The delegation held a meeting with the Minister of Human Settlements, Mr TMG Sexwale, who gave a brief overview of what was happening within the department. The Minister indicated the following: > The President showed a keen interest in human settlements as most of the complaints reaching the Presidential hotline were about housing challenges. He informed the delegation that the department had to be elevated to be one of the top priority departments due to its expanded mandate, as well as challenges encountered by the country in relation to the unrest and protests. > During a special Cabinet Lekgotla, a presentation was made about outcomes that the President had put forward. > Delivery agreements would be signed soon and the first Presidential Coordinating Council (PPC1) has been established (Human Settlements) > The department was requested to deliver a presentation on the perspective of spatial planning at the national planning seminar. > The National Planning Commission would prioritise eight objectives and design its national integrated plan and the Department of Human Settlements would feed into its plan. > There was a need for new cities to be built in the democratic era. > The construction of bulk infrastructure services was a huge challenge that requires urgent attention by government. > The housing backlog which was due to growth in informal settlement dwellings, as well as farm evictions, was also cited as a burden to government. > Another concern was the issue of slow growth in Cape Town and Gauteng that required R3 billion for bulk infrastructure. > The Minister further informed the delegation that he would meet with farmers to address housing issues affecting farm worker/farm dwellers.