Human Settlements Department
By Thabo Mosia
The Free State Human Settlements Department will forfeit about R50 million after failing to spend the funds, with the money set to be transferred to another province. This latest financial setback has alarmed lawmakers and residents alike, as it adds to a troubling pattern of budget mismanagement. David van Vuuren, a Democratic Alliance Member of the Provincial Legislature, told Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements that the province has lost between R500 to R600 million over the past five years. Committee members are frustrated, arguing that the province cannot keep losing money while service delivery remains stalled. To tackle these issues, the committee is conducting an oversight visit to the Free State this week.
A Growing Crisis in Budget Management
The Free State Human Settlements Department is responsible for building houses and improving living conditions for the province’s people. However, its repeated failure to use allocated funds has sparked outrage. The R50 million forfeiture is not a one-off problem—it’s part of a bigger issue. According to David van Vuuren, the department has let go of between R500 and R600 million in the last five years. This means hundreds of millions of rands meant for homes, water, and sanitation have been sent elsewhere instead of helping Free State residents.
This pattern points to serious weaknesses in how the department plans and carries out projects. Experts say poor management, slow decision-making, and a lack of skilled staff could be to blame. The result? Money that could have built thousands of homes or upgraded informal settlements is lost, leaving many families in limbo.
Service Delivery Takes a Hit
The impact of losing R50 million—and hundreds of millions before it—is clear: service delivery is suffering. The Free State has a massive housing shortage, with thousands of people still living in shacks or overcrowded conditions. The department’s job is to fix this, but without the funds, projects are delayed or abandoned. Roads, water pipes, and houses that should have been built remain on paper.
Committee members are vocal about their concerns. “The province cannot continue to lose money when service delivery is stalled,” one member stressed during recent discussions. For ordinary residents, this means longer waits for proper housing and basic services. In a province where poverty and unemployment are already high, these delays hit hard.
Oversight Visit Aims to Find Answers
This week, the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements is stepping in with an oversight visit to the Free State. The team will meet with department officials, inspect projects, and dig into why the money isn’t being spent. This visit is a chance to get to the bottom of the problem—whether it’s bad planning, weak leadership, or something else—and push for fixes.
The committee’s work could lead to big changes. They might suggest new rules for spending, better training for staff, or stricter checks to make sure projects stay on track. For now, residents and lawmakers are watching closely, hoping this visit will stop the cycle of lost funds and stalled progress.
A Wider Problem in South Africa
The Free State’s troubles aren’t unique. Across the country, human settlements departments struggle with similar headaches: tight budgets, slow progress, and sometimes even corruption. The national government knows this is a problem. Recently, the Minister of Human Settlements spoke about plans to shake up how funds are managed, aiming for quicker results and less waste.
In the Free State, though, the situation stands out because of the sheer amount of money lost over five years. Between R500 and R600 million is a huge sum—enough to build thousands of RDP houses or upgrade entire communities. Losing it shows just how urgent the need for change is.
New Details Add to the Story
Beyond the forfeiture itself, there’s more to this issue. Reports suggest the department has faced challenges like contractor disputes and delays in approving projects, which tie up funds and stop work from starting. Some insiders say there’s also been a lack of clear direction from provincial leaders, leaving staff unsure of how to move forward. These problems have piled up, making it harder to spend the budget on time.
On the ground, community frustration is growing. In places like Bloemfontein and Welkom, people have protested over unfinished housing projects, blaming the department for broken promises. The oversight visit might shine a light on these complaints and force officials to act.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 98 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Fezile Dabi Mayor Khasudi: ‘The Boreholes Exist, and the DA is Delivering for Residents”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Central-News-Issue-098.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube