In line with its mandate to assist government employees in accessing affordable housing, the Government Employees Housing Scheme (GEHS), took part in the Human Settlements Indaba and Exhibition which was held on 4 \u2013 5 September 2022 at the Durban Exhibition Centre in KwaZulu-Natal Province.<\/p>\n
The Indaba was hosted by the National Department of Human Settlements under the theme, \u201cTransforming Human Settlements environment through accelerated planning, implementation and public-private partnership.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Minister for Human Settlements, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi, and Deputy Minister Ms Pam Tshwete, led the Indaba and were supported by the Members of the Executive Councils (MECs) from all the Human Settlements Departments in the country.<\/p>\n Also in attendance was the Executive Mayor of eThekwini Municipality Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, Head of Infrastructure South Africa, Professor Kgosientso Ramokgopa and heads of entities falling under the Department of Human Settlements as well as traditional leaders.\u00a0 There was strong attendance by the private sector and civil society organisations.<\/p>\n The first day of the Indaba was characterised by Minister Kubayi and the dignitaries visiting the exhibition stands.\u00a0 Upon arriving at the GEHS stand, Minister Kubayi acknowledge the existence of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that exists between GEHS and the National Housing Finance Corporation which aims to facilitate access to affordable housing for government employees.\u00a0 The Minister further committed to converting old government buildings into residential\/rental opportunities for government employees who are unable to access housing finance through the banking sector.<\/p>\n Thereafter there were panel discussions on unlocking the Human Settlements delivery chain. In the evening, it was a Stakeholder Engagement session where women from the private sector who operate in the Human Settlements environment, shared their success and challenges in the industry.<\/p>\n\r\n