16-17 / 37
May 2016
Housing
S
isulu’s recent visit to the prov-
ince and the City of Johannes-
burg’s blueprint for an integrat-
ed human settlement at Cosmo City
and Malibongwe Ridge, north west
of Randburg on Malibongwe
Drive, was no exception.
The occasion: the 4,3 mil-
lion housing opportunities
that government has deliv-
ered since the advent of the
new democracy. Sisulu says
that the 4,3 million housing
opportunities is a real mile-
stone for the country. “This
is a celebration of investing
in our commitment to construct a
different future. It is also a celebra-
tion of the collaboration between
government, the private sector and
banks.” She adds that some of us
who are privileged enough to own
a house may take for granted how
it feels to have a house of your own.
“We look at the period of 2004-2009 as
the golden age of the housing sector.
An age where the developing world
lauded, encouraged and supported
us in our approach. An age where we
received numerous international ac-
knowledgements, confirming that we
were indeed Breaking NewGround. All
the stakeholders rose to the challenge,
4,3 MILLION HOUSING
from the construction industry to the
banking institutions. The sector came
alive and just look where we are now.
This has been a great example of good
collaboration. We are all aware of the
difficulties and challenges in
this environment, and this is
a shining example of the great
things we can achieve when
we put ourminds together. The
good thing we have as South
Africans is the energy to unite
around an idea and it then
feels as though we can move
mountains.” Acknowledging
that there have been many
difficult times in the housing sector,
which are likely to persist, Sisulu is
confident that things will turn around.
“There is nothing more gratifying
than to see our dreams – so wonder-
fully matured, especially at a time
No matter where the Minister of Human Settlements, Lindiwe Sisulu, goes
with her entourage, dignitaries, stakeholders and media clamour to have a
word or two or to take selfies with the popular cabinet minister.
‘We look at the period of 2004 to
2009 as the golden age of the sector.
An age where the developing world
lauded, encouraged and supported
us in our approach.’