Hon Chairperson, hon Minister Sisulu and hon members, I'll try to finish my speech in the two minutes allocated to me. [Laughter.]
The Rental Housing Tribunal, which is established under the Rental Housing Act of 1999, deals with disputes between landlords and tenants. Vacuums and loopholes existed in other areas such as in the self-storage rental property business. Due to these vacuums, tenants were abused by the owners of the rental property businesses. In cases of disputes, they took the law into their own hands by breaking into the premises, removing the property of the tenants and selling it for coverage of outstanding debts.
The amendments of this Bill should speak to and address the infringement of the right to privacy. Appropriate legislation should be put in place to govern such disputes. We are living in a country which is governed by laws; hence the ID expects these amendments to address the out-of-proportion rental fees which landlords charge, especially in Cape Town. Yes, hon Chairperson, the rental fees have become ridiculously high. Something needs to be done about them.
When houses are built it should be with the purpose of building communities and not just houses. The ID acknowledges the need for housing out there but just having houses without any schools, shops, churches and that kind of infrastructure does not uplift the lives of people. It only provides them with a roof over their heads.
Housing also is meant provide homes. The use of these houses as tuck shops is a concern. People who can afford to, buy these houses and use them as tuck shops. Where it was meant to provide a roof over someone's head, the house instead became a business. However, the ID supports the Bill as it is a good effort. I thank you. [Applause.]