Inclusionary housing in province an ‘empty promise’ says GOOD Party

The Western Cape government has come in for criticism after it was revealed that not a single unit has been built under the Western Cape Inclusionary Housing Policy Framework, despite claims of a government committed to spatial transformation.

GOOD Party’s secretary-general, Brett Herron, said MEC for Local Government Anton Bredell failed “dismally” in explaining why the framework had not been implemented in a meaningful manner yet since 2022 during a legislature debate.

“When the provincial framework was first introduced in 2022, there was no doubt that it was once again a performative announcement, intended to create the illusion of a government that wanted to do something. This government has a remarkable talent for making promises that something meaningful is happening, but from which no impact or benefit is delivered.

“That framework was never intended to have any major impact, as it does not mandate inclusionary housing.

“No municipality is required to implement it and no property developer is required to deliver an inclusionary housing unit. If the DA provincial government was serious about spatial transformation, the framework would be legislation actually enforcing inclusionary housing. But without mandating it – and for as long as we give away land value enhancing additional development rights – for free – we will never see it being implemented,” said Herron.

Bredell said the policy, which is a first for South Africa, “is made available to local governments in the province on a voluntary basis, as a tool to plan and engage with private sector developers to increase housing opportunities close to economic centres for people who cannot afford to purchase or rent in those locations”.

Bredell said Stellenbosch Municipality adopted the first Inclusionary Housing Policy Framework in the province and used it to develop an overlay zone for the Adam Tas Corridor. This is expected to deliver between 2 753 and 3 835 inclusionary housing units over the next ten years.

Bredell said Mossel Bay used a different approach.

“The town does not currently have a formal Inclusionary Housing Policy, the municipality has effectively facilitated the provision of affordable housing by approving developments that include an affordable housing condition.”

Ndifuna Ukwazi attorney, Jonty Cogger said they shared the frustration over the lack of action and systemic failures that hinder the realisation of inclusionary housing and spatial justice in the Western Cape.

“It is crucial to recognise that the responsibility for implementing inclusionary housing policies lies primarily with municipalities, as this is a municipal planning competence. However, the provincial government has an essential role to play in supporting and encouraging municipalities to adopt and enforce these policies urgently,” said Cogger.

Cape Times