Human settlements minister Thembi Simelane has acknowledged the significant challenges in eradicating South Africa's 4,200 informal settlements, emphasizing that the task is 'stacked against us'.She highlighted that setting a deadline for eradication is impractical, instead focusing on long-term interventions.

Key strategies include in-situ building, which upgrades informal settlements into habitable spaces, and the Prevention of Illegal Eviction (PIE) Amendment Bill to criminalize illegal land occupation.

Simelane also mentioned accelerating the completion of housing projects and increasing the housing subsidy threshold from R22,000 to R35,000 to support first-time buyers.These measures aim to reduce informal settlements by providing better housing options while minimizing disruption to residents' livelihoods.

Johannesburg alone has 800 informal settlements, and the government's approach prioritizes upgrading existing sites rather than forced relocation.The PIE Amendment Bill, once passed, will address illegal land invasions, further curbing the growth of informal settlements.Simelane noted that while the current subsidy level is insufficient, partnerships with commercial banks help bridge the gap.The plan underscores a shift from eradication to sustainable housing solutions.