Housing and Shelter in South Africa

Abstract

The Constitution of South Africa outlines the right of every South African to adequate housing, and sets out the roles and responsibilities of the State in providing these homes. South Africa has a complex history in terms of housing, dating back to colonial and apartheid times when non-white residents were forced onto the periphery of towns and cities. Since 1994, the South African government has worked hard to provide housing for its citizens. This has, however, been a slow, complex and often politicised task which has frustrated a large portion of the population. South Africa has a wide housing typology which includes informal dwellings, state-subsidised housing, and bonded/mortgaged homes. Gaining access to these various types of housing options has proven difficult for many, particularly those who fall into the ‘gap market’, not being rich enough to access a bond from the bank but not poor enough to qualify for state-subsidised housing. This is a major challenge alongside the shortfall in housing provision. This chapter discusses the background of housing in South Africa, the various types of housing that exist, the legislative and policy components of housing, and finally the challenges and opportunities that the housing sector faces.