PROFESSIONALISATION OF HOUSING EDUCATION AND PRACTICE

Transcription

1 PROFESSIONALISATION OF HOUSING EDUCATION AND PRACTICE HCE

2 The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 Section 26 states: everyone has a right to adequate housing. Section 29 states that everyone has the right to a basic education, including adult basic education

3 Background Purchasing and owning a home is a complicated process. The majority of housing consumers targeted are not familiar with this process and the various agreements associated including deeds of sale, mortgage bond agreements and instalment sale agreements. The result is that they are often not in a position to make informed decisions about appropriate housing options or to fully appreciate their rights and obligations regarding housing matters.

4 Background continue To date we have trained approximately 3200 beneficiaries Areas covered: 1. Atlantis 2. Witsands 3. Somerset West 4. Strand 5. Phillippi 6. Mitchells Plain 7. Kewtown

5 Role-players in the HCE Programme National Department of Human Settlements Initiate and fund Western Cape Provincial Government Monitor and evaluate Local Government (Municipalities) Implementation Educate and train beneficiaries

6 Main Objectives To ensure that housing consumers understand the government s role in housing provision. Ensure that consumers understand their rights and responsibilities To carry out their duties and obligations. Educate beneficiaries on how to maintain their properties. To educate and create awareness. Promote sustainable living conditions.

7 Reason for programme There is extensive evidence that housing consumers are not adequately informed of their rights and obligations as beneficiaries. Also, the relevant housing information is not readily accessible. This resulted in: Poor decision making on the part of existing and potential homeowners and tenants. A general failure to understand the rights and corresponding obligations related to homeownership and tenancy. Exploitation of existing and prospective homeowners and tenants by unscrupulous contractors and landlords. A general failure to perceive a home as an investment. Beneficiaries not adequately informed of the housing process, policies, including the government housing subsidy scheme and the role-players involved. Passive participation by consumers as recipients of housing in housing development related matters. People invading land and creating unsustainable settlements in forms of informal settlements, shacks or unsightly structures with lack of security of tenure

8 New Interventions When HCE was conceptualised only the Housing Department was involved. As our training programme progressed beneficiaries asked questions relating to solid waste, water management etc. We have expanded on the training programme to include other directorates e.g. Environmental Resource Management, Water management, Waste management, Electricity and Health. At the beginning we only targeted the beneficiaries of the New Housing projects. We intend to include informal settlements, backyarders, tenants in existing housing and hostels and recipients of the CRU upgrades.

9 New Interventions Additional topics Water wise Health and hygiene Reduce, Re-use, Recycle Hazardous waste How to take care of your bins How to save electricity

10 New Interventions The Wonderbag The directorate has also embarked on an exciting new project which aims to focus on climate change and sustainable living. What is it and what does it do? This slow cooking, insulated bag, is made out of fabric circles, sewn together, filled with recycled polystyrene granules and tied with a draw string to seal it over the pot. As the Wonderbag is sealed there is no smell, or noise, from food cooking.

11 New Interventions The Wonderbag The Wonderbag looks great and is easily stored. It is the size of a cushion. It is estimated that if you use the wonder bag just 2 to 3 times a week you will reduce carbon emissions by 500kg a year.

12 New Interventions The Wonderbag It saves you time and energy as you cook when it is convenient to do so and the food will be continuously cooking waiting for when you are ready to eat. Food cooked for just 10 to 15 minutes on a stove and put in the Wonderbag cooks slowly for several hours using no electricity, gas, paraffin or wood.

13 New Interventions The Wonderbag Why use a Wonderbag? The cost of the Wonderbag is recovered within a month due to approximately 50% saving in, cooking, energy costs. The food in the Wonderbag cannot burn (the UN estimates 20% of all food cooked using fire is burnt) which means there is no need to watch the stove. The pot is easy to wash as no food sticks to it. There is less risk of shack fires or children being burnt by the stove or cooking food. The air quality within the house is improved as there is less smoke. This means less respiratory illnesses.

14 How can this programme add value to people s lives? The information allows beneficiaries to make informed decisions about their homes. A Will makes it easier for the family to deal with the estate of the deceased. We educate in order for beneficiaries to exercise their rights from a position of strength We teach beneficiaries to work in partnership with government to meet their housing needs by understanding policies; procedures and the subsidy system

15 How can this programme add value to people s lives? We assist them to become active participants in the housing development process We educate them in order for them to understand the consequences of invading land/breaching a contract We provide skills development eg. how to maintain your home etc.

16 The way forward Encourage sustainable living conditions. Work in collaboration with other departments eg. water works, solid waste, electricity and health departments Train more trainers and include other departments Roll-out programme to include backyarders, informal settlements, tenants in our rental stock and hostels and community residential unit (CRU) upgrades. Involve NGOs and civil society groups who have similar training programmes.

17 Conclusion Housing is no longer only the provision of some form of shelter but the creation of Human Settlements which must ensure the improved quality life of our beneficiary communities. Through this programme we will strive to instil a sense of pride and restore their dignity so that we as a nation can reach our potential as citizens of this beautiful country.