The Government Employees Housing Scheme (GEHS) through its Individual-Linked Savings Facility (ILSF) has created a culture of savings by approximately 800,872 eligible public servants.

Delivering her maiden Budget Vote Speech at the National Assembly, Cape Town on Friday, Public Service and Administration Deputy Minister, Ms Pinky Kekana said as of March 2024, R23.9 billion has been saved in the ILSF by approximately 800,872 eligible employees.

However, the Deputy Minister said the scheme also had to address the issue of R700 million forfeited by employees who did not adhere to the housing allowance regulations, showcasing the GEHS’s proficient stewardship of public resources.

Deputy Minister Kekana urged Members of Parliament to help spread the message for eligible public servants to enroll for the housing allowance benefit.

“The GEHS has efficiently managed the housing allowance benefit that grew from R900.00 in 2015 to R1,691.38 as of March 2024, however, the scheme still faces the challenge of 193,521 eligible public servants who have not yet accessed this critical housing benefit.

“The GEHS has also been proactive in transitioning employees from the old housing allowance system to the new one, reducing the number of employees from 44,530 in 2015 to just 3,368 as of March 2024.

“Also, by more than doubling the number of homeowner beneficiaries from 352,103 in 2015 to 800,872 in March 2024, the GEHS has played a pivotal role in public servants achieving their home-ownership dreams,” she said.

The GEHS has also forged crucial partnerships with GEPF/PIC and SA Home Loans to facilitate home loan access and signing an MoU with the NHFC to provide First Home Finance grants.

Deputy Minister Kekana described her Budget Vote Speech which focused on the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI), the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), and the GEHS as a true demonstration to government commitment to “Rebuilding Public Trust through professionalising Public Service”.

“Together, let us forge ahead, driven by our shared vision of a public service that is responsive, innovative, and dedicated to the well-being of all South Africans,” she said.