INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS AND HOUSING POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

Housing policy in South Africa requires that government departments at different spheres coordinate their activities to facilitate the provision of housing. This coordination is imperative because without such, effective housing provision remains compromised. The question that this paper raises is: whither intergovernmental relations (IGR) for housing policy implementation in South Africa? From this question it is clear that the nature of this discussion is conceptual as it seeks to engage on the institutional IGR model of public housing delivery. This question is raised in this paper because a system that ties activities of different spheres of government is necessary to realise housing policy implementation outcomes. However, in responding to this question several issues receive attention: Firstly, a broader view on a social contract as well as establishing public institutions to facilitate public service delivery.Secondly, intergovernmental relations and housing which consider the nature of IGR system in place, while arguing that this system is not viable for housing delivery. Thirdly, while the municipal accreditation system has been introduced, it remains complex and costly in addressing housing delivery challenges. In the final analysis, this paper argues for a constitutional amendment which would allow housing to become a functional competency of municipalities similar to other human settlements components such as roads constructions, electricity, sanitation and clean drinking water.