As part of ongoing efforts to address critical housing issues in the region, the City of Matlosana saw key activity this past Friday, 18 July 2025. The spotlight fell on Jouberton Hostel where Cllr Portia Mtshaulana, MMC for Planning & Human Settlements, conducted an oversight visit following a recent engagement with the Hostel Committee.

The visit, prompted by longstanding concerns over living conditions, represents a turning point in the municipality’s housing approach, with renewed focus on integrated, community-based housing solutions.

MMC Mtshaulana’s Working Visit: A First-Hand Look at the Crisis

Cllr Mtshaulana’s visit comes on the heels of a meeting held earlier in the week on 16 July 2025 with the Hostel Committee, where residents outlined their grievances. Key among these were deteriorating structural conditions and what they described as inhumane living circumstances. During her tour, the MMC encountered glaring challenges, including widespread unemployment, poor hygiene conditions, and signs of entrenched poverty, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.

What made this visit particularly significant was its timing within a broader national policy shift. The MMC used the opportunity to reflect on the abolishment of the Hostel Revitalisation Programme, which has now been replaced by the Community Residential and Institutional Housing Policy Framework. The new framework is expected to be more responsive and community-centric, focusing on sustainable housing over rehabilitation of outdated hostel models.

Commitments and Forward Planning

In response to what she witnessed, Cllr Mtshaulana pledged that technical assessments would be launched without delay. She emphasized that her office will be compiling and submitting detailed business plans to the Provincial Department of Human Settlements in an effort to unlock funding and support for suitable housing interventions.

Further, she expressed intent to involve the provincial department directly in future engagements, ensuring alignment across government levels in crafting long-term solutions. The Hostel Committee was asked to compile and submit a complete list of residents for verification and auditing by the Planning & Human Settlements Directorate, an essential step in ensuring transparency and accurate planning.

Broader Context: Water Supply Disruptions and Youth Opportunities

While housing remains at the core of this week’s developments, Stilfontein residents also experienced a major water supply interruption on the same day, Friday, 18 July, from 10:00 to 18:00. According to the City of Matlosana, the disruption was caused by a burst water main on Jan van Riebeeck Street, affecting several surrounding areas. Repairs were undertaken by municipal maintenance teams, and residents were advised to use water sparingly during the affected period.

In a more hopeful update, the City also announced its participation in the Empower Youth Incubator Project in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). The program targets unemployed youth (NEETs) and offers structured exposure to employment and entrepreneurial development through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Applications close on 23 July 2025, with emphasis on inclusivity, 60% women, 100% youth, and 2% persons with disabilities.

Final Thought

This municipal engagements across Jouberton and Stilfontein have highlighted both the structural issues confronting the region and the efforts being made to address them. From housing reform to emergency services and youth empowerment, the City of Matlosana appears to be adopting a more integrated approach to service delivery.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming public engagements, particularly as long-term solutions are developed to meet their everyday needs.

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