Cost of ‘tin shacks’ inflated 700%: Limpopo premier faces backlash

Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha is facing fierce criticism following the launch of a ‘low-cost housing project’ in the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality on 31 July 2020.

Mathabatha, who was joined by Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) MEC, Basikopo Makamu, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony aimed at welcoming impoverished residents of Talana hostel to their new abodes, has defended the controversial Human Settlements Project.

Mathabatha launched the ‘temporary’ low-cost housing units as an alternative to the overcrowded and dilapidated hostel. The Limpopo premier added that the procurement and placement of the new structures coincided with government’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic, arguing that conditions in the hostel did not favour social distancing or proper hygiene.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony backfired on Mathabatha, with the premier’s orchestrated media fanfare drawing ire from political opponents and civil societies alike. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) described the housing project as “stupid, irrational and nonsensical”, pointing to the exorbitant cost of the initiative and the poor quality of the structures. EFF leader Julius Malema said that Mathabatha ought to be “ashamed of himself” for attempting to pass the costly ‘tin shacks’ off as a temporary solution when initial communication from government made no mention of the initiative’s transitory nature.

Limpopo government pays R64 000 for a single housing unit

Amid damning corruption scandals involving coronavirus relief funds, the hefty price tag placed on Limpopo’s multimillion rand ‘temporary housing scheme’ has raised red flags around procurement processes.

Government confirmed that the first phase rollout of 40 structures in Tzaneen had cost in excess of R2 million, putting the price of a single unit at approximately R64 000. A report by The Sowetan has noted that a similar structure retails for about R8 000; casting further suspicions on the tender process involved in securing the low-cost housing units.

Responding to the public outcry, Mathabatha defended his position by saying that he “didn’t know it was shacks”.

Coronavirus corruption rocks South Africa

The housing scandal in Limpopo is the latest in a long list of dodgy dealings during lockdown. In Gauteng, the awarding of a R125 million to the presidential spokesperson’s husband, for the supply of personal protective equipment, has resulted in widespread investigations and a government shake-up.

Presidential spokesperson, Khusela Diko, and Gauteng Health MEC, Bandile Masuku, have both been placed on ‘special leave’ as the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) conducts an inquiry into the dubious procurement process. Similarly, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has referred the matter to its Integrity Commission.