The 2011 census figures show a national disability prevalence rate of 7.55%, excluding children under 5 and those with psychosocial and neurological impairments.
The Department of Human Settlements and Social Development have joined forces to investigate the mandate / obligation for the provision of capital for special needs housing facilities in South Africa, and to develop proposal for a possible Government intervention in the sector.
The South Africa Constitution is clear in that:
- Everyone has the right to access health care services
- Everyone had the right to social security and social assistance
- Everyone has the right to have access to adequate housing, and
- Every child has the right to access nutrition, shelter, basic health care and social services.
The Housing act is also clear:
- It provides for the obligation of the State to prioritise the needs of the poor, persons with special housing needs, including persons with disabilities
- The Minister of Human Settlements has been empowered to institute National Housing Policy and Programmes to satisfy the Constitutional obligations
- The National Housing Code was introduced by the Minister of Human Settlements and to an extent it deals with the needs of persons with physical disabilities but is limited to person who can afford independent housing.
In conclusion the legal investigations revealed that:
- The Minister of Human Settlements is obliged to address the capital needs for special housing needs facilities; and
- This can only be done in collaboration with the other national social and related service provision Departments.
There are currently various options through which persons with special housing needs can be assisted:
- The Housing Subsidy Scheme – the variations of the subsidy amount, and special houses for wheelchair dependent
- The Government developed and owned facilities administered by the DSD (which will continue)
- Temporary facilities based on Variation of Institutional Subsidy Programme
This new programme is different. It is based on the current needs of the NPO (Non Profit Organisation) sector. It was specifically designed to augment existing options. It is very specific in its objectives.
This new programme is a programme of compassion for those members of society who are unable to resolve their housing needs and who are dependent on either part time or full time care.
