Polokwane Muni: First to independently oversee housing settlements
Mpe affirmed the municipality's acceptance of the responsibilities outlined in the Housing Implementation Protocol, calling for collective resolve and unity in building a brighter future for all residents
POLOKWANE – In a historic moment for the province, the Polokwane Municipality became Limpopo’s first municipality to be granted the authority to oversee housing and human settlement initiatives independently, while the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) will continue this function in other municipalities and Polokwane will be allocated a budget to build and allocate human settlements.
This monumental agreement was formalised through the signing of the Level Two Housing Implementation Accreditation Protocol, a significant milestone that marks a new era in housing administration for the region. The accord was signed by the head of Department of Coghsta in Limpopo, Dr Modjadji Malahlela and the city’s municipal manager Thuso Nemugumoni during a ceremony at the municipal chamber last Thursday.
Also present were the MEC for Coghsta, Basikopo Makamu and other dignitaries. Makamu emphasised the profound impact of this moment on the province’s residents, particularly those within the Polokwane Municipality.
“This day is an occasion of great importance for the residents of our province and specifically, Polokwane Municipality. It is a time for joy and celebration, a day that should be etched into memory and preserved in our archives,” he added.
Makamu elaborated on the significance of Polokwane assuming full control of housing administration, citing the constitutional and legislative frameworks that underpin this transition.
“Today, the City of Polokwane is entrusted with a tremendous constitutional and legislative responsibility as they assume full control of housing administration,” he affirmed.
Highlighting the vision encapsulated within the accreditation protocol, Makamu painted a vivid picture of empowered communities and thriving townships. “Imagine communities where every family has a home — a place to build memories, a sanctuary to nurture dreams,” he articulated. “This is not a utopian dream. It is a foreseeable reality and the blueprint for our action,” he said.
Echoing the MEC’s sentiment, Mayor John Mpe articulated the municipality’s unwavering commitment to realising this vision. “Housing is not merely a basic human need; it is a fundamental human right,” emphasised Mpe. “The signing of this protocol signifies our commitment to shouldering the responsibility of providing housing and human settlement ourselves,” he assured.
Mpe emphasised the significance of the trust placed in the municipality by provincial and national counterparts, affirming the municipality’s dedication to fulfilling this responsibility with humility and determination. “We accept this responsibility with humility, determination and unwavering dedication to the well-being of our community,” he stated.
Mpe affirmed the municipality’s acceptance of the responsibilities outlined in the Housing Implementation Protocol, calling for collective resolve and unity in building a brighter future for all residents. “Let us move forward with determination, compassion, and a sense of purpose, knowing that together, we can build a brighter future for all,” he concluded.
