The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced its opposition to the Human Settlements budget vote, citing corruption allegations against Minister Thembi Simelane and systemic failures within her department.
During a media briefing ahead of today’s parliamentary debate, DA Spokesperson Luyolo Mphithi confirmed that Simelane is under police investigation for her alleged involvement in the Vrovian scandal, where R700,000 was irregularly diverted from Eskom through a company linked to her.
“We Cannot Trust a Corrupt Minister” – DA
Mphithi argued that Simelane’s tainted record makes her unfit to oversee the R33 billion Human Settlements budget, which is critical for addressing South Africa’s housing crisis.
“We do not have a problem with the budget itself. We have a problem with the minister entrusted to manage it,” Mphithi stated. “Corruption deprives the most vulnerable South Africans of essential services. We cannot allow a minister accused of such serious offenses to remain in charge.”
The DA further criticized Simelane’s leadership, pointing to the collapse of key entities under her department, including:
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The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), which is currently without a CEO.
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The National Housing Finance Corporation, where the CEO faces financial mismanagement claims.
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The Housing Development Agency, under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
Call for Presidential Action
Mphithi urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove Simelane, recalling that she was previously moved from the Justice Department following the VBS Mutual Bank scandal.
“The president must act in the interest of South Africans. We need a minister free of corruption to restore trust in this critical department,” he said.
Housing Crisis Worsens Amid Allegations
The DA highlighted the dire consequences of mismanagement, including delayed emergency housing for flood victims in the Eastern Cape. Mphithi emphasized that housing is a constitutional right (Section 26) and accused Simelane’s department of failing to uphold this mandate.
Government Response Awaited
As Parliament prepares for the budget vote debate, the DA’s stance sets the stage for a heated discussion. The ruling party has yet to respond publicly, but the opposition has made it clear: they will not support the budget unless Simelane is removed.
The debate is expected to intensify as South Africans demand accountability amid rising housing backlogs and corruption scandals.