​Thabo Bodibe
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements (GDHS) has announced plans to enhance service delivery through strategic partnerships with the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).
This development follows a series of engagements between the department and the key stakeholders aimed at addressing critical challenges in the construction and housing sectors.
"The department is committed to ensuring that construction projects are completed on time and within budget, addressing the critical challenges we face in delivering quality human settlements. 
"By partnering with SACPCMP and SACAP, we aim to leverage their expertise in regulating professionals within the construction and architectural sectors, thereby enhancing compliance with industry standards," said Human Settlements MEC Tasneem Motara.
The stakeholders have collectively recognised the pressing need for collaboration in training, research, and innovation as we work towards sustainable development in our province.
According to the MEC, the focus will be on establishing frameworks that ensure all stakeholders involved in infrastructural development are competent and registered professionals. 
"We believe that fostering these partnerships can significantly improve the quality of human settlements delivered in Gauteng."
The aim, she added, is to improve procurement processes for technical services and utilise academic research findings to inform best practices within the built environment. 
Recognising that any infrastructural project lacking registered architectural oversight is deemed a criminal offence, we must work closely with SACAP to ensure compliance and competence among the professionals involved.