Human Settlements
Human settlements is a policy and development sector focused on the provision of adequate housing, land tenure, and associated infrastructure and services to communities. The sector encompasses the planning, construction, and upgrading of residential areas, informal settlement upgrading, social housing programmes, and the delivery of basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity to households. In South Africa, human settlements is a constitutional mandate shared between national, provincial, and local government, with the national Department of Human Settlements setting policy frameworks and provincial departments responsible for implementation. The sector addresses the legacy of apartheid spatial planning, which created segregated townships and informal settlements lacking basic infrastructure. Key programmes include the provision of subsidised housing through the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and Breaking New Ground policy, informal settlement upgrading, and the development of integrated human settlements that promote social cohesion and economic opportunity. Human settlements delivery is closely linked to job creation through construction activities and the development of local supply chains. The sector faces challenges including backlogs in housing delivery, rapid urbanisation, land availability, and the need for sustainable, well-located developments that provide access to employment and amenities. Effective human settlements development is recognised as essential to achieving broader socioeconomic goals, including poverty reduction and spatial transformation. The African Union's Agenda 2063 framework includes human settlements and urbanisation as key development priorities across the continent.
Human Settlements Updates
IFP Youth Brigade Welcomes the Announcement of Comrade Mlungisi Mabaso As the IFP Mayoral Candidate for the City of Johannesburg
19th May 2026 The Inkatha Freedom Party Youth Brigade (IFPYB) National Executive Committee warmly welcomes the announcement of Comrade Mlungisi Mabaso as the... →
SA: Thembi Simelane: Address by Minister by Human Settlements, at the Second Local Government Residential Property Summit held at Focus Rooms, Modderfontein, Johannesburg (26/03/2026)
27th March 2026 Current projections from the United Nations and other international organizations confirm that approximately 68% to 70%of the global population... →
SA: Thembi Simelane: Address by Minister of Human Settlements, on the occasion of the Innovative Building Technology Summmit on 4 February 2026 held at Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg (04/02/2026)
5th February 2026 We have engaged in candid, comprehensive and substantive dialogue, anchored in evidence, enriched by diverse perspectives, and focused on... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, at the Innovative Building Technologies Summit, Nasrec, Johannesburg (03/02/2026)
4th February 2026 Having shelter that provides privacy, safety and freedom is inextricably bound to human dignity. Housing is not merely about shelter, but it is... →
ANC makes commitments to improve municipalities ahead of election 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 29th January 2026 Ahead of South Africa’s 2026 local government election, the African National Congress (ANC) has committed itself to restore functionality and... →
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