Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, has tabled the Department’s 2025/2026 Budget Vote with a clear call to action: to turn budgets into dignity, and housing into hope.
The R6.06 billion budget is more than a fiscal plan — it is a bold and moral commitment to unlock the constitutional promise of adequate housing, deliver inclusive development, and build integrated, sustainable human settlements across Gauteng.
“This budget is not just a financial instrument. It is a moral commitment to unlock dignity, security, and opportunity,” said MEC Motara during her address.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN AND FOCUS
The R6.06 billion allocation comprises:
- R1.235 billion from the Provincial Equitable Share
- R4.826 billion from Conditional Grants
- And an additional R332 million earmarked for sanitation services in informal settlements and land security in “Gauteng 13” areas.
While the budget will decline to R5.524 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework
(MTEF), MEC Motara has emphasised the need for sharper grant absorption, improved procurement, and maximum impact per rand spent.
FOUR STRATEGIC DELIVERY PROGRAMMES
The Department’s delivery will be driven through four focused programmes:
- Administration (R647 million): Driving inclusive procurement, financial control, and
compliance. - Housing Needs, Research & Planning (R135 million): Supporting project pipelines, land
release, and investment in Priority Development Areas. - Housing Development (R5.05 billion): Delivering 7,503 BNG units, 31 serviced sites, 4,982 engineering services, and upgrading hostels. It will also create 2,579 EPWP jobs and 750 skilled employment opportunities.
- Housing Assets & Property Management (R229 million): Targeting the registration of 8,623 title deeds, resolving rental disputes, and devolving properties to municipalities.
DELIVERING DIGNITY, NOT JUST NUMBERS
Reinforcing a people-centred approach, MEC Motara shared stories like that of Mama Maria in Droogeheuwel, who received a home after 15 years of waiting. “This is not merely a story of
shelter, but of dignity restored,” she said.
Progress includes:
- 518 households relocated from informal settlements.
- 9 settlements serviced.
- 14.1km of sewer infrastructure completed and 900 homes connected to water in Bekkersdal.
- Hostel upgrades underway at George Goch, Denver, Jeppe, MBA, Murray & Roberts, and LTA Rethabile.
TITLE DEEDS, LAND OWNERSHIP & MUNICIPAL COORDINATION
With R39 million allocated for title deed registration, the Department aims to transfer 8,623 title deeds. Additionally, 703 stands and five housing complexes will be transferred to municipalities.
MEC Motara has urged municipalities to expedite acceptance to enable progress.
“A title deed is not a piece of paper. It is a declaration: ‘This land belongs to you.’”
GOVERNANCE REFORMS & LEADERSHIP STABILITY
Highlighting institutional reform, the Department:
- Maintained an unqualified audit.
- Resolved 74% of audit findings.
- Achieved 100% invoice payment within 30 days.
A six-pillar turnaround strategy is driving progress, supported by the recent appointment of Ms Puleng Gadebe-Mabaso as Head of Department.
JOBS, EQUITY AND INCLUSION AT THE CORE
To date, nearly 30,000 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) opportunities have been created. The Department continues to prioritise youth, women, military veterans, and persons with disabilities across procurement and employment initiatives.
“In Gauteng, dignity is not postponed. Housing is not negotiable. And hope is not an illusion,”
concluded MEC Motara.