The North West Housing Corporation (NWHC) has welcomed Thabo Lerefolo as its incoming Administrator and Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with outstanding housing projects and financial sustainability among the key priorities awaiting his attention.
Lerefolo was seconded by North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi, to strengthen organisational stability and advance the Corporation’s strategic mandate in line with the 2025–2030 human settlements priorities.
His appointment comes amid longstanding housing delivery challenges in the province, including stalled developments, project delays and concerns over the implementation of major housing initiatives.
In 2023, a delegation from the National Council of Provinces raised concerns about delays affecting the N14 housing development in Touvleg and the N12 project in Jakaranda, Matlosana. The N14 development, which was intended to deliver 360 housing units, experienced delays linked to the contractor’s financial difficulties and the location of sites on a wetland.
More recently, in November 2024, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements engaged with MAWIGA petitioners over allegations of maladministration involving the sale and transfer of properties without the owners’ consent. The committee committed to pursuing the matter to its conclusion.
Against this background, NWHC Board Chairperson Wendy Nelson outlined key priorities for Lerefolo, including completing the N14 Steel Tanks Project by the end of the current financial year, finalising the MAWIGA project and accelerating progress on the MegaCities developments and Palmietfontein projects.
Nelson also highlighted the need for innovative revenue-generation initiatives to improve the Corporation’s financial sustainability.
In response, Lerefolo expressed gratitude to MEC Molapisi and the Board for the opportunity, emphasising that turning around the Corporation would require teamwork, accountability and a collective commitment to achieving its objectives.
He called on employees to embrace change and contribute to building a stable, professional working environment capable of supporting effective project implementation.
Lerefolo’s performance will be closely linked to the Corporation’s ability to advance its priority projects, strengthen financial sustainability and improve housing delivery in support of the province’s human settlements mandate.
