By Levy Masiteng
The Gauteng human settlements department and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have joined forces to revolutionise human settlements in the province.
The partnership has been formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. It aims to create a more equitable and just society by addressing the systemic barriers that are worsening the inequality in human settlements.
“Today, we convene not merely to formalise an agreement, but to ignite a movement. We are here to forge a powerful alliance, a partnership dedicated to the monumental task of transforming human settlements in Gauteng,” said human settlements MEC Tasneem Motara.
She said that at the heart of the partnership was the “40-40-40 problem”, which was a stark reminder of the enduring legacy of apartheid’s spatial planning and racially motivated laws.
In breaking down the problem, Motara explained that it manifested in three interconnected challenges, including 40 square metres of inadequate housing, 40km daily commutes and 40% of income spent on transportation.
“The Group Areas Act, the migrant labour system and other discriminatory legislation created a fragmented and unequal urban landscape, where access to housing, employment and basic services was determined by race”.
To address these challenges, the partnership will leverage the expertise of UJ to conduct cutting-edge research, develop innovative solutions and train the next generation of urban planners and human settlements professionals.
In addition, the department’s Research Chair will be launched at UJ, which will drive innovation and technological advancements within the built environment.
The partnership will also focus on creating affordable housing options closer to employment centres, ensuring access to essential services and empowering communities to shape their own future.
“This is not just about building houses; it is about building a just and equitable society. It is about creating spaces where people can thrive, where families can flourish and where the wounds of the past can begin to heal. It is about building a Gauteng where everyone has the opportunity to live a life of dignity and purpose,” she said.
Motara extended her gratitude to UJ for its visionary leadership in establishing the Sustainable Human Settlement and Construction Research Centre.
“This is not just another academic undertaking; it is a beacon of hope, a catalyst for innovation that promises to revolutionise human settlements delivery in Gauteng and beyond.”
She said the centre must be at the forefront of combating the plague of inadequate housing and the state must harness its intellectual capacity to generate solutions that were not only practical and sustainable, but also deeply rooted in the lived experiences of South Africans.
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