The Department of Human Settlements is responsible for promoting sustainable integrated human settlement development in the Western Cape.

Developing integrated and sustainable human settlements with access to social and economic opportunities for all the province's citizens.

The mission of the Department of Human Settlements is:

• To be effective agents of change in capacitating and supporting municipalities to optimally deliver housing opportunities.
• To promote, facilitate and develop integrated and sustainable human settlements.
• To facilitate delivery through sound administration and the engagement of all spheres of government and social partners.

The following are the strategic goals for the next five years (2010-2015) of the department as stated in its five-year Strategic Plan:

• Accelerate the provision of housing opportunities, including the prioritisation of serviced sites.
• Inculcate a sense of ownership, rights and responsibility amongst housing beneficiaries, tenants and owners.
• Provide a fairer allocation of housing.
• Optimal use of resources and partnerships.
• Introduce a coordinated approach to human settlement planning through effective integrated development planning.
• Fully functional department capacitated to deliver services.