Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane tabled a R26.972 billion [1] budget vote for the 2026/2027 financial year in Cape Town.

The allocation aims to address a rising housing backlog and speed up delivery through a variety of strategic interventions. This budget arrives as the government faces significant fiscal constraints while attempting to meet the urgent needs of citizens in informal settlements.

Simelane outlined several priority areas designed to accelerate the pace of construction. These include the expansion of social housing, and the implementation of innovative building technologies to reduce costs and time. The ministry also intends to prioritize the issuance of title deeds to provide residents with legal ownership of their homes.

Part of the strategy involves the upgrading of informal settlements to improve living conditions for the most vulnerable populations. Simelane said the government is focusing on a multi-pronged approach to ensure that housing delivery is not stalled by administrative bottlenecks.

Additionally, the budget presentation highlighted the importance of the PIE Amendment Bill. This legislative effort is intended to refine the processes surrounding the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, balancing property rights with the right to adequate housing.

The ministry is pushing for these accelerated plans to ensure that the R26.972 billion [1] investment translates into tangible structures. Simelane said the goal is to bridge the gap between current housing availability and the growing demand across the country.

“The allocation aims to address a rising housing backlog.”

The focus on innovative building technologies and the PIE Amendment Bill suggests the South African government is attempting to move beyond traditional brick-and-mortar delivery. By targeting legal ownership and legislative reform alongside funding, the ministry is attempting to stabilize land tenure while managing a budget that must stretch across an increasing number of homeless and under-housed citizens.