Chairperson,  

Today we are reminded of the hopes and dreams of South Africans who in 1994 hoped to secure their dignity, opportunity and their future.

Embedded in these hopes and dreams was a possibility. The possibility that through housing families could find shelter for a place to eat, sleep, relax and raise a family. The possibility that families can enjoy physical and mental health and live in a safe place in peace and dignity.

Possibility expressed in its utmost significance in section 26 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa: “Everyone has the right to have access to adequate housing” and furthermore “the State must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of this right”.  

Human Settlements, one of the country’s most crucial, front-line service delivery Departments, has destroyed this possibility.

For the 13 million South Africans still living in informality, the suffering continues and we cannot be mistaken as to why it continues.

It is the ANC, the breaker of promises, the protector of no one and the omen of impossibility.

We know the wolves that wait anxiously for housing projects to be announced eagerly rubbing their hands at the prospect of another billion rand headed their way.

A billion rand that will be divided up between incompetent cadre contractors with little going to the people. Honourable Members, this situation will abound for as long as the ANC remains in power.  

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