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This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
Talking Points for
at the Ocean View Site Visit
Ambassador Harriet Babbitt, USAID Deputy Administrator
South Africa
February 17, 1999
- It gives me great pleasure to be here with you in Ocean View today. As the Assistant Administrator of USAID, I have read a great deal about initiatives that are taking place throughout the world. However, nothing compares with seeing, first-hand, the actual accomplishments of a community.
- I know that the South Africa has an enormous housing problem and that over 3 million additional units are required to fill current needs.
- Let me say frankly -- most countries would be daunted by the scope of what needs to be done to provide all South Africans with housing that meets acceptable standards. Problems must be solved in the areas of policies, legislation, finance, and administration. Creating enough affordable housing for the poor is a challenge for any nation, but today’s South Africa inherited a huge backlog of neglect and discrimination in housing that compounds the inherent difficulties.
- The South African government has taken on the challenge and is moving ahead, utilizing every means available to solve the country's housing problem. I am impressed that one of its principal methods for providing housing is working with community-based groups like yours. I am told that yours is one of the pilot programs of the National Department of Housing. I understand that designation is based upon the exemplary way in which you have organized yourselves, agreed upon your objectives and gone on to implement your plans.
- We all know, deep inside, that providing a group of houses does not create a community. Houses, by themselves are simply buildings. To build a community, you have to have families who join together around a common goal – who share a commitment to improving the quality of life where they live.
- We also realize that the value of home ownership goes far beyond the market value of a house. When people own their own homes, they have a serious stake in their community. They will strive to protect, rather than destroy, that community.
- It is clear that the South African Government subscribes to the principles of working together as a community and of making home ownership possible for all. The institutions that it has created, including your famous housing subsidy program, are clearly intended to make home ownership the norm for all classes of people.
- I am also told that Ocean View is concentrating on the larger issues of job creation and economic development for your town. We at USAID are currently grappling with the issue of how to assist in generating employment as we implement programs in six key areas. These areas include democracy building, education, health, economic policy, private enterprise, and housing. Some of these areas, such as private enterprise, are clearly geared to create jobs, other areas need innovative inputs to fully exploit their job creation potential. I am therefore interested in hearing your plans and ideas today.
- I am personally excited by the opportunity to see and learn what you have accomplished, and to hear your plans for the future. Thanks, once again, for inviting us here today.
This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
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Last Updated on: July 12, 2001 |
