MEC Bentley Vass
By: Lebogang Moeng
Kimberley
In his 2025/2026 Budget Vote speech, Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass announced a R 1.068 billion budget allocation aimed at strengthening service delivery, addressing housing backlogs, and empowering traditional leadership structures.
Delivering the speech at the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, MEC Vass emphasized the department’s commitment to equitable development, calling the budget, “a declaration of unwavering commitment to building a more equitable and prosperous future.”
Human Settlements gets the Lion’s share
The largest portion of the budget—R697.5 million—has been allocated to the Human Settlements programme, although this reflects an 80% decrease from the previous year due to the conclusion of a R600 million once-off housing grant.
MEC Vass reported notable achievements for 2024/25:
- 9,571 serviced sites delivered (surpassing the 712 target)
- 178 houses completed out of a revised 209-unit target
For 2025/26, the department aims to:
- Deliver 2,625 houses, mainly funded by a Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) loan
- Register 700 title deeds
- Upgrade 82 sites under the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG)
- Formalize informal settlements through the ISUPG grant worth R54.6 million
The 1 billion Rand housing project is well on course
The flagship R1 billion housing project to address the 80,000-unit provincial backlog is progressing across 13 local municipalities. MEC Vass noted improved momentum after a slow start, with underperforming contractors being removed. “We urge all appointed contractors to deliver quality homes sooner rather than later,” he said.
Roodepan Project advances
A new phase of development is underway in Roodepan, where civil services such as water, electricity, sewerage, and roads are being installed. Funded with an additional R50 million, this initiative will help relocate residents from dilapidated flats to new homes.
First Home Finance to aid the missing middle
The First Home Finance subsidy—previously known as FLISP—has been allocated R1.2 million for 2025/26. Twenty subsidies will be issued to assist first-time homebuyers earning between R3,500 and R22,000 monthly. The department will ramp up awareness campaigns to reach this underserved segment.
Municipal support & service delivery
- Under the Cooperative Governance programme, R143.3 million has been allocated. Efforts are focused on:
- Reducing vacancies in senior municipal roles from 40% to 35% in the previous financial year
- Improving MIG expenditure, which stood at 86.4% by end-June 2025
- Supporting 77 infrastructure projects and IDP/budget consultations
- The District Development Model (DDM) is being strengthened with the appointment of national and provincial champions to enhance coordination across all five districts.
Traditional leadership & Infrastructure
- COGHSTA has allocated R27.3 million to Traditional Affairs. Among highlights:
- Construction of five traditional councils and eight royal palaces is planned for 2026/27 and 2027/28 respectively
- The reconstitution of traditional councils is complete, and a Commission of Inquiry into leadership disputes has commenced its work
- No deaths or injuries were recorded during the 2025 Winter Initiation Season, a significant milestone for traditional health and safety.
Financial outlook & Governance
Although the total budget saw a 53.3% reduction from R1.63 billion last year due to non-recurrent housing grants, MEC Vass assured that prudent financial oversight would guide spending.
A Financial Misconduct Committee is now in place to curb irregular and wasteful expenditure. “We will use our limited financial resources maximally to deliver quality services and contribute to a modern, growing, and successful province,” he concluded.
Closing Remarks
MEC Vass extended gratitude to Head of Department Mr. Lenkoe, the Portfolio Committee, and traditional leaders, while reaffirming the department’s commitment to its constitutional mandate.
“I submit to this esteemed House Budget Vote 9 for the 2025/2026 financial year,” Vass concluded.
