Informal Settlements In Durban Research Articles

Microplastic occurrence in sediments of informal settlement in Durban, South Africa: assessing the ocean impact in the aftermath of floods

Microplastics prepared from waste plastic materials were used to study the occurrence of microplastics in informal settlement.

Household waste management behaviour amongst residents in an informal settlement in Durban, South Africa

In South Africa, household waste management is a significant challenge in informal settlements, as most of these lack basic waste management infrastructure, and the government's waste management services are limited. This contextual setting brings unique challenges that have not been extensively explored in existing research. Understanding waste management behaviour is therefore critical in addressing underlying challenges and improving waste management practices in such settlements. The purpose of this study was to assess the waste management behaviour among residents of the Shannon Drive informal settlement, in Durban, South Africa. Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour, this study conducted a cross-sectional survey amongst 226 residents at the Shannon Drive informal settlement in Durban, South Africa. The findings suggest that whilst individuals have a positive attitude towards managing their household waste, they believe that it is solely the responsibility of the municipality to manage this in their area, which could have implications for waste management policies and programs. The findings suggest that there is a need for continued education and outreach efforts to promote positive behaviour towards household waste management.

A latent class analysis of young women’s co-occurring health risks in urban informal settlements in Durban, South Africa

In South Africa, substance use, violence, and HIV risk disproportionately affect young poor Black women. Few studies have explicitly measured the co-occurrence of these health risks or the impact on mental health and wellbeing for this population. To this aim, we use a person-centred approach to explore the clustering of health risks among young Black women from urban informal settlements in Durban, South Africa, enrolled in an intervention trial. Latent class analysis identified three health risk subgroups with increasing levels of health risk co-occurrence: while all three subgroups had high rates of emotional/economic intimate partner violence, they differed in their levels of the other health risks, with one (“lower-risk”) subgroup defined by experiencing violence against women (VAW), another by the co-occurrence of VAW with problematic alcohol use (i.e. “mid-risk”), and the last (“high-risk”) subgroup by the co-occurrence of VAW, problematic alcohol use and sexual risk behaviour. Descriptive analyses showed that lower education and food insecurity were associated with greater health risk co-occurrence and that this in turn was associated with increased chances of depression and suicidal ideation. Between subgroup differences persisted over time - after two years, the chances of experiencing violence, problematic alcohol use, transactional sex and depression remained elevated for the women who initially experienced more health risks. Persistent yet differing levels of risk suggest the need for urgent structural interventions that address these