Housing Code

Minister's Statement:

Housing the Nation is one of the foremost challenges facing government. The challenge relates not only to the enormous size of the housing backlog and the diverse needs of the homeless and others who are inadequately housed, but also to the housing environment which has many weaknesses. Poverty, unemployment, economic stagnation and negative behavior, together with financial and capacity constraints, makes the task even more daunting.

The publication of this Housing Code is a milestone in the housing policy process. It sets out clearly, in one comprehensive document, the overall vision for housing in South Africa. In addition it shows the significant achievements that have been made towards resolving our housing problem. For the first time in South Africa’s history a single, comprehensive housing policy is in place, that is streamlined, transparent and equitable for all South Africans.

The cornerstone of this policy is firstly the people of South Africa. We believe that of all of our resources, nothing compares with the latent energy of our people. Our housing policy is designed to unleash this energy, not only to build houses, but also to participate in the formation of policy and to give meaning to the notion of people-centered development.

Secondly the policy focuses on creating partnerships between the various spheres of government, the private sector and communities. This is seen as a fundamental prerequisite for the sustained delivery of housing. It requires all parties not only to argue for their rights, but also to accept their respective responsibilities and to work together in unity and with a common purpose.

Thirdly quality and affordability of the housing delivered is of central importance. Our housing policy is about ensuring homes for all South Africans on a sustainable basis, at a price they can afford. Such houses must be habitable, in neighborhoods offering security, services and access to facilities and jobs.

Finally our housing policy focuses on creating a wholesome living environment conducive to attracting private investment, both of individuals and private sector investors into the housing sector. Investor confidence holds the key to a vibrant housing economy.

Our Housing Policy finds its roots in the National Housing Forum, a multi-party non-governmental negotiating forum, comprising members from government, business, community and development organisations. This forum undertook investigations and debated key issues of policy, some of which was used by the Government of National Unity when it was elected in 1994.

In October 1994 the National Housing Accord was held at Botshabelo in the Free State. This Accord was significant in that all the key parties including government, business, communities and individuals agreed to work together to achieve our housing vision.

The Housing White Paper published in 1994 set the stage in defining the roles that the different actors would play and the road that they would follow in achieving the national housing vision. All policy and policy refinements fell within the framework set by this White Paper.

With the promulgation of the Housing Act, 1997 (Act No. 107 of 1997) the legislative framework for housing policy was established. This Act is now the supreme housing law in the land, repealing all other housing legislation that came before it.

The Housing Code is therefore not a new statement of policy, but a confirmation of existing policy. It sets out the linkages between various policy programmes. From government’s first housing policy statement, the Housing White Paper, to our most recent proclamation, the Housing Act, and including all policies adopted in between, the Housing Code represents the culmination of government’s thinking and practice as it relates to housing in South Africa. The Housing Code is the home for all National Housing Policy, current and future.

The National Housing Policy as detailed in the Housing Code identifies tremendous opportunities for creativity in housing delivery, for gearing resources, and for building new approaches.

There is much still to be achieved before South Africa’s housing problem is solved, but the structure, vision, policies and legislation that are now in place creates the platform from which to move forward effectively.

However all collective efforts are needed to establish a productive climate that will remove the plight of the homeless – one of the most visible and destructive legacies that underscores our process of reconstruction and development. Success in meeting the housing challenge is one of the cornerstones of rebuilding our social structures, regenerating our economy and integrating our communities.

There is no single formula for meeting South Africa’s housing challenge, and our policy must continually evolve within the context of positive change. The Housing Code, reflecting National Housing Policy, is our tool to assist in mobilising and harnessing the full diversity of resources, innovation, energy and the initiative of individuals, communities, government and the private sector.

It is our mutual responsibility to implement the Housing Policy with creativity and innovation. I therefore appeal to all implementers to use the Code, to understand its contents and to spread its message to all stakeholders within your community. South Africa’s Housing Policy belongs to all of us. We are all implementers and this is our Code.

Ms Sankie Mthembi-Mahanyele