Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale on Friday came under fire from his predecessor in the housing portfolio.

Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu blasted Sexwale for failing to come up with new programmes, adding he claimed credit for those she introduced when she was in charge.

Reports suggest Sisulu's attack was launched in response to revelations the former housing department spent R22-million on a Sarafina-style theatre production, which Sexwale has since halted.

The Democratic Alliance slammed the Human Settlements Department for spending millions on what it called "an advertising campaign to boost the department's image".

During a parliamentary reply, it was also revealed the department had exceeded its advertising budget by over R40-million.

DA spokesperson on Human Settlements, Butch Steyn said the funds should have been spent on building houses.

"We're asking that the Auditor General investigate this whole process. The process that took place and whether it is in fact necessary, to spend this sort of money," said Steyn.