The Minister of Human Settlements Thembisile Simelane, KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma, and the Chairperson of the City’s Community Services Committee Councillor Zama Sokhabase criss-crossed eThekwini on 29 and 30 April where they launched and assessed various housing projects. The government leadership also provided housing solutions to recently displaced flood victims.

RSIDENTS from Zwelibomvu in Ward 100 will soon enjoy living in dignified houses as eThekwini Municipality, in collaboration with the national and provincial government, launched the Zwelibomvu Vumazonke Rural Housing Project. The launch on 30 April was attended by the Minister of Human Settlements Thembisile Simelane and KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma. Speaking at the launch on behalf of eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba was Chairperson of the Community Services Committee Councillor Zama Sokhabase. She emphasized the importance of housing as a fundamental human right. “Owning a home is not just about securing shelter, it represents stability, security, and a legacy for future generations,” said Councillor Sokhabase. “It was important for the Ministers to launch this project as we celebrated Freedom Day. This shows that we are a government that is committed to seeing the lives of the oppressed improve. We would like to thank Minister Simelane and MEC Duma for ensuring this project gets off the ground,” added Councillor Sokhabase. The project was warmly received by the community.

Among the benefits of the project is the creation of employment and opportunities for small businesses. Two contractors have been appointed for the construction of the first 200 housing units in phase 1. While the land is owned by the lngonyama Trust Board, it is administered by the Vumazonke Traditional Authority. Both have given consent for the development. The Municipality is in the process of appointing contractors for the construction of the remaining 248 units for the subsequent phases. Another added benefit of the project is that there will be a 30 percent Contract Participation Goal to contribute to local subcontractors within the project area. A further 15 percent will contribute to empowering Exempted Micro Enterprises, targeting businesses that are women and youth owned. Skills such as bricklaying, plumbing, and health and safety will also be transferred to locals. It is expected that 120 job opportunities will be created. While addressing the community, Councillor Sokhabase acknowledged some of the challenges affecting the area, including water supply and electricity outages. Meanwhile, Minister Simelane has directed the National Builders Registration Council to conduct structural integrity and geotechnical assessments to determine the intervention required to assist affected households in uMlazi H-Section. 

Minister Simelane, MEC Duma and Councillor Sokhabase were in uMlazi to assess the damage caused by the recent rains. “Based on what I have seen, relocation of these households would be the best solution,” said Minister Simelane, adding that while the assessment is conducted, the immediate task is to relocate about 56 families to Temporary Emergency Accommodation. As a long-term measure, the City and the Provincial Department of Human Settlements will identify land that will be utilised to accommodate the affected households with permanent housing. The leadership also visited the Thubalethu Informal Settlement Project at Mthonjaneni to assess work that has been done to deliver houses. About R61 million has been allocated for the installation of bulk water services and another R19 million for the construction of water infrastructure in the area.