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MMC for Housing, Councillor Mzobanzi Ntuli of the IFP, dismissed

With effect from today, 18 May 2018, I have taken the decision to appoint Councillor Meshack van Wyk of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), as the MMC for Housing in the City of Johannesburg.

Councillor van Wyk will replace the former MMC for Housing, Councillor Mzobanzi Ntuli of the IFP. Former MMC Ntuli has served in the position since September 2016. He inherited a Housing Department that was performing poorly and with a legacy of corruption.

The evidence of this is clear through the former ANC MMC of Housing, Councillor Dan Bovu, whose case of corruption relating to selling the city’s land was recently before the courts.

Despite former MMC 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.

Access to affordable housing represents one of the greatest needs of our 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 proliferation 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.

My clear mandate for MMC Van Wyk is to immediately focus on the following key priorities:

·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 utilization of Provincial and National grants to deliver houses for our residents.

·Expedite delivery of Title Deeds to qualifying residents.

·Finalization and publication of the official open Housing waiting list.

·Development of new Housing Policy for the City of Johannesburg.

MMC Meshack van Wyk is the Regional Executive Chairman of the ACDP and has served as a Councillor in the City of Johannesburg since 2006, serving on the Housing Section 79 Committee amongst others. He holds an Advanced Certificate in Municipal Governance from the University of Johannesburg, a Certificate in Business & Government Policy from Rhodes University, a Certificate in the IDP from NS Global Academy and a Certificate in Monitoring & Evaluation from the National School of Governance.

Despite prior engagements with the IFP, we are aware that they are not in support of this decision. However, we will not allow considerations around coalition to impede the performance of the City in providing quality housing opportunities to our residents. Ultimately, I have taken this decision in the best interests of our residents, and it remains for the IFP to determine their course of action.

I would like to wish MMC van Wyk the best in his new role and have every confidence in his ability to positive change to housing department.

I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the former MMC for Housing, Councillor Mzobanzi Ntuli, for his service under tremendous pressure.

We will continue to do what is right for the residents of our City, understanding the change that is demanded of us and our residents’ expectations. The delivery of housing opportunities is a priority in this respect that will be the focus of our government.

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