Kennedy Road housing handover transforms government and shack-dweller relations

The Department of Human Settlements in South Africa has entered into a new phase of cooperation with shack-dwellers, following a housing handover at Kennedy Road in KwaZulu-Natal. Prior to this, the relationship between the government and informal dwellers was characterized by friction and mistrust. The Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, acknowledges the arduous communication process that has led to this collaborative approach.

Simelane revealed that the nation currently has 212 unblocked housing projects; however, financial constraints limit the completion of all projects, with 85 targeted in the current medium-term expenditure framework. This initiative will benefit over 30,000 households.

Simelane emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring completed projects, as funds have been allocated, and their enhanced early warning systems to prevent blockages. The minister also highlighted that numerous blocked projects and informal settlements, particularly in metros led by major cities like Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, and Cape Town, account for over 60% of the 4,222 informal settlements.

Consequently, secondary cities such as Msunduzi and smaller regions in KwaZulu-Natal will experience similar situations, although not to the same extent as eThekwini.

The government is actively working with community members, establishing committees to guarantee that once shack dwellers are provided with formal housing, no other occupants occupy the former sites. Simelane explained that the community recognizes the importance of preserving the spaces that have been opened, as they have become the custodians of their own formalization.

Human Settlements Minister Simelane highlighted the importance of trust-building and cooperation, while acknowledging the presence of challenges along the way.

Abahlali baseMjondolo, a prominent shack-dweller movement, expressed their satisfaction with the handover at the Barton Place Housing Project. Founding President S’bu Zikode emphasized the movement's long-standing struggle for decent housing for the poor, acknowledging that they have faced numerous hardships. Zikode emphasized the importance of demolishing shacks once residents receive formal housing, ensuring that no new occupants occupy the spaces.

In eThekwini, he pointed out the absence of a monitoring system to prevent post-occupancy encroachments, leading to an ongoing battle.