Government Targets 2029 Deadline to Eliminate Military Veterans’ Housing Backlog

Minister Motshekga acknowledged delays in providing housing to military veterans, emphasising that government is now prioritising the completion of existing projects.

In a renewed push to address long-standing housing challenges, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane and Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga have committed to eradicating the housing backlog affecting South Africa's military veterans by 2029.

The commitment was made during a community engagement in uMshwathi Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, where government officials handed over houses and title deeds to beneficiaries, including military veterans, elderly residents, destitute families, and child-headed households.

Focus on Delivering for Those Who Served

Minister Motshekga acknowledged delays in providing housing to military veterans, emphasising that government is now prioritising the completion of existing projects.

"Military veterans sacrificed their lives and families so that we can have a free and democratic South Africa, and they should be honoured," she said.

She noted that President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed Ministers to accelerate delivery, particularly for vulnerable groups such as veterans who have waited years for housing support.

Verification Drive to Fast-Track Delivery

As part of the plan, provinces have been instructed to verify all legitimate military veterans in need of housing to ensure accurate targeting and faster rollout.

In KwaZulu-Natal alone:

• 490 military veterans have already been confirmed as requiring housing

• Processes are underway to expedite construction and allocation

The Ministers said they will work collaboratively to ensure meaningful progress within the current term of office, while keeping the 2029 target firmly in sight.

uMshwathi Housing Project Gains Momentum

The housing handovers form part of the uMshwathi Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP), a large-scale initiative designed to deliver 2,922 housing units.

The development includes:

• Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses

• First Home Finance opportunities

• Social housing units

• Dedicated homes for military veterans

To date, 744 housing units have been completed and handed over, with further construction ongoing.

At the event, government also issued 500 title deeds to qualifying beneficiaries, a move aimed at strengthening property ownership and economic security for low-income households.

Freedom Month Context Reinforces Urgency

The engagement took place during Freedom Month, marking South Africa's democratic transition in April 1994—adding symbolic weight to efforts aimed at delivering dignity through housing.

Officials said addressing the housing backlog is not only a service delivery priority but also part of fulfilling the broader promise of freedom and equality.

Progress on Flood Recovery Housing in eThekwini

In a related development, Minister Simelane commended the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government and the eThekwini Municipality for progress in rebuilding homes destroyed during the 2022 floods.

During an oversight visit to Cornubia under Operation Siyahlola, the Minister confirmed that:

• 113 housing units are nearing completion and expected to be handed over in May 2026

• Procurement for 976 additional units is at an advanced stage

• A total of 1,200 families will benefit from the project

The full project is scheduled for completion by June 2026, marking a critical milestone in post-disaster recovery efforts.

Simelane urged contractors to meet deadlines, maintain quality standards, and stay within budget.

Coordinated Government Effort

The visit was attended by key provincial and local leaders, including KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma, uMshwathi Mayor Mandla Zondi, and uMgungundlovu District Mayor Mzi Zuma—highlighting a coordinated, multi-level government approach.

Driving Housing Delivery and Restoring Dignity

The dual focus on military veterans' housing and flood recovery underscores government's broader strategy to address housing backlogs, respond to disasters, and improve living conditions for vulnerable communities.

With a clear 2029 deadline and projects gaining traction, the coming years will be critical in determining whether these commitments translate into tangible outcomes for thousands of South Africans still waiting for homes.