Note to Editors: Please note Riona Gokool, MPL sound bite in English
The DA is calling for urgent skills and lifestyle audits within KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Department of Human Settlements (DHS) as a lack of service delivery continues to worsen, leaving thousands of residents without proper homes.
Recent reports presented to KZN’s Human Settlements portfolio committee reveal a post-1994 Title Deed backlog of 127 479, yet 105 184 remain undelivered today. This means that the DHS has only handed over 27 017 Title Deeds in 30 years.
Despite spending its full annual budget, the department—under MEC Siboniso Duma—has failed to make meaningful progress. Instead of ramping up delivery, it continues to set low targets and then applaud itself for barely meeting them.
Earlier this year, the DA called for a comprehensive strategy to address stalled housing projects, improve oversight, and ensure accountability. The department must also take urgent steps to prevent corruption and wasteful expenditure.
The DA will continue to fight for KZN’s most vulnerable communities, who deserve access to quality, affordable housing—not endless excuses and delays.