Key Takeaways:
- Johannesburg human settlements MMC Mlungisi Mabaso disagrees with the preamble to the constitution, which states that "South Africa belongs to all who live in it"
- Mabaso argues that the phrase should be amended to explicitly declare that the country belongs to its citizens
- The IFP leader believes that undocumented foreigners strain the country’s limited resources and hinder progress
- The City of Johannesburg is formalising 254 informal settlements and introducing serviced stands for residents who can afford to build their own homes
- Mabaso stresses the importance of private-sector partnerships in addressing the city’s housing challenges
Introduction to the Controversy
The preamble to the South African constitution states that "South Africa belongs to all who live in it", a phrase that has been a subject of controversy among politicians and citizens alike. Recently, Johannesburg human settlements MMC Mlungisi Mabaso sparked a heated debate when he expressed his disagreement with this phrase, arguing that it should be amended to explicitly declare that the country belongs to its citizens. According to Mabaso, the current phrase is often "misrepresented" and "misinterpreted" by individuals who do not want to see the country progress.
The Reasoning Behind the Proposed Amendment
Mabaso’s reasoning behind the proposed amendment is rooted in his concern about the strain that undocumented foreigners put on the country’s limited resources. He believes that the presence of undocumented foreigners hinders the country’s progress and disadvantages its citizens. In an interview on the Sowetan’s podcast In The Know, Mabaso emphasized that the city’s resources are limited and that it is essential to prioritize the needs of its citizens. He also referenced a video that circulated on social media in August, in which he stated that he would not allow taxpayers’ money to be spent on undocumented foreigners living in informal settlements.
The City’s Efforts to Address Informal Settlements
Despite the challenges posed by undocumented foreigners, the City of Johannesburg is making efforts to address the issue of informal settlements. Mabaso revealed that the city is formalising 254 informal settlements, along with several hijacked buildings in the metro. The city has introduced a grant to upgrade informal settlements and formalise them into established townships. Out of the 254 informal settlements, the city has council resolutions to formalise and upgrade 181 of them, with a current focus on 67 settlements due to limited resources.
The Introduction of Serviced Stands
In an effort to address the housing shortage, the city has introduced serviced stands for residents who have the financial means to build their own homes. Mabaso explained that the city has not received RDP housing allocations from the provincial government for several years, and therefore, the introduction of serviced stands is intended to allow residents with "financial muscle" to build their own homes while easing pressure on the state. Applicants must be able to prove their financial ability to build a proper house, and the city will provide them with a serviced stand.
The Challenges of Providing Alternative Accommodation
Another challenge that the city faces is providing alternative accommodation for people ejected from condemned or hijacked buildings. Mabaso stressed that there is no dedicated funding for this mandate, despite Constitutional Court rulings requiring municipalities to provide temporary housing. The city is struggling to provide alternative accommodation, and Mabaso believes that private-sector partnerships are crucial in addressing this challenge. He emphasized that the city is inviting the private sector to work with them to find solutions to the city’s housing challenges.
The Importance of Private-Sector Partnerships
Mabaso believes that private-sector partnerships are essential in addressing the city’s housing challenges. He stressed that the city does not have sufficient resources to address the housing shortage on its own and that partnerships with the private sector can help to bridge the gap. The city is open to working with the private sector to find innovative solutions to the housing crisis, and Mabaso is confident that together, they can make a positive impact on the lives of the city’s residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mabaso’s proposal to amend the constitution to explicitly declare that South Africa belongs to its citizens has sparked a heated debate. While the city is making efforts to address the issue of informal settlements and introduce serviced stands, the challenges posed by undocumented foreigners and the lack of resources remain significant. The city’s efforts to provide alternative accommodation for people ejected from condemned or hijacked buildings are also hindered by the lack of dedicated funding. Ultimately, Mabaso believes that private-sector partnerships are crucial in addressing the city’s housing challenges, and he is confident that together, they can find solutions to the city’s housing crisis.