Minister Connie September, Minister of Human Settlements delivered an address at the event in which she stated that building a better country is central to the vision of the Department of Human Settlements which aims to establish viable areas constituted by socially and economically integrated communities with access to opportunities and facilities such as clinics, schools and other amenities. The Minister informed delegates that as Government, they are always keen to forge strong relations with people and entities that strive for excellence and quality in the housing sector.
She also called on the industry to help Government deal with the challenges holistically, which among other things include the problem of lack of proper sanitation in most communities. The Minister drew attention to the plight of the elderly in South Africa who do not have homes and are living out their twilight years in an undignified manner. She made special mention of a 109 year old woman who had never had a house of her own and called on the Industry to assist.
To rapturous applause, Sean Lambert of Massmart Holdings Limited, a Member of Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal heeded the call of the Minister and announced that they would fund the project.
Among other dignitaries who attended were Advocate Brenda Madumise, Chairperson of Business Unity South Africa and Chairperson of NHBRC as well as Speaker for Ethekwini Municiplity, Logie Naidoo.
