Minister Simmers kicks-off 2020 with New Head: Department of Human Settlements | Western Cape Government

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Minister Simmers kicks-off 2020 with New Head: Department of Human Settlements

20 January 2020
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ms Jacqueline Samson on her appointment as Head of the Provincial Department of Human Settlements. 
 
Ms Samson commenced her duties on 1 January 2020 and has been appointed as the Head of Department (HOD) on a 5-year contract. 
 
I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running with Ms Samson, as we work to ensure that the three key drivers, which I’ve identified, are delivered on. 
 
These drivers are:
  1. Radical Acceleration of Housing Opportunities
  2. Radical Implementation of Innovative Solutions and
  3. An Integrated Approach to Human Settlements
 
As a registered Town and Regional Planner, Ms. Samson has worked in the private sector for 14yrs and was a shareholder in a town planning consultancy. During that time Ms Samson has worked with several Western Cape Government Departments on spatial planning, housing and property management projects.
 
Ms. Samson was employed within the Department as Chief Director Planning, a position which she held since she joined the Department in July 2008. 
 
Along with her excellent academic qualifications – she holds a post-graduate degree in Geography which was obtained at the University of the Western Cape and obtained a Master’s Degree in Town and Regional Planning from the University of Stellenbosch. She further holds qualifications in property management, public administration and executive leadership.
 
With over 25-years of experience in the built environment, she brings with her a wealth of experience which will enable the Department of Human Settlements to accelerate the delivery of housing opportunities to the citizens of the Western Cape.
 
As the HOD, Ms. Samson will be responsible for a budget in excess of R2 Billion and will be driving the Department’s vision of safe, integrated and sustainable Human Settlements in the Western Cape. In collaboration with communities, private sector and key government departments, the Department will work to respond to the need of the most vulnerable able in our society.
 
“Our responsibility as government is to provide a service to the public and to promote equitable access to economic and social opportunities as well as improve the living conditions of Western Cape residents. Given the continuous rise in housing needs, coupled with a decline in the economy, it is important that we use our minimal resources to cause maximum effect in creating functional human settlements” Samson commented.
 
As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.
Media Enquiries: 

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
021 483 3397 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)