MEC for Public Works, Infrastructure and Human Settlements Siphokazi Lusithi hosted a Post Policy Speech Media Breakfast and Stakeholder Engagement Session at the ICC in East London on Tuesday 24 June 2025.
Head of Department Phucuka Penelope Penxa said the purpose of the session was to unpack, explain, and discuss the department’s key priorities and plans, while also giving stakeholders a chance to share their views and questions.
MEC Lusithi said engaging with stakeholders is essential as the session creates a platform to exchange ideas and strengthen coordination between government departments and the communities they serve.
“For us this platform provides an opportunity for a more meaningful conversation amongst ourselves as your stakeholders and how do we begin to fashion out the strategic policy direction of the ministry in the two departments.”
MEC said: “What remains crucial for the Ministry is to transform the built sector. For us transformation is not just a buzzword but rather it is a fundamental imperative.
“Prioritising destitute and vulnerable groups in our housing delivery remains a cornerstone of our approach.”
She added that the Department is taking bold steps in transforming the provincial human settlements landscape including the launch of mega mixed use and gap market housing developments. These projects, she said, “go beyond just delivering houses. They are designed to stimulate economic growth, generate employment opportunities and significantly improve the quality of lives of our people.”
She explained that the Department of Public Works and Department of Human Settlements will collaborate on key focus areas, including the devolution of state-owned properties for improved management, provision of affordable rentals, repurposing of properties as safe houses for vulnerable groups including the LGBTQIA+ community, empowering MSMEs and local building material suppliers, etc.
These collaborations will be included in the Departments plans and monitored for progress.
The MEC also announced that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has allocated R6.3 million to continue supporting 30 students under the Doctor Mxolisi Majombozi Bursary Fund while the Department of Human Settlements will launch a new bursary scheme in 2025/2026 for high achieving youth interested in built environment fields. “Bursaries play a pivotal role in advancing our socio-economic transformation,” the MEC said.
The MEC extended her condolences to the people of OR Tambo District and Amathole District who were affected by the recent floods and wished the injured a speedy recovery and applauded state departments for their quick and coordinated disaster response. She said both departments (DPWI and Human Settlements) are working with entities to provide support and help rebuild affected areas.
