Tag Archives: Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs

397 title deeds to be issued to rightful beneficiaries

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Picture: Abandoned RDP houses/Generic

By AGISANANG SCUFF

25 September 2025- The Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane and the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi, will issue 397 title deeds to the rightful owners at Mothutlung village, near Brits. Simelane spokesperson, Tsekiso Machike said the handover marks a significant step in the Department of Human Settlements’ ongoing commitment to eliminate the national title deed backlog, an initiative poised to unlock over R200 billion in asset value for fully subsidised government houses across the country.

Machike said the North West has for this financial year targeted to deliver 6718 title deeds across the province, contributing to the national goal of 80 000 deeds by 2029.  He further said to accelerate this effort, Simelane and Molapisi, have re-launched the Title Deeds Fridays Campaign, a nationwide drive aimed at mobilising all stakeholders to support the title deeds restoration programme.

“The campaign seeks to restore dignity, strengthen tenure security, and promote economic empowerment for beneficiaries. The event will also be attended by the executive mayor of Bojanala District Municipality, Dikeledi Mthangeni and mayor of Madibeng Local Municipality, Douglas Maimane. 

“We will start with door-to-door delivery of title deeds to three senior citizens in Extension 1 and 2 in Mothutlung at 10am. Then at 10:30am, we will have community engagement and title deeds handover at Mothutlung Community Hall,” added Machike.  

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10 RDP houses handed over to beneficiaries

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Picture: Some of beneficiaries with Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Bentley Vass/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 September 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Bentley Vass handed over 10 houses to some of the delighted beneficiaries of the Jacksonville 139 Housing Project, in Jacksonville, in the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, in the Frances Baard District. The Jacksonville 139 Housing Project is part of the 1 Billion Rand Housing Project, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul in January 2024.

Vass said trees were also planted at these new houses, signifying a new beginning for many of the beneficiaries and their families. He further said the approach of the department is to hand over houses to beneficiaries of the completed houses to avoid damage/vandalism and ensure security and comfort for these beneficiaries, whilst construction work continues on the remaining houses.

“In addition, title deeds were also handed out to the beneficiaries. A title deed provides legal ownership of property and can be used as leverage for other economic benefits. The department, working with all municipalities in the province, will be stepping up efforts to deliver available title deeds throughout the province.

“The title deeds restoration programme is prepared to ensure that the government reaches out to the communities and housing beneficiaries to dispatch title deeds accordingly,” added Vass.

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Molapisi invokes Section 106 Investigations in Madibeng Local Municipality

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Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

 15 July 2025- North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi said he has invoked Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act to investigate allegations of maladministration and malfeasance in Madibeng. Molapisi said he has appointed a law firm to conduct an investigation, which will amongst other things, focus on irregular appointment of municipal officials and service providers.

He further said this will include failure by council to convene statutory meetings as prescribed by legislation and rules of order of council. Molapisi added that the investigation follows a directive by the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, who had requested him to conduct an investigation in the municipality in terms of Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act.

“The investigation will be conducted in the next three months after which a report with clear recommendations will be presented to me. So, we appeal to the councillors of Madibeng Local Municipality to offer their support to ensure a successful investigation.

“The allegations are of a serious nature and we expect councillors and officials of the municipality to cooperate and assist in providing the necessary information that will assist the investigation,” he said.

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Invocation of Section 139(1)(a) at Mamusa     

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Picture: The embattled Mamusa Local Municipality 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

11 July 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi has expressed deep concern after disruptions at a meeting meant to officially communicate the invocation of Section 139(1)(a) of the Constitution at Mamusa Local Municipality as resolved by the Provincial Executive Council.

In an unprecedented turn of events, community members demanded to meet Molapisi directly reporting alleged failure by council to follow due process in the appointment of senior officials and a lack of service delivery amongst others. 

Molapisi further said he takes a ‘dim view’ and strongly condemns actions by community members. He added that although disappointed by the disruption, he still chose to listen to the community’s concerns. 

“We urge them to allow the Department of COGTA to do its work and help fix the problems. In respect of matters currently before the court, including the reappointment of the Municipal Manager, we urge the community to allow due legal process to take its course, await outcomes and respect courts systems. 

“An urgent meeting with councillors will be convened within seven days to address outstanding issues. In light of today’s events, I am more determined to carry out the Provincial Executive Council’s decision. The decision of EXCO will be communicated to the council and implemented without fail,” said Molapisi.

IMATU branch secretary in Schweizer Reneke, David Motswana said as the union, they welcome the decision. Motswana said two days ago, municipal employees embarked on a protest over unpaid salaries. 

