RC 261006Power FMColleen Makhubele
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Power Perspective focused on North West’s housing crisis, the contested role of privatisation, and construction-site extortion linked to the 30% local-content rule.
- 21:40
The South African Human Rights Commission found systemic housing failures in North West, including incomplete RDP homes, poor management and possible corruption, and plans litigation after recommendations were ignored.
- 22:00
North West’s Human Settlements MEC said about 80% of the department’s budget is being redirected to unblock stalled projects, but could not commit to when residents would receive completed homes.
- 22:18
A political analyst argued international privatisation experiments repeatedly failed and led to remunicipalisation, saying private ownership is not an automatic remedy for mismanaged public utilities.
- 23:14
Panelists said the 30% procurement rule was legally removed in 2022 but continues to fuel construction-site extortion, intimidation and violence, with some businesses paying protection fees to operate.
- 23:57
Industry representatives urged stronger public participation, skills development and consistent empowerment rules, while advising victims to report ‘extortion’ at any police station so cases enter national data systems.