MEDIA ALERT: HUMAN SETTLEMENTS COMMITTEE TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS ON HOUSING CONSUMER PROTECTION BILL [B10-2021] IN FREE STATE 

Parliament, Wednesday, 11 May 2022 – The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements will this weekend, from 13 to 15 May 2022, hold public hearings on the Housing Consumer Protection Bill in the Free State to hear the views of the public on the Bill. These hearings are part of nationwide public hearings the committee will hold, with three sessions scheduled in each province.

Public consultation and participation is a constitutional requirement that Parliament is obliged to undertake as part of its decision-making processes. “These hearings are in line with Section 59 (1) of the Constitution, which urges for the public involvement in the legislative making process of the Assembly. Also, we are hopeful that as the primary beneficiaries of the protections proposed by the Bill, participants will present qualitative inputs aimed at improving the Bill to ensure that it meets daily challenges,” said Ms Machwene Semenya, the Chairperson of the committee.

At the centre of the Bill is regulating and streamlining processes to ensure consumers’ protection within the home building environment. Through this Bill, it is hoped that home builders will benefit by appointing registered builders, who will ensure quality housing as well as extending protection through the extension of warranty cover.

The Bill proposes these protections through the repeal of the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act of 1998 by providing protections for housing consumers, the registration of home builders, the continuance of the home warranty fund, sets out the framework to claim against the fund and the continuance of the National Home Builders Registration Council as the National Home Building Regulatory Council. At the centre of the Bill is the need to protect the consumer and ensuring they are able to access warranty cover should they need it.

Another important part of the Bill is its transformative outlook, which seeks to improve builders’ and consumers’ protection. This protection is proposed through the Bill’s call for proper training for builders, which will enable full economic participation. Furthermore, a database of registered builders and their grading would assist the sector in knowing what builders are available and at what level.

The hearings follow public consultations in the Eastern Cape, where participants highlighted the importance of the Bill in protecting RDP beneficiaries against unscrupulous constructors who build substandard houses. Also, many small businesses in the Eastern Cape highlighted the impact the Bill will have on their businesses. This process will empower Free State residents to also highlight their views on the Bill with the aim of strengthening the Bill and ensuring that it is responsive to lived experiences.

The committee invites all individuals and interested organisations to come and make inputs on the Bill, to ensure that the final product is reflective of their will and aspirations. The committee is cognisant that these hearings happen while the country continues to face the risks posed by Covid-19. Covid regulations will be implemented to ensure the safety of all participants.


Details of the Hearings (Day 1) 
Date: Friday, 13 May 2022
Time: 10:00
Venue: Simson Sefuthi Community Hall, Botshabelo

Details of the Hearings (Day 2)
Date: Saturday, 14 May 2022
Time: 10:00
Venue: Bohlokong New Community Hall, Bethlehem

Details of the Hearings (Day 3)
Date: Sunday, 15 May 2022
Time: 10:00
Venue: Falesizwe Secondary School Hall, Frankfort

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SETTLEMENTS. MS MACHWENE SEMENYA.

For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za