By PRETORIA — Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has issued a decisive call for stronger collaboration across all sectors of society to confront South Africa’s persistent urban challenges and accelerate the delivery of inclusive, sustainable housing.
The appeal was made as South Africa joins the international community in commemorating World Habitat Day, marking the official launch of the country’s Human Settlements Month and Urban October campaigns under the global theme, “Adequate Housing for All.”
The initiative arrives against a backdrop of severe global housing pressures. According to international figures, approximately 2.8 billion people worldwide face varying forms of housing inadequacy, with nearly 1.1 billion residing in slums and informal settlements. For South Africa, these statistics underline the urgency of moving beyond traditional policy frameworks toward aggressive implementation and tangible partnerships.
Reflecting on over three decades of democratic governance, Minister Simelane emphasized that stakeholder consultation must evolve into active co-creation and execution.
“Our experience… has taught us that stakeholder consultation is critical to the formulation of effective public policy,” Minister Simelane stated. “However, going forward, stakeholders must be fully engaged beyond policymaking by creating spaces and opportunities for them to contribute to public investments and to actively implement the policies we have collectively agreed upon.”
This multi-sectoral approach directly aligns with South Africa’s obligations under the New Urban Agenda (NUA), a 20-year global framework extending to 2036. Demonstrating this commitment, the Minister recently presented South Africa’s Second Country Report, compiled through extensive consultations spanning all three spheres of government and diverse societal sectors.
Furthermore, South Africa’s strategic alignment with global standards has been bolstered by the establishment of the UN-Habitat Country Office and Country Programme. This framework reinforces national priorities—including spatial transformation, climate resilience, and urban finance—while remaining anchored to domestic blueprints such as the National Development Plan (NDP), the Integrated Urban Development Framework (IUDF), and the 2024–2029 Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).
Throughout Human Settlements Month, the Department of Human Settlements will spearhead a series of engagements with municipalities, private sector stakeholders, civil society, and local communities. The objective is to foster dialogue and unearth practical solutions to manage rapid urbanisation effectively.
“The transformation of our cities, towns and communities cannot be achieved by government alone,” Minister Simelane noted. “It requires partnerships, active citizenship, and a shared commitment to ensuring that our people live in safe, adequate, and sustainable human settlements.”
As Urban October unfolds, the Ministry invites all South Africans to participate in shaping the future of the nation’s urban landscapes, ensuring that adequate housing transitions from an aspirational goal to an accessible reality for all citizens.
