Housing as a Human Right: Simelane Links 30 Years of Constitution to SA’s Settlement Transformation

Few sectors reflect the reality of human rights as directly as housing, Simelane noted, where legal rights translate into lived conditions.

As South Africa commemorates Human Rights Month and nearly 30 years of its Constitution, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has placed housing at the centre of the country’s democratic progress — describing it as a living expression of dignity, equality and opportunity.

In an in-depth reflection, Simelane said the milestone is not only a moment to celebrate progress, but also to recommit to delivering on the constitutional promise of adequate housing for all.

Housing as the Face of Constitutional Rights

Few sectors reflect the reality of human rights as directly as housing, Simelane noted, where legal rights translate into lived conditions.

“Housing is not just infrastructure — it is dignity made real,” she said, linking access to shelter with broader constitutional guarantees.

She highlighted how democratic reforms have:

• Expanded property ownership rights, especially for women and marginalised groups

• Removed historical barriers rooted in apartheid-era policies

• Enabled more South Africans to claim security, space and belonging

Beyond Houses: Building Integrated Communities

Simelane stressed that government’s vision goes far beyond delivering individual housing units.

Modern human settlements must include:

• Schools and healthcare facilities

• Roads and transport infrastructure

• Recreational and community spaces

• Skills development and training centres

This integrated approach aims to create functional, inclusive and economically active communities.

Measuring Progress: Gains and Gaps

The Minister pointed to notable service delivery achievements:

• 97% electricity provision in human settlements

• 72% access to water and bulk infrastructure connectivity

While acknowledging ongoing backlogs, she said these figures demonstrate significant post-apartheid progress.

“We have ticked what is key, but rapid urbanisation continues to challenge delivery,” she noted.

Urbanisation Pressures Reshape Policy Priorities

South Africa’s housing strategy is increasingly shaped by:

• Rapid urban migration

• Population growth

• Expanding informal settlements

To address this, government is focusing on:

• Developing secondary cities and small towns

• Reducing pressure on major urban centres

• Enabling people to live closer to economic opportunities

Oversight Institutions Strengthen Democracy

Simelane highlighted the role of institutions like the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in ensuring accountability.

Rather than viewing oversight as adversarial, she described it as:

• A mechanism to improve governance systems

• A safeguard for citizens’ constitutional rights

Technology as a Game-Changer for Housing Delivery

Looking ahead, the Minister emphasised the role of innovation and technology in accelerating housing delivery.

Under the 2025 Budget Vote theme, the department is focusing on:

• Resilient and sustainable construction

• Faster, scalable housing solutions

• Climate-responsive infrastructure

Innovative Building Technologies Take Centre Stage

A key initiative is the Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) Summit, aimed at promoting:

• Modular and prefabricated construction

• Locally produced alternative materials

• Energy-efficient and climate-resilient designs

• Smart construction methods to reduce costs and timelines

These technologies are expected to:

• Speed up housing delivery

• Improve quality and durability

• Support local manufacturing and job creation

Tackling Mud Housing and Climate Risks

Simelane flagged the continued presence of mud houses as a critical concern, particularly in rural areas.

These structures are:

• Highly vulnerable to flooding and extreme weather

• Unsafe for occupants

With climate change intensifying disasters, IBTs offer a pathway to:

• Replace unsafe structures

• Build durable, affordable housing at scale

Advancing Spatial Justice

A central goal of housing policy is to reverse apartheid spatial patterns, which still shape many South African cities.

Through innovative construction and planning, government aims to:

• Promote well-located, high-density housing

• Integrate communities socially and economically

• Reduce inequality in access to opportunities

Constitutional Mandate Remains Central

Simelane reiterated that housing delivery is guided by Section 26 of the Constitution, which mandates the State to:

• Take reasonable measures

• Within available resources

• To ensure access to adequate housing

This includes not just building homes, but ensuring they are:

• Affordable

• Sustainable

• Dignified

From Rights on Paper to Reality on the Ground

As South Africa marks three decades of constitutional democracy, Simelane’s message is clear: the journey is far from complete.

“Housing is about dignity, equality and human rights made real,” she said.

With growing urban pressures and climate challenges, the next phase of housing delivery will depend on innovation, collaboration and sustained political commitment — ensuring that the constitutional promise continues to evolve for future generations.