Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has announced that 90% of her department’s R34 billion budget for the current financial year will be transferred as grants to provinces and metros. The minister tabled the budget vote in the National Assembly today, but it faces opposition from the DA (DA), the second-largest party in the Government of National Unity (GNU), due to corruption allegations against her.
DA Rejects Budget Over Corruption Claims
The DA has declared it will not support Simelane’s budget, citing ongoing corruption allegations. DA leader John Steenhuisen has previously stated that the party reported the matter to law enforcement for investigation.
In response, Simelane dismissed the allegations as a “trial by the media” and insisted she has not been formally charged or questioned by authorities.
“The DA told the public they’ve opened a case, so why not wait for law enforcement? Instead, they’ve opted for a media trial,” she said. “I will fully cooperate if called to account, but I will not allow politicking to disrupt service delivery.”
When asked if she would step aside pending investigation—in line with the ANC’s step-aside rule—Simelane firmly rejected the suggestion, stating there was no wrongdoing on her part.
Budget Priorities: Housing, Title Deeds, and Climate-Resilient Homes
Simelane outlined key priorities for the budget, including:
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Completing stalled housing projects (177 nationwide)
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Accelerating title deed issuance (targeting 300,000 by year-end)
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Developing climate-resilient housing amid increasing disasters like floods and fires
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Upgrading informal settlements with safer infrastructure
She also addressed concerns about underspending by provinces and metros, confirming that unspent funds from poorly performing regions—such as the Western Cape (R200 million) and Free State (R50 million)—were reallocated to better-performing areas.
GNU Tensions: DA Relations in Cabinet
Despite the DA’s opposition to her budget, Simelane downplayed tensions, stating she holds no grudges against Steenhuisen or his party.
“He remains my colleague, whether in or out of cabinet,” she said. However, she declined to reveal how she would vote if the ANC’s National Executive Committee debated the DA’s future in the GNU.
Next Steps
The budget now heads to the National Assembly for approval. With the DA opposing it, the ANC will need support from other GNU partners to ensure its passage. Meanwhile, Simelane remains focused on rolling out housing projects, emphasizing that the budget is “about South Africans, not political agendas.”