Western Cape Human Settlements Minister, Tertuis Simmers, met the members of the Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT), who commenced with their first sitting today.
The tribunal’s chairperson, Mr Lionel Esterhuizen and Ms Marion Wannenberg are newly appointed members, while the Deputy Chairperson, Ms Sibongile Morare along with Mr Noel van Stade and Mr Andre du Plessis assumed duty in March 2017.
Minister Simmers said: “It was pleasing to note the energy and excitement exuded by the members, as they have a pivotal role to play in not only applying the Rental Housing Act, but also to assist in settling differences between tenants and landlords. I’d like to wish the chairperson, Mr Lionel Esterhuizen and all members the best as they endeavour to fulfill their duties to their best of their ability.”
Chairperson, Mr Lionel Esterhuizen said: “I’m looking forward to my tenure, as it gives us an opportunity to serve the people of the Western Cape. It is vital for our residents, both tenant and owner to know that in the rental space, they have a body that is willing to assist in resolving any disputes they might have.”
The RHT which is a statutory body established in terms of section 7 of the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 (as amended), consists of 5 Members plus 2 Alternate Members, appointed by the Provincial Minister of Human Settlements. In terms of the Act, these members should have expertise in property management, housing development, consumer matters pertaining to rental housing and also have legal experience.
The Tribunal offers a free service aimed at resolving rental disputes between tenants and landlords concerning residential properties, including flats, back rooms, shacks, hostel rooms, houses, garages and outbuildings.
Complaints lodged are resolved through facilitation or mediation or a formal hearing within the province. The Tribunal is assisted by support staff of the Department of Human Settlements and has a responsibility to create awareness and inform tenants, landlords and all other relevant stakeholders (including municipalities) and interest groups about their rights, duties and obligations and actions that constitute an unfair practice in terms of the Rental Housing Act.
The RHT can be contacted on 0860 106 166; a Please Call Me can be sent to 079 769 1207, or anyone can text the word “Help” to 31022. Alternatively, for enquiries, an email can be sent to rht.enquiries@westerncape.gov.za or for disputes to rht.disputes@westerncape.gov.za.
“I’d like to encourage members of the public, who might be in need of the Tribunal’s services to contact them. The function of the tribunal cannot be underestimated, as it is in an exceptional position to forge and promote social inclusion in an open society, which we remain committed to,” added Simmers.
Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Tel: 021 483 3397
Cell: 082 721 3362
Email: Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za