(1) Yes, the development of the National Housing Programme for Special Housing policy has been finalised.
(a) Not applicable.
(b) A detailed socio economic impact assessment (SEIAS) needs to be concluded by the National Human Settlements Department and approved by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Presidency (DPME) to support the policy approval process in line with the February 2015 Cabinet decision.
(i) Please see 1(b) above.
(ii) The following stakeholders were consulted with respect to crafting of the policy programme:
● The Department of Social Development,
● The Department of Health,
● The Department of Correctional Services,
● A number of role players including representatives from the providers of services to special needs persons and households; and
● The Not for Profit sector including the organisations dealing with persons with disabilities and older persons in the sector.
(iii) The consultation process indicated that there was full support for the proposed policy programme and its implementation.
(2) (a) & (b) Consultation with Members of the Executive Council (MEC) of the Nine Provincial Governments responsible for Human Settlements and the South African local Government Association (SALGA) will take place early in 2016.
(3) Once the consultation process and necessary approvals have been obtained, the policy will be implemented.