Ivy Gcina who worked very hard to improve the living conditions in our communities”.

The late Mrs. Epainette Mbeki, wife of Govan Mbeki, was also recognised for her contributions in uplifting poor people. Collectively, these

Source: National Department of Human Settlements

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GOVAN MBEKI AWARDS

2015human settlements

Breaking New Ground news August 2015 no. 1

The Department of Human Settlements is committed to Building partnerships for accelerated human settlements delivery and to work towards the delivery of 1,5 million housing opportunities by 2019

m i n i s t e r i a le l e c t r o n i cn e w s l e t t e r

In this issuepage 1-3 2015 Govan Mbeki Awardspage 4-7 Golf ChallengePage 8 Military Veterans Housing backlog to be clearedpage 9 Department honour Madiba’s Legacy page 10 Restoring dignity of women

Editor in Chief: Mr Ndivhuwo Mabaya Editor: Mr Teboho Montse Layout & Design: Ms Linda Engelbrecht E-mail: [email protected]

By: Lebogang Mohlahlo

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three women “…have inspired us over the years, they continue to inspire us and they will be our conscience every day. On their behalf, we recommit ourselves today to be worthy of their sacrifices,” said Sisulu.

The Minister was very firm and instructed the Department to “prioritise” housing for military veterans. “Their plight is a sad one… In view of the extreme insensitivity that is very easily attached to the delays that have been experienced by our military veterans, I would like to indicate, on behalf of Government, that we care very deeply about their plight. The delay has not been deliberate, but I have now taken a decision that we will prove our worth to them”.

The Minister, in consultation with government stakeholders and military veteran groupings, took a decision to complete the housing backlog of military veterans by the end of this financial year. “It is my intention that by March 2016 there should be no military veteran on our data base who is not housed through our intervention”.

Sindy Ngaba receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Mamo Ruth Mompati

Siziwe Gcina and Lulama Bangane were honoured to receive Ivy Gcina’s Lifetime Achievement Award on her behalf

The names of the winners of the various categories of awards for 2015 is in the poster on page 3.

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GOVAN MBEKI AWARDS

2015human settlements

Congratulations to the winners of theGOVAN MBEKI AWARDS 2015There shall be houses, security and comfort

AWARD CATEGORY WINNERS• Best Priority Project

Zanemvula Chetty 1380, Eastern Cape• Best Integrated Residential Development

Project Kwanokuthula, Western Cape

• Best Rural Project Dutywa, Eastern Cape

• Best People’s Housing Process Project Mafikeng 200, North West

• Best Accredited Municipality Level 1 Category B Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal

• Best Accredited Municipality Level 2 Category C Umhlathuze Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal

• Best Accredited Municipality Level 2 Category C Z F Mgcawu District Municipality, Northern Cape

• Best Informal Settlement Upgraded Project Railtonsmartie Town Project, Western Cape

• Best Social Housing Fairview Link, Eastern Cape

• Best Institutional Units Harmony Village, Western Cape

• Best Community Residential Units Kewtown, Western Cape

• Best Finance Linked Subsidy Project Fleurhof, Gauteng

• Best Woman Contractor Kanana Park Ext 3,4 and 5, Gauteng

• Best Youth Contractor Madimong Trading Services, North West

• Best Contractor Project in the Non-Subsidy Market Agisane Civil Construction, Northern Cape

• Best Metropolitan Municipality Ethekwini, KwaZulu-Natal

• Best Provincial Department in Performance Delivery KwaZulu-Natal

MERIT AWARDS• Best Bursary Student who completed his/

her studies Mngomezulu Halala, KwaZulu-Natal

• Rental Housing Tribunal Gauteng

• Farm Worker Assistance Project Jabulani Agri Village, Mpumalanga

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ISSUE 1 August 2015News

The inaugural Govan Mbeki Awards Golf Challenge took place on Friday, 14 August 2015 in Cape Town at the Atlantic Beach Golf Course

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The inaugural Govan Mbeki Awards Golf Challenge

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The inaugural Govan Mbeki Awards Golf Challenge prize giving & dinner

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The inaugural Govan Mbeki Awards Golf Challenge prize giving & dinner

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Massive roll out of housing projects to cater for Military Veterans

The Minister of Human Settlements, Lindiwe Sisulu, MP, has announced that all provinces will prioritise the provision of houses for military veterans.

Minister Sisulu was addressing a gathering of more than 200 military veterans from

different formations, including those belonging to former liberation armies such as uMkhonto Wesizwe, the now defunct military wing of the ANC. The meeting took place in the City of Cape Town’s Council Chambers as part of the Minister’s monthly Stakeholder Outreach Programme.

Minister Sisulu told delegates who packed the Council Chambers that housing delivery for military veterans was one of the key priorities of the current. She stressed that more than 5000 registered and verified military veterans in the Department of Military Veterans (DMV) database must have houses by the end of this 2015/2016 financial year.

“As military veterans you played a central role in pushing the apartheid Government to start negotiating with the ruling party. We owe our freedom to you, it is my mission to ensure that in this financial year all Military Veterans have houses, decent houses fit for the sacrifices you have made for us as a nation”, said Minister Sisulu.

