Thank you, Chairperson. Our national Constitution enshrines that everyone is entitled to adequate housing. With respect to South Africa's state of poverty, it is a harsh reality that a large number of South Africans are living in informal settlements with minimum access to basic services.
On another level, South Africans who do not have the means to own homes but rather have to rent also find themselves in financial difficulties in keeping up with rentals. In other instances, it is the landlord who is often compromised and with stringent eviction laws they often suffer a loss. Either way, the MF finds it crucial that the landlord-tenant relationship, be it private or public, is governed by legislation.
In respect of the amending Bill, the MF is supportive of all provisions, but would like the department to look into body corporates that often, with no legal authority, exercise rights over tenants and the occupancy of rental property.
There has been much aggression by persons awaiting state housing as well as by residents of informal settlements who are often relocated. We ask why the government has only opted to build freestanding houses, and not flats and apartments.
Government has a number of properties that are not in use. The MF suggests and appeals to the government that it investigate utilising these government properties that may be converted into flats for temporary or long-term occupancy. Minister, we hope that you look into this matter as well. The MF supports the Rental Housing Bill. I thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.]