Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development, Tasneem Motara, returned to Johannesburg’s inner-city hostels this week to assess progress on the province’s Hostel Revitalisation Programme. The visit comes one month after her last inspection, underscoring the department’s commitment to hands-on oversight of housing upgrades.
The inspection covered the George Goch, MBA, M&R, Denver, and Jeppe hostels, where officials reported that rehabilitation work has reached 70% completion. According to the department, visible improvements include the restoration of sewer and water systems, structural repairs to buildings, the installation of solar power units, and large-scale cleaning operations.
Motara, accompanied by Human Settlements Head of Department Bongi Dlamini, said the initiative reflects government’s focus on improving the quality of life for residents living in long-neglected hostel infrastructure. “We are moving from planning to delivery, and residents can see the changes taking shape around them,” she noted during the site visit.
The Hostel Revitalisation Programme forms part of Gauteng’s broader human settlements strategy, which seeks to upgrade dilapidated public housing facilities, enhance energy efficiency, and create safer, healthier living environments in urban centres.