The appointment of politically connected individuals to the Eastern Cape Rental Housing Tribunal has raised several red flags, once again highlighting the ANC’s cadre deployment tendencies. Serious questions must be asked about appointments that appear to favour political loyalty over service delivery.
At a time when nearly half of the province’s population faces unemployment and deepening poverty, the ANC continues to prioritise patronage over the needs of residents. Among the newly appointed tribunal members are Nceba Faku, former mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay; Zukiswa Cheryl Faku, former mayor of Buffalo City; and Bulelwa Tunyiswa, former MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
The Housing Act of 1999 requires tribunal members to possess relevant expertise in areas such as property management, housing development, or consumer matters relating to rental housing. These appointments raise serious concerns about compliance with that requirement. Of particular concern is the inclusion of Zukiswa Faku, who was convicted on nine counts of fraud involving the misuse of an official credit card during her time as mayor.
The Eastern Cape Rental Housing Tribunal exists to ensure fairness and stability in the rental housing sector. It is tasked with resolving disputes between landlords and tenants, not serving as a retirement home for discredited political figures.
Under the watch of MEC for Human Settlements, Siphokazi Lusithi, the Tribunal has now become yet another instrument of cadre deployment rather than a functioning arm of justice and governance.
This process appears to undermine both the letter and the spirit of the law. It threatens the legitimacy of the Tribunal’s operations and erodes public trust in a body meant to act impartially.
Departmental entities must not be reduced to party tools. When political interests override merit and compliance, it is the people of the Eastern Cape who suffer.
I have written to MEC Lusithi to request that she provide complete transparency to the Provincial Legislature’s Human Settlements Portfolio Committee. The MEC must explain how these posts were advertised, what criteria were used to assess applications, who served on the selection panel, and how the final five appointees were deemed fit for purpose.
The people of the Eastern Cape deserve a Rental Housing Tribunal that protects their rights, not one that rewards failed officials. The DA will continue to challenge these abuses and demand accountability, not only for the sake of legality, but for the dignity of every resident who relies on a fair, functioning housing system.