Complete the rolling stock modernisation programme
The rolling stock modernisation programme represents a critical component of passenger rail recovery, centred on a R51bn contract for manufacturing 3,600 coaches (600 trains) to replace outdated trains and technnology. Reliable trains are vital for a safe and efficient passenger rail system. The plan is to improve reliability, cut delays and offer a safer, more…
read more >>Develop a roadmap for passenger rail including a strategy to manage devolution to capable local and regional authorities
Prasa’s centralised model has underperformed, prompting the 2022 National Rail Policy to support municipal devolution. Originally scheduled for completion by 2024, the strategy has been delayed continuously and no draft version exists.
read more >>Review and adjust regulations to remove barriers to low-cost housing development
South Africa’s housing development regulations span national, provincial and municipal levels, with legislation like the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) of 2013, National Building Regulations and various municipal by-laws. This creates a complex and lengthy planning and approval process, with building plans often taking up to a year before being approved and…
read more >>Conduct an audit of under-utilised public properties in metros and secondary cities
South Africa faces a critical housing crisis while simultaneously holding vast public land portfolios that remain under-utilised. The public property audit reform is partially on track, with strong policy support via Operation Vulindlela II and the 2024 White Paper. Early implementation includes 31 property releases valued at R1.4bn, high developer interest and provincial progress (notably…
read more >>Clarify, simplify and streamline regulations and procedures for the release of public land
The current regulatory environment for public land release is characterised by opacity, excessive red tape and complex legal requirements that have prompted many developers to disengage from public land projects. The process typically involves nine complex steps from identification through to development, with significant coordination required across multiple government departments. However, momentum is building with…
read more >>Identify and release nationally-owned land and properties to housing developers for affordable housing
South Africa faces a significant housing backlog estimated at 2.4 million units, with rapid urbanisation increasing demand for affordable housing in well-located urban areas. The public sector owns substantial amounts of vacant and underused land, including properties in desirable locations that could support urban inclusion. However, the release of this land has been extremely slow…
read more >>Clear existing backlog of title deeds for subsidised housing
South Africa faces a significant title deeds crisis affecting subsidised housing beneficiaries, with an estimated backlog exceeding 1 million properties valued at over R300bn. High transfer costs (over R11,000 for a R220,000 property) make property transfers prohibitively expensive for low-income households. The Title Deed Friday campaign, launched in October 2023, has distributed 60,246 title deeds…
read more >>Resolve outstanding planning approvals for housing projects
Planning approval delays are a major barrier to housing delivery and economic growth. With over 4,075 unplanned settlements awaiting approval, systemic issues including fragmented governance, poor coordination and a centralised planning system create significant backlogs. The township establishment process is a key bottleneck, with delays often driven by weak institutional capacity and political bureaucracy.
read more >>Increase the small estates threshold
The current R250,000 threshold, unchanged since 2015, allows cost-free administration under Section 18(3) of the Administration of Estates Act. Estates above this require lawyers at a 3.5% fee. Small estates make up about 75% of all reported estates. This low threshold often excludes subsidised housing, despite their modest value. In Khayelitsha, 16% of registered homes…
read more >>Return passenger rail corridors and stations to service
Between 2009 and 2024, the number of passenger journeys per year declined by 89% (from 649,787 to 73,557) due to maintenance backlogs, corruption and vandalism. During Covid, extensive vandalism, cable theft and infrastructure forced Prasa to suspend operations on multiple routes. In 2024, Prasa had successfully restored 31 out of 40 priority rail corridors to…
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