Minister Sisulu interacts with some of the military veteransMr Fumanekile Booi shared his thoughts, opinion and also thanked the Minister for addressing them

The military veterans were all interested in what Minister Sisulu shared with the gathering and applauded the acknowledgement that she gave to their role towards the freedom of all who suffered under apartheid

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Department of Human Settlements honour Madiba’s LegacyOdi Self –Help Association of the DisabledBy: Asiphe Thosholo and Stephen Mogale

Every year on the 18th July, South Africans and the international community honor

the former late State President Nelson Mandela by dedicating 67 minutes of their time to humanity. This day was launched on the 18th July 2009, and is celebrated across the globe for the collective contributions made by all revolutionaries inside and outside of the country under the stewardship of the late Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters.

To embrace the Nelson Mandela Day, and in celebration of his legacy and values, the national Department of Human Settlements under the theme “Take Action – Inspire Change – and Make Every Day a Mandela Day”, visited the Odi Self-Help Association of the Disabled and spend more than 67 minutes engaging in various humanitarian activities.

Welcoming the volunteers, the Acting Chief Financial Officer (Deputy Director-General), Mr. Nyameko Mbengo highlighted what Mandela stood for. “We all know what Mandela fought for. He fought for the freedom we are enjoying today. The challenge for us is what are we doing to maintain his legacy and to promote

his values of selflessness and humility? Today, we are all here to give help selflessly to those who need it. As we participate in the activities of the day, I want all of us to be reminded of Mandela’s humble contributions that enabled

us to live in a free, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist society. Good luck for the long day ahead!”

Top Management and 67 Staff members of the department devoted their 67 minutes of their time to the center by cleaning, painting, fixing leaking taps and toilets. Staff members went out of their way and ensured that the day was a success through their support and contribution to the orphanage by donating food parcels, clothing, and imperishable items that can sustain the Center for some time.

The joyous mood could be felt everywhere around the Center, the smile of staff members and the disabled people while painting, scrubbing floors, cleaning windows and door

frames could confirm the happiness from within. The Aroma of braai meat fostered even more spirit of volunteerism amongst the jubilant men of the department, authenticated by the spirit of praise for Madiba and the songs

they were singing while planting vegetables and orange trees.

Touched by what the department is doing for the vulnerable and less privileged, the newly appointed Mandisa Msomi from registry unit said “Because this is my first event of the department, I’m really touched by what I’m seeing here. Seeing my department giving back and devoting their time to improve the lives of the less fortunate completes me, and being part of this initiative that preserve the legacy of Tata Madiba makes me feel proud of myself and my department.”

Speaking from the center, the ecstatic and disabled owner of the Center Samuel Sebuthoma said “I thank the department, and more especially its top management for extending their helping hand and taking care of the disabled. I feel happy about what the Department of Human Settlements is doing here and they must keep up the good work of helping people with disabilities.”

In concluding the day’s activities the Chief Director: Communication Services, Mr. Xolani Xundu thanked all staff members who volunteered their time and energy to make the centre cleaner and more beautiful.

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HUMAN SETTLEMENTS WORKING TO RESTORE THE DIGNITY OF WOMEN

Sixty-five-year-old Francina Molele will always remember the 2015 Women’s Month as the time in which her life changed for the better as she is one of many women to receive decent houses as part of Women’s Build programme led by the Department of Human Settlements.

The Department spearheads the Women’s Build programme annually, to create housing opportunities for needy women and dedicate the

whole programme at highlighting the plight and challenges that women continue to face on daily basis.

The provision of housing is central to the Government’s effort to restore women’s dignity and ensure they enjoy healthy living conditions. Molele currently lives in a one room shack, sleeps on the floor where all her cooking utensils and clothes are also found. She shares the shack with three children including one who is disabled.

The Molele’s are one of 60 destitute families from Taueatswala and ga-Hlako villages in Mokgalakwena Municipality, Limpopo that will benefit from the Breaking New Ground houses that are currently being built in the area as part of the 2015 Women’s Build.

The Deputy Minister of Human Settlements Zou Kota Fredericks launched the 2015 Women’s Build programme on August 18 in Limpopo. It’s a collaboration between the national Department, provinces, municipalities, private sector and NGO’s. The collective also mobilise funds to build houses for the elderly, people living with disabilities and child-headed households. The Women’s Build also forms part of activities aimed at commemorating the historic 1956 Women’s march to the Union Buildings.

More than 100 unemployed young women volunteers from the villages of ga-Hlako and Taueatswala have been recruited to build the 60 houses in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Charter and the 59th anniversary of the 1956 Women March to Union Buildings against pass laws.

The young women are being trained on construction focusing on skills like painting, plastering, brick-laying and roofing.

Deputy Minister Zou Kota-Fredericks setting the trend during the launch of the 2015 Women’s Build - yes, women can do it for themselves!

Members of the community listening attentively while Deputy Minister addresses them

Deputy Minister Zou Kota-Fredericks addressing the community of Taueatswala and ga-Hlako villages at Mokgalakwena Municipality, Limpopo

Mama Francina Molele in front of her old schack

Documents

In this issue Breaking New Ground e August 2015 no. 1 · The Minister of Human Settlements, Lindiwe Sisulu, MP, has announced that all provinces will prioritise the provision of houses