“It is not for the first time that municipal employees go months without getting their salaries. However, some municipal employees embarked on a protest because they do not want the legitimate Municipal Manager, Rantsho Gincane in the cocoon,” he said.

SAMWU branch secretary, Lebogang Tutubalang shared the same sentiments. Tutubalang said: “You will remember that Section 139(1)(a) of the South African Constitution allows a provincial government to intervene in a municipality when it fails to fulfill its executive obligation. 

“This intervention involves issuing a directive to the municipal council, instructing them on how to meet their responsibilities. So, we will not stand in the way of MEC to implement a mechanism to ensure the municipality upholds its constitutional and legal duties.”

Tutubala said the implementation was done after analysis and they welcome that. 

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Molapisi extends term for NWHC interim Board members

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Picture: The NWHC interim board members

By REGINALD KANYANE

2 July 2025- North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi, has officially extended the term of office for the Interim Board of the North West Housing Corporation (NWHC). The interim board was initially appointed in April 2025 in accordance with Section 3(2) of the North West Housing Corporation Act (Act No. 24 of 1982).

Molapisi further said their term is now extended, effective 1 July 2025, to continue serving until a fully constituted permanent board is appointed. He added that, extension of the board’s term is a necessary step to ensure oversight, maintain administrative continuity, and allow the corporation to implement its mandate. 

“We would like to reaffirm our confidence in the interim board’s ability to carry out its duties with professionalism, accountability, and integrity.

“The current interim board possesses the requisite knowledge and experience to drive the NWHC mandate, particularly as we drive the process to finalise the appointment of the new board,” said Molapisi.

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MuniMEC promotes cooperative governance and institutionalisation of the DDM

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Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

16 April 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi has underscored MuniMEC as a critical platform aimed at promoting cooperative governance, intergovernmental collaboration, coordinated policy implementation and institutionalisation of the District Development Model (DDM). Molapisi delivered the keynote address at the inaugural meeting held recently and attended by Executive Mayors, Mayors and Senior Managers across three spheres of government.

He further said the MuniMEC convened under the theme: “Every Municipality Must Work”, brought together leadership from municipalities, oversight institutions, strategic partners and traditional authorities to reimagine local government and address systemic challenges, improve financial accountability and ensure service excellence. Molapisi added that the MuniMEC session is more than a meeting.

“It is a collective recommendation to serve our people with integrity, urgency and accountability. It marks a new chapter of renewed focus and determination to address non-compliance, infrastructure backlogs, fiscal instability, and the rollout of critical human settlement and sanitation programmes.

“Amongst key issues discussed during the session was the persistent non-compliance with legislation governing the recruitment and selection of senior municipal managers, Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) expenditure per municipality, the importance of developing credible budgets and management of debt,” said Molapisi.

He said the session also highlighted underperformance of MIG by some municipalities and resolved that the affected municipalities must develop recovery plans. Molapisi maintained that poor expenditure of infrastructure grants by municipalities is unacceptable.

“We have municipalities that do not spend on their grants funding, yet our communities are still without clean water, decent homes and access roads. This is not just unfortunate – it is intolerable. It is a betrayal of our people’s constitutional rights.

“Appointments of Senior Managers against the guiding policies and regulations are a travesty of justice, it undermines professionalism and fuels governance instability,” he said.

Molapisi said municipalities must align with all prescribed regulations, or risk continued dysfunction and costly litigation.

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Molapisi appointed as acting North West Premier as Mokgosi goes abroad  

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Picture: The acting North West Premier, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 August 2024- The North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, has appointed the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi as acting Premier effective from 29 August until 6 September 2024. During this period, Mokgosi will be leading a delegation of the provincial government to Gyeosangbu-DO province of South Korea and the Henan province of China on an international mission.

Mokgosi said the primary objective of this mission is to strengthen economic ties with the two provinces. He further said their quest is to also critically position the North West province as a prime destination for investments.

“This mission forms part of our ongoing efforts as the province to attract investments and address the high levels of unemployment afflicting our communities. There lies huge spin offs in the three economic drivers of our province and our visit is centred on exposing these opportunities to our prospective investors,” he said.

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Strategic measures in place to strengthen municipalities

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi has announced decisive measures to improve governance and financial management across all municipalities in the province. 

During the tabling of the Departmental Budget Speech for the 2024/2025 financial year at North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng, Molapisi said several key initiatives aimed at enhancing municipal administration, integrity and financial health.

He further said to strengthen municipal governance, the department issued a directive last year to all municipalities to fill all senior management and critical vacant posts.

