Officials from the Northern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTANC) took a significant step in empowering local leaders by hosting the Capacity Development Programme: Municipal Councillor Training in Upington, ZF Mgcawu District Municipality today. This initiative is designed to equip municipal councilors with essential knowledge about key housing programs and policies, ensuring they can effectively assist their communities.

Educating Leaders on Housing Policies

The training session focused on several critical housing-related topics, including the National Housing Needs Register (NHNR) and the Housing Subsidy System (HSS). Participants were guided through important processes such as site acquisition, change of ownership, estate matters, and title deeds. The session also outlined the application process for government housing and the roles and responsibilities of both the department and beneficiaries of subsidized housing.

The Role of the National Housing Needs Register (NHNR)

The NHNR is vital in ensuring fair and transparent housing allocation across communities. It helps identify households in need of housing assistance, assesses the overall housing demand, and prioritizes applicants for housing subsidies. The register also ensures that eligible households are invited to apply for subsidies when new housing projects become available.

Building Stronger Communities

This training is a crucial step in strengthening housing service delivery at the local level. By equipping municipal councilors and community leaders with the right knowledge and tools, the department ensures that housing policies are effectively communicated and implemented. These efforts contribute to fair access to housing opportunities and support the broader goal of creating sustainable and thriving communities across the province.