Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela delivered the keynote address at the handover of six houses in Jamestown, Stellenbosch on 9 Dec 2011. The houses were funded by a local farm owner, Mrs Virginia Povall, who wanted to provide housing for some of her farm workers who had dedicated their lives to working on her farm. The houses were built by Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organisation (NGO).
Minister Madikizela and the department welcome private initiatives to provide solutions to the housing need in the Western Cape.
“This is a very emotional event today as these six houses are handed over. Let me first acknowledge the generosity of Mrs Povall, for buying the land and funding the houses. Many people came together to make these houses possible. If people can partner together, then these are the results we can get.”
“Despite the fact that the government is facing a large housing backlog, housing delivery is not about just chasing numbers. It’s about building quality houses for people, and the six houses today, which are 75 m2, are of a very high quality. The houses are also high density, and this is a good example for the government to follow, as it shows us what high density settlements are possible. We have to make maximum use of our land to ensure that as many good houses are built as possible.”
“I am also excited that today the people who really need houses are receiving them. The elderly are finally owning their own homes. It is fair that the elderly benefit before young people in their early twenties.”
“We are living in a country polarised by racial intolerance. The fact that a white woman came to this country and formed a bond with her workers is a strong message to everyone, of what the rainbow nation can be like.”
“I urge all the new homeowners to take good care of their homes, so they can keep looking beautiful for many years to come. Home ownership carries a responsibility to care for the homes you have been given”
Enquiries:
Bruce Oom
Spokesman for Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela
Human Settlements, Provincial Government of the Western Cape
Tel: 021 483 6622
Fax: 021 483 3888
Cell: 072 465 5177