“Out of the 22 municipalities in the province, only Madibeng and Lekwa-Teemane, are yet to appoint Municipal Managers. This process is receiving the highest priority to ensure effective municipal administration. 

“In pursuit of a clean administration, a training programme on Municipal Integrity Management Framework (MIMF) will be rolled out to councillors, officials and community members. The MIMF sets high standards of integrity and ethical behaviour, guiding municipalities in conducting their services,” said Molapisi.

He added that the initiative aims to restore public confidence in local government, ensuring no one is left behind. Molapisi indicated that municipalities have significantly contributed to Eskom’s financial challenges, currently owing the power utility R5.4 billion.

“To tackle this issue, the department, in partnership with the Provincial Treasury, has facilitated a programme on debt relief for municipalities. 

“This initiative has assisted municipalities in meeting their contractual obligations with Eskom. The municipalities involved in this program include Madibeng, Kgetlengrivier, Maquassi Hills, Ramotshere Moiloa, Ditsobotla, Naledi, Tswaing, Mamusa, Lekwa Teemane and Matlosana”, he said. 

Molapisi announced that the department has implemented a robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism. He said they have also introduced revenue enhancement policy interventions to help municipalities improve revenue collection and meet their credit obligations.

“These interventions will be closely monitored to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability. The department will continue to provide capacity support to municipalities, ensuring they prepare Annual Financial Statements (AFS) in accordance with the Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA). 

“The department will also continue to empower committees such as the Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPAC) through various interventions, to strengthen and enhance their effectiveness,” said Molapisi.

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North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi calls on his management to address service delivery challenges

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi his staff/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi has challenged management in both the Departments of Human Settlements and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, to address service delivery challenges faced by communities in the province.

Molapisi has already started engagements with the National Department of Human Settlements and the Provincial Treasury to assist with sufficient budget in order to implement Human Settlements responsibilities.

“Our position must be clear and concise in order for us to be in a better position to drive our vision and mission and this will require us to engage openly on the capacity we have to meet the objectives of the 7th administration.

“We echoing the message of North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi during his inauguration acceptance speech that, we are duty bound to devote ourselves to the preamble of the constitution, which commits them to heal the diversions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” he said.

Molapisi further urged the executive management of both departments to develop a road map that seeks to respond to Mokgosi’s pronouncements. He also emphasized that this road map must be clear in addressing their major indicator of restoring the dignity of the people of the province.

“Whilst there is enormous improvement registered on the eradication of blocked projects, on top of the list should be the priorities that they have committed ourselves to eradicate mud houses and asbestos roofs.

“These pronouncements were made during Human Settlements Summit. We will also assess our performance regarding the 40% target set aside for women owned companies. Provide updates on backlogs, including those on the Military Veterans Housing Programme,” said Molapisi.

Moreover, he added that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs needs to strengthen its internal capacity in order to support municipalities and traditional leaders.

He emphasised the need to regularly meeting with the mayors and relevant stakeholders in order to deal with some of the challenges at local government level, whilst he indicated that Ditsobotla Local Municipality is receiving the necessary attention.

“Our communities want service delivery and expect nothing less. With regards to traditional affairs, we will have an engagement session with the Executive Committee of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, to discuss issues affecting traditional leaders,” said Molapisi.

Meanwhile the Head of Department, Kgomotso Mahlobo also took an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the former North West MEC, Nono Maloyi for his sterling leadership during his tenure and further congratulated and welcomed Molapisi, who is equal to the task as a leader and assured him of the support and commitment of the entire management and staff of the department.

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North West MEC for COGHSTA, Nono Maloyi calls on contractors to work around the clock

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Nono Maloyi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi has called on management of his department to ensure that contractors improve on service delivery with regard to unblocking blocked projects and issuing of title deeds across the province.

Maloyi said the department has taken a decision previously to unblock all blocked projects in the province, saying although there is visible progress, he is not pleased as it is carried out in snail’s pace. He further said that the managers should always follow up on all projects, as well as to intervene on challenges encountered by contractors to avoid delays. 

He added that the department should appoint performing contractors to ensure that projects are completed and handed over on time. 

“We have introduced contractors and had sessions with them to say, we want them on site immediately so that we hand over these houses to their beneficiaries. You are therefore expected to work round the clock throughout the festive season to ensure that, you are part when we extend the scope of contractors who have the capacity.

“Managers must ensure that title deeds are handed over so that we do not focus on blocked projects only. It is responsibility of the department to ensure that communities have roof over their heads and own those properties they have been staying in,” said Maloyi.

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