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Minister Simmers welcomes first female chairperson appointed at WC Rental Housing Tribunal

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The provincial Department of Infrastructure’s Human Settlements branch recently appointed its new Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT) board. This comes with an historic appointment of the first female chairperson, Ms. Anita Arendse. 

Ms. Arendse, a qualified attorney and conveyancer, will lead the board for the period of 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026. Ms. Arendse previously held presiding officer in the Western Cape Liquor Authority, was the director at a law firm, and a prosecutor at the Western Cape Public Protector’s office. The citizens of the Western Cape can be confident that RHT Board is in capable hands. 

The RHT was established 22 years ago in 2001 in terms of the Rental Housing Act, 50 of 1999 (RHA), and has since played an important role in the rental housing sector in the Western Cape. The tribunal aims to facilitate the resolution of disputes and improve relationships between landlords and tenants, ensuring fairness and protection for both parties.

 The new RHT members are:

  • Ms. Anita Arendse: Chairperson
  • Mr Steven Kahanovitz: Deputy Chairperson
  • Ms Sunell Afrika: Ordinary Member
  • Ms C Fani: Ordinary Member
  • Advocate F Lempereur: Alternate Member
  • Mr B Mdebuka: Alternate Member

Reflecting on this milestone in the sector, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, spoke of his admiration for this appointment. “I welcome Ms. Arendse’s appointment and that of the new members. The appointment of a female chairperson reflects the Western Cape Government’s commitment to creating empowerment opportunities for women in all facets. I have no doubt she will lead the board to greater heights and provide the citizens with the excellent service they have come to expect from this provincial government. Most importantly, we look forward to seeing better access to residents outside the City of Cape Town so that the RHT can serve all of the Western Cape.”

 “The RHT serves a critical role of citizen emancipation in the branch human settlements eco-system. We have, therefore, begun engagements with non-Metro municipalities to further expand these services throughout the Western Cape” added Minister Simmers.

The Tribunal is a free service to residents. 

Media Enquiries:

Mr. Ntobeko Mbingeleli

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

ntobeko.mbingeleli@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 8067 (o)

061 447 7851 (m)