Government plans to build first 5000 houses for military veterans

Government plans to build the first 5000 houses for military veterans, Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said on Thursday.

"The policy instrument for building houses for military veterans was approved in 2006 and not a single house stands to attest that we have a housing policy for military veterans," Sisulu said in a speech prepared for delivery at the annual Govan Mbeki Awards in Johannesburg.

"I implore all of you here to direct your attention in September to ensure we can build the first 5000 houses for military veterans."

The awards showcase best practices in the housing sector.

The houses were a basic tribute that the military veterans deserved, Sisulu said.