Picture: Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass handing over houses/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
25 November 2025- As part of the Northern Cape 1 Billion Rand Housing Project for the Northern Cape, the Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, handed over a total of 10 houses to some of the beneficiaries of the Dalton 100 Housing Project in Douglas. Vass was accompanied by the mayor of Siyancuma Municipality, Patrick McKlein and the municipal speaker, Johannes George.
“Today, we are here in Dalton, Douglas, to hand over ten houses to beneficiaries from this project in Siyancuma Municipality. We are happy with the quality of the houses and that we can deliver on the commitment of the government to house the nation.
“We continue to call on all our contractors across the province, to speed up the pace of building these houses, so that more beneficiaries can receive keys to their houses for security and comfort,” he said.
Vass further said the construction work is continuing on the Dalton 100 Housing Projects and many others across the province, as part of the 1 Billion Rand Housing Project.
One of the beneficiaries, Sanna Letele (81) received the keys to her house. Letele said she is happy because her family including her children and three grandchildren have a proper roof over their heads.
“We will be moving out of this shack. I cannot thank the government enough for restoring my dignity,” she said.
Picture: NCOP permanent delegates to the Northern Cape/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
19 November 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass said he is ready to welcome the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) permanent delegates to the Northern Cape. NCOP permanent delegates are conducting oversight over service delivery projects as part of the Provincial Week from 18 to 21 November 2025.
Vass said the 2025 Provincial Week, an annual flagship oversight and accountability programme of the NCOP, will take place under the theme: “Building Viable Municipalities for Enhanced Delivery of Basic Services to Communities.” He said through the programme, the permanent delegates return to their respective provinces to assess progress in the delivery of basic services and engage communities on challenges affecting their daily lives.
“This underscores the NCOP’s ongoing commitment to strengthening oversight and accountability as key priorities in improving the quality of life of all South Africans. The NCOP weeklong programme will focus on the ZF Mgcawu District and Namakwa District. The delegates will be receiving presentations on the measures taken to strengthen service delivery broadly, as well as the state of municipalities and measures taken to improve this sphere of government for effective service delivery.
“We welcome the NCOP delegation, which is mandated by Section 42(4) of the Constitution, to represent provincial interests at the national level. We are looking forward to the weeklong interaction that has the aim of identifying measures to enhance service delivery, promote accountability, and ensure that matters affecting our province are effectively brought to the attention of the National Government,’’ said Vass.
He further said the NCOP delegation started their programme in the ZF Mgcawu District on 18 November and will proceed to the Namakwa District, where they will also be engaging with communities and conducting in-loco inspection of some of the housing projects in the Namakwa District.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul spokesperson, Naledi Gaosekwe said: “The NCOP received presentations from the Departments of COGHSTA and of Roads and Public Works, led respectively by Vass and Fufe Makatong, as well as the presentation of the state of municipalities in the Namakwa District, presented by the executive mayor, Mervin Cloete and inputs by SALGA and the Office of the Auditor-General.
“The presentations focused on issues relating to service delivery in municipalities, as well as the implementation of infrastructure projects across the province. The NCOP delegates will proceed to the Namakwa District to engage with the Karoo Hoogland and Hantam Municipalities, and visit key infrastructure projects, as well as host a public meeting in the Namakwa District as part of the weeklong programme that will end on 21 November 2025.”
28 October 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass handed over a total of 15 houses to some of the beneficiaries of the Calvinia 200 Housing Project in the Hantam Local Municipality in Namakwa District). Vass was accompanied by the executive mayor of the Namakwa District Municipality, councillor Mervin Cloete, mayor of the Hantam Municipality, councillor Koos Alexander and other councillors of the two municipalities.
He further said the Calvinia 200 Housing Project is part of the 1 Billion Rand Housing Project launched in January 2024 by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa and Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, as part of efforts to address the housing backlog of the Northern Cape. Vass added that the houses are completed.
“They will be handed over to beneficiaries in batches from project to project. We are happy that this morning, we are able to hand over keys to 15 families in this municipality. We continue to call all the appointed contractors across the Province, to work with speed to ensure that beneficiaries receive their houses sooner rather than later.
“We are aware of slow progress in some of the projects in the different districts and we have moved swiftly to terminate some of the contractors, who are not performing optimally despite several interventions and assistance by the department,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, Saul said the Northern Cape Provincial Government is committed to eradicating the province’s housing backlog by building houses in all the Districts.
Picture: Residents in Sakhile, near Pampierstad/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
20 October 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, accompanied by the Phokwane Local Municipality mayor, Willem Harmse, hosted the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, and the Frances Baard District and other local municipalities leaders at a successful Title Deeds Fridays programme held in Sakhile, near Pampierstad.
Addressing the community that was largely composed of more than 500 beneficiaries, Simelane said: “We are happy to be here today, as part of our Title Deeds Restoration Programme, because this government is committed to restoring the dignity of our people and to ensure security of tenure.
“This is why the government has re-launched the Title Deeds Fridays, to rapidly deliver deeds to the rightful beneficiaries.”
Vass said the Northern Cape Provincial Government has appointed conveyancers for all the 26 local municipalities in the province to assist the government to address the title deeds backlog and that progress is made daily to ensure that title deeds are registered and delivered to the owners. He further said the event was also attended by the representatives from the Batlhaping Ba Mothibi, under the traditional leadership of Kgosi Ponatshego Mothibi.
“Municipalities are encouraged to ensure that all title deeds in their possession are delivered to beneficiaries,” said Vass.
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.
29 August 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass said he is making a final and urgent call to all 31 municipalities in the province to submit their Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and Annual Performance Reports (APRs) to the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) by 31 August 2025. Vass said municipalities that have completed their reports are encouraged to submit early and not wait for the last minute.
He further said this critical deadline is in line with the national Operation Clean Audits (OCA) plan, and its successful implementation in the Northern Cape is a key priority for the provincial government. Vass added that the submission of these documents is not merely a procedural requirement, but a fundamental cornerstone of good governance, accountability, and financial transparency.
“We are calling on all our municipalities to act with a sense of urgency and responsibility. Submitting the AFS and APRs on time is crucial for the AGSA to conduct their audits in a timely and efficient manner.
“This process is essential for us to assess the financial health and performance of our municipalities and to ensure that public funds are being managed effectively for the benefit of our communities,” he said.
Vass also cautioned that failure to meet this deadline will have serious consequences, including council having to request the speaker to investigate and implement consequences. He said non-compliance will result in the municipality being reported to the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, Parliament and delaying the audit process of the AG.
“It will also hinder our collective efforts to achieve clean audits across the province, which is a key objective of the provincial administration and a non-negotiable part of our commitment to the people of the Northern Cape.
“The department’s commitment to supporting municipalities in this process and acknowledged the efforts of those who have already submitted their reports,” said Vass.
He urged those who have not yet submitted to finalise their preparations and submit their documents without delay.
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass
By REGINALD KANYANE
25 August 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, will be handing over houses to beneficiaries of the Dalton 100 Housing Project in Dalton, Douglas, in the Siyancuma Local Municipality (Pixley Ka Seme District) on 25 August 2025. Vass said Dalton 100 Housing Project is part of the 1 Billion Rand Housing Project launched in January 2024.
He further said he will also hand over title deeds to beneficiaries from around Douglas.
“A title deed is a crucial legal document that proves that a person is the rightful owner of a property or piece of land, and serves to protect rights of citizens, whilst contributing to their economic upliftment, through the leveraging of their properties for various financial and developmental opportunities,” added Vass.
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
5 August 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, visited beneficiaries of the Jacksonville 139 Housing Project in Jacksonville, near Kimberley today. This follows the handing over of 15 houses to these beneficiaries on 25 July 2025.
Vass said the courtesy visit was to make sure that the beneficiaries have settled in and are happy with their houses. He further said the visit was also to hand over title deeds to the beneficiaries and confirm that they are the rightful owners of these houses.
“This is a follow up visit to these beneficiaries to ascertain that a few days since we handed them their keys, they are still happy and have moved into their new houses. Furthermore, I came today, to personally hand over their title deeds, which is a crucial legal document that proves that they are the rightful owners of these properties.
“The title deed also protects your rights and contributes to the economic upliftment by enabling individuals to leverage their properties for various financial and developmental opportunities,” he said.
Vass added that his department hands over the houses as soon as they are completed to avoid vandalism and to ensure that the beneficiaries take ownership of their houses immediately, while work commences to finish outstanding houses.
Meanwhile, a beneficiary, Andries Zeekoie (63), said he waited long for the house and is eternally grateful to the government for restoring his dignity and ensuring shelter for his family.
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass
By AGISANANG SCUFF
3 July 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass said he has acknowledged and welcomed the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry appointed by the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul. Vass said the commission is set to investigate traditional leadership disputes and claims arising from the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
He further said the appointment of the commission is in line with the provision of Section 59(1)(a) of the Northern Cape Traditional Leadership and Governance and Houses of Traditional Leaders Act (Act No.4 of 2007), read with Section 2 of the Northern Cape Commissions of Inquiry Act (Act No. 4 of 1996). Vass added that, eight-member commission will be led by Professor Mandla Maseko.
“The commission’s inaugural meeting is scheduled for 15 July 2025, to finalise their calendar of activities. We are positive that this commission will provide all traditional communities, leaders and stakeholders, in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, an opportunity to table all their concerns and disputes.
“This will be with a view of ensuring harmony and co-existence within all traditional communities in the district, particularly those that are experiencing leadership tensions. As a department, we will support the work of the commission, so that they reach their set objectives, in the allocated time of two years,’’ he said.
Vass said the Northern Cape Provincial Government is committed in its continuous support of the institution of Traditional Leadership, as this institution plays a key role in the system of cooperative governance, and the development of communities. He said various media platforms and stakeholders will be engaged to ensure that communities, especially in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, are aware of the activities of the commission and fully participate.
7 April 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass cautioned the communities in low-lying areas of the riverbanks in the Northern Cape of possible overtopping following the opening of the 5th sluice gate of the Vaal Dam on 6 April 2025, by the Department of Water and Sanitation. Vass said due to the increased water releases by the five sluice gates, there might be a possible overflow at the riverbanks downstream and this will affect infrastructure built in lower-lying areas within the 100 metres.
He further discourages people from conducting rituals at the rivers and activities like baptisms, swimming and fishing and crossing the rivers by foot or with motor vehicles on submerged bridges. Vass added that, they have engaged all five District Disaster Management Centres across the province to submit situational reports to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), so that should the need arise for immediate intervention and mobilisation of resources, they are ready at the PDMC to provide such support.
“The department through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre is on high alert for immediate response. The Department of Water and Sanitation is continuously monitoring the water levels in the Vaal River System,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said due to the rapid increase of inflows into the Vaal Dam, a 5th sluice gate has been opened on Sunday to manage water levels that have increased overnight as a result of the ongoing rainfall in the Vaal River catchment.
Mavasa said this is 24-hours after the department opened the 4th sluice gate at the Vaal Dam.
“The water storage levels at the dam stood at 108% on Friday, but as of Sunday, the levels had risen to 109%. The outflows at the dam will increase from 550 cubic metres per second (mᵌ/s) to just under 700 mᵌ/s.
“The inflows into the dam have increased since this morning from 1000 m3/s to 1200 m3/s by midday.
Bloemhof Dam storage levels have also risen from yesterday’s 103% to 107% this morning and water releases will be staggered incrementally from the current 1000 mᵌ/s to 1 100 m³/s at 10am; 1 200 m³/s at 12h00; 1 300 m³/s at 14h00 and the last increase at 16h00 to 1 400 m3/s,” he said.
Mavasa further said the increased outflows from Vaal Dam are expected to reach the Vaal Barrage in about 6 hours and Bloemhof Dam in 3 to 4 days and will result in water levels rising in both the dam and the river, overtopping the riverbanks. He added that, due to increased water releases by the five sluice gates, there might be a possible overflowing at the riverbanks downstream and this will affect infrastructure built in lower lying areas within the 100-year floodline.
“People living within the high floodline of the Vaal River downstream of the Vaal Dam and the Bloemhof Dam should evacuate and move to a safe area, and remove valuable equipment, movable infrastructure and livestock.
At Grootdraai Dam located in Mpumalanga in the Upper Vaal River Catchment, upstream of the Vaal Dam, one sluice gate remains open to enable water releases. The Dam is currently sitting at 102%.
“The department is implementing these necessary controlled water releases at the dams as part of dam safety precautions to safeguard the infrastructure. DWS is continuously monitoring the water levels in the Vaal River System,” said Mavasa.
He said through various platforms, the department continuously shares hydrology reports and provides regular updates regarding the water levels in the dams, with recommendations in order to provide early warnings in case of flooding. taungdailynews@gmail.com
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