Freedom without access to housing and land access is not free
This year marks the 31st anniversary of South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994. This day, celebrated as Freedom Day, invites us to reflect on two perspectives: the strides we have made since the advent of democracy and the empty promises that still impact Gauteng under the ANC-led government. This reality underscores the sentiment of "not yet Uhuru," beautifully captured in Mama Letta Mbulu's song.
The word "freedom" means more than declarations of independence or a well-crafted constitution guaranteeing voting rights and democratic freedoms; it requires practical implementation and must be felt in people's everyday lives.
However, over three decades of ANC provincial government in Gauteng have made life far worse for its residents and created a near-impossible environment for people to own a piece of land and property in our province.
As things stand, over 1.3 million residents in Gauteng are on the housing waiting list, with some waiting since 1996. Given the current rate of just over 9 000 houses built annually, residents may have to wait another 158 years to receive houses. This is because the Department only delivered 43 050 (3.3%) houses in five years.
Furthermore, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements (GDHS) has issued only 32 002 title deeds in the past five years, despite a backlog of 178 000 residents on the housing waiting list. This list includes 166 000 individuals who have been waiting since post-1994 and 12 000 who have been waiting since before 1994. The department will take 25 years to clear the title deeds backlog at this rate.
How long should Gauteng residents wait to receive this important document, proof of home or land ownership? A responsible government would understand that title deeds provide security of tenure, granting the holder the right to occupy or sell the property if they choose to do so. With title deeds, owners can pass the ownership to their children and future generations.
The blame for the unaddressed backlog in the housing waiting list and the low number of title deeds issued lies squarely with the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements. Their lack of effective solutions has exacerbated the housing crisis in Gauteng. Every MEC who has led this department has left it in a worse condition than they found it. One might think that Alphonse Karr had this department in mind when he coined the phrase: 'The more things change, the more they stay the same.' The perennial recurrence of patterns and behaviours, despite who is in charge of this department, denies millions of people access to housing. For these people, freedom exists in theory and is far from practical.
The DA has consistently urged the Department of Human Settlements to make the housing waiting list public to ensure transparency in the allocation of houses. However, this request has been overlooked, despite damning reports that public officials are manipulating the lists or accepting bribes from individuals who are not on the lists but want to bypass the queue.
Unfortunately, Premier Panyaza Lesufi's intervention in the housing and land issue has been minimal. In his recent State of the Province Address, he promised that the Ikageleng Rapid Release Programme will address the gap for income groups that do not qualify for the full subsidy programme and do not earn enough to qualify for bond applications, yet are willing to build houses for themselves. He further stated that to improve the living conditions of beneficiaries, strategic land is sourced from the private sector, and it is serviced with water, sewer, and electricity before being released to qualifying beneficiaries.
However, the reality on the ground does not reflect his sentiments. Between the 2019/20 and 2023/24 financial years, the Gauteng Human Settlements Department serviced 46 211 sites but only released 3 540 to qualifying beneficiaries through the Rapid Land Release Programme, which represents an appalling 7.6% of the total number of serviced stands. This information was revealed in the 2023/24 Annual Report of the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements. In this context, it is evident that, like his predecessor, Premier Lesufi makes grand promises but delivers very little regarding land release.
As we celebrate Freedom Day, it is crucial to take a moment to reflect on whether we have achieved genuine freedom. Many of our people in Gauteng struggle with challenges such as landlessness, homelessness and the dignity that comes from owning a title deed. In addition, poverty and unemployment have made the situation worse. 34,4% of Gauteng residents are unemployed, and Premier Lesufi's government has constantly failed to create sustainable employment opportunities. The suffering of Gauteng residents is far from over as long as this current government is in charge.
Despite the vast challenges facing residents, the DA Gauteng is working diligently to ensure residents' liberties are protected. As the official opposition in Gauteng, we have exposed corruption, maladministration, and the government's incompetence in delivering services to the residents. In addition, we have used various Chapter Nine institutions to hold this current government to account for all its wrongdoings.
A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would urgently ensure the distribution of title deeds to all deserving beneficiaries of land reform programmes. We believe empowerment comes from secure property ownership, not state custodianship.
Furthermore, the DA Gauteng would prioritise land reform, insisting that it be carried out constitutionally, be economically viable, and adhere to willing-buyer, willing-seller principles or market value compensation. Lastly, the DA opposes Expropriation Without Compensation (EWC) because it undermines property rights and investor confidence. We believe EWC is unconstitutional and would harm South Africa's economy and food security.
The ANC-led Gauteng Government of Provincial Unity is failing to uphold the freedoms of all Gauteng residents tells us that we have only achieved freedom but are yet to be free. The quest for true freedom is not yet over, but only beginning.
We must renew our efforts to ensure that all our people benefit from the sacrifices made by those who fought for our right to commemorate this day of freedom. We dare not fail them by allowing our current leaders to abandon the ideals of dignity, equality, and freedom they passionately championed to change the course of our country.
* Solly Msimanga MPL, DA Gauteng Leader of the Official Opposition
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