Councillor Ntuli has been replaced
The Department’s performance has not improved.
“Former MMC for Housing, councillor Mzobanzi Ntuli inherited a Department that was performing poorly and with a legacy of corruption due to the leadership of the former ANC MMC for Housing, councillor Dan Bovu, whose case of corruption relating to selling the city’s land was recently before the courts,” said the City of Johannesburg’s Executive Mayor, councillor Herman Mashaba.
“However, despite Ntuli’s best efforts, the Department’s performance has not improved. While this is primarily a function of the administration of this Department, it is going to require different leadership to effect the turnaround of this critical function in the City,” he continued.
This is why councillor Meshack van Wyk has been appointed to replace the former MMC for Housing, councillor Mzobanzi Ntuli of the IFP.
According to Mashaba, access to affordable housing represents one of the greatest needs of residents in the City, and it is a priority of the multi-party government to reverse the legacy of landlessness and dispossession that continues in the City today. This legacy persists in the hands of land occupation and backyard dwellings throughout the City.
“When the residents of Johannesburg voted for change in 2016, one of the most important aspects of this change had to be in the form of increased provision of housing. This is a commitment that this multi-party government must live up to. This action comes down to the need for the multi-party government to have the best, most fit-for-purpose people able to lead their Departments through the inherited state of neglect and corruption. Ultimately, the political parties representing the multi-party government stand behind this principle,” he said.
The following mandate has been given to Van Wyk:
– Inner City regeneration to fast-track delivery of affordable housing, student accommodation and small business space.
– Identification of city-owned land for Service Stands.
– Maximise the utilisation of Provincial and National grants to deliver houses to our residents.
– Expedite delivery of Title Deeds to qualifying residents.
– Finalisation and publication of the official open housing waiting list.
– Development of a new Housing Policy for the City of Johannesburg.Van Wyk is the Regional Executive Chairman of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) and has served as a councillor in the City of Johannesburg since 2006, serving on the Housing Section 79 Committee, among others. He holds an advanced certificate in municipal governance from the University of Johannesburg, a certificate in Business and Government Policy from Rhodes University, a certificate in the IDP from NS Global Academy, and a certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation from the National School of Governance.
Mashaba concluded his announcement by saying, “I would like to wish Van Wyk the best in his new role and have every confidence in his ability to bring positive change to the housing department. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Ntuli for his service under tremendous pressure.”
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