Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal Enters Its Tenth Year

Media Statement by Bonginkosi Madikizela, Minister of Human Settlements

I am very happy that the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal (WCRHT) is entering its tenth year of operation. The WCRHT forms part of the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements.

This ten-year anniversary also coincides with an arrangement with the Chief Magistrate's Office, where a ruling by the WCRHT will lead to warrant of execution being issued by the Clerk of the Magistrate's Court, enabling the favoured party to attach the goods of the wrongdoer. This gives the Tribunal some real teeth, and will ensure justice is done.

The service offered by the WCRHT has grown considerably. In 2000/2001, 102 cases were registered. By 2007/2008, there were 904, and in the last few years, the number has tripled to 2 710 cases in 2010/2011. This growth shows me that we are offering a valuable service needed by the public.

From January to June of this year, the most common types of complaints registered were:

• Unlawful notice to vacate - 431 cases.
• Unlawful eviction or illegal lockout - 323 cases.
• Failure to refund deposit agreement - 253 cases.
• Failure to do maintenance - 198 cases.

In terms of the Department's strategic objectives, one of our outcomes is to inculcate a sense of ownership, rights and responsibilities amongst beneficiaries, owners and tenants. The WCRHT is one of the vehicles we use to ensure that objective is delivered.

It is my hope that the WCRHT can continue to serve the public for another ten years.