Yes, the Department of Human Settlements has prioritised the provision of adequate housing to military veterans.
In November 2023, the department presented to Cabinet targeted interventions to fast-track housing delivery for military veterans and address the backlog exacerbated by verification delays within the Department of Military Veterans (DMV). The approved interventions by Cabinet were shared with Provinces and Metropolitan Municipalities in October 2024 for implementation.
The following are the approved interventions:
1). Pre-Verification housing provision - 40m² Units:
Provinces will construct 40m² units for qualifying beneficiaries pending DMV verification. Once verified, the DMV will provide a "top-up" funding to enhance the unit.
2). Temporary Institutional Housing:
Vulnerable, destitute veterans will be accommodated temporarily via the Institutional Housing Subsidy until verification is completed.
3). Support for employed Military Veterans - Serviced Sites
Employed veterans who cannot access government subsidies will be allocated serviced sites to incrementally build their homes.
4). Assistance for higher-income veterans - First Home Finance (FHF)
Veterans earning slightly above the DMV threshold (R125,000 p.a.) will be assisted through the FHF programme.
5). Dependents of deceased veterans:
Destitute dependents (including spouses) of deceased verified veterans will receive 40m² units.
6). Infrastructure adjustments:
Existing units will be upgraded by converting carports into third bedrooms within the 50m² norms.
7). Utilisation of State assets:
Habitable unused properties from Public Works and State-Owned Entities will be repurposed for veteran housing.
8). Municipal collaboration:
Municipalities are urged to exempt veterans from rates/taxes.