CAPE TOWN – Political party Action SA has taken a strong stand against the Department of Human Settlements’ 2025/2026 budget, declaring its opposition is based on principled governance and the department’s consistent failure to deliver on housing promises — not merely the corruption allegations facing Minister Thembi Simelane.
During the latest parliamentary budget vote, Action SA made it clear that it could not, in good conscience, support Budget Vote 33, citing systemic issues in housing delivery, a lack of fiscal transparency, and the failure to protect South Africans’ dignity through adequate housing.
“We reject Budget Vote 33, not because of who occupies the office of the Minister,” said ActionSA MP Lerato Ngobeni, “although it is deeply concerning that Minister Simelane is under investigation for a questionable VBS-related loan, but because the budget fails to honour the dignity of millions of South Africans still waiting for a place to call home.”
Action SA Criticizes Inaction and Political Hypocrisy
At the center of the controversy is Minister Thembi Simelane, who faces public scrutiny over an alleged R575,600 loan she received from the now-collapsed VBS Mutual Bank to purchase a coffee shop in Sandton. The transaction remains under investigation, and Simelane has not yet been formally charged.
Despite this, ActionSA maintains that its rejection of the budget is not solely tied to corruption allegations, but to the department’s inability to meaningfully reduce South Africa’s housing backlog.
Ngobeni emphasized that millions of South Africans still live in informal settlements, substandard housing, or remain on waiting lists for government-subsidized homes. “The budget as tabled continues to underperform, year after year, without consequence. We cannot reward incompetence with a blank cheque,” she stated.
Action SA also took aim at the Democratic Alliance (DA), accusing the opposition party of inconsistency and betrayal of anti-corruption principles. The DA, which had earlier threatened to reject the Human Settlements budget unless President Ramaphosa took decisive action against ministers under investigation, ultimately voted in favour of the budget.
“The DA cannot claim to be champions of clean governance while enabling the same budget they once condemned,” said Ngobeni. “This is a betrayal of public trust.”
ActionSA warned that such political flip-flopping erodes the public’s confidence in Parliament’s ability to act independently and hold the Executive accountable, regardless of party lines.
Minister Simelane’s continued leadership of the Human Settlements Department has sparked public and political backlash. While she has denied any wrongdoing in connection with the VBS loan, critics argue that her presence undermines the integrity of the ministry, especially given the ongoing housing crisis.
The VBS Mutual Bank scandal, which has implicated several high-profile figures in looting and mismanagement, is still fresh in the minds of South Africans. ActionSA stressed that until Simelane is cleared of all allegations, she should step aside voluntarily or be suspended.
“Ethical governance is non-negotiable. Ministers must not only be held accountable when found guilty — they must lead with integrity while investigations are ongoing,” Action SA asserted in a statement.
Beyond corruption concerns, Action SA has proposed urgent reforms to improve housing delivery and budget efficiency within the Department of Human Settlements. The party argues that billions are spent annually, yet millions remain without basic shelter or permanent housing solutions.
In its policy stance, Action SA has emphasized:
-
Auditing existing housing projects to ensure public money is not being wasted or misused.
-
Implementing transparent reporting systems for housing delivery at provincial and municipal levels.
-
Empowering communities to participate in housing development planning and oversight.
-
Focusing on infrastructure readiness — such as water, electricity, and sanitation — in all new housing developments.
“Throwing money at a broken system won’t fix it. What South Africa needs is a housing department that delivers results, not excuses,” Ngobeni added.
Public sentiment toward the budget and Minister Simelane has been mixed, with many South Africans voicing concern over a perceived lack of political accountability and meaningful service delivery. Social media platforms have seen rising support for ActionSA’s firm stance, particularly among younger voters and civil society groups frustrated by ongoing corruption scandals.
Action SA’s rejection of the budget is likely to fuel further debate in Parliament in the coming weeks as other departments prepare to present their spending plans. With 2026 local elections on the horizon, the party continues to position itself as a principled and reform-driven alternative to both the ruling ANC and established opposition parties.
As the Human Settlements crisis deepens, Action SA’s challenge to the status quo may resonate with voters seeking change — not just in personnel, but in policy and political culture.
Source- EWN
