Government has intensified efforts to end the protracted negotiations that have been holding up the release of R42-billion set aside by South Africa's banks and financial institutions for affordable housing for people in lower-income brackets, the Minister of Housing Lindwe Sisulu indicated in the middle of this month.

Trevor Manuel's dramatic reduction of transfer duties was aimed at lower income home owners, but it could rapidly braoden the investor market too.

A housing project set to herald a new chapter in government's efforts to house the poor in proper structures, is now nearing completion. The N2 Gateway housing project, situated along Cape Town's N2 highway to and from the airport, will house members of more than 21 000 households currently living in informal settlements and backyard shacks.

2005 was a great year of activity and growth for Women for Housing (WFH) thanks to the women in the network, partnerships with industry roleplayers and assistance from its sponsors - most notably Standard Bank. One of the most significant activities WFH have been involved in has been the development of the Construction Sector Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Charter.

Co-operative housing is a unique housing option that provides more than just a housing opportunity. While housing is the main focus, through the application of the international co-operative principles, a host of additional benefits are achieved through the housing process. Co-operative housing is therefore often seen and described as a chameleon approach as it has a variety of applications and can take a variety of forms.