Chairperson, the Freedom Charter has assigned responsibly to the democratic state to ensure that the right of people to live where they choose, to be decently housed and to bring up their families in comfort and security is upheld.
Last week, the government issued a stern warning to shoddy housing contractors who continue to build defective houses, telling them that they could be struck off the list and lose all contracts from the government. This was communicated by the Minister of Human Settlements, Tokyo Sexwale, during the handover of 53 houses last Friday in Mpumalanga, Thekwane North, built by the SA Women in Construction as part of the women's build project which coincided with Women's Month.
One of the beneficiaries, Lamita Mahlazi, 86 years, thanked the government for making her dream come true.
My dream of owning a house has been realised. I can now be able to take care of my husband who is blind in a good home instead of the shack I was living in, which has fallen apart.
This was said by Mrs Mahlazi while wiping away tears.
The ANC endorses the principle that all South Africans have a right to a secure place in which to live in peace and dignity. Thank you. [Applause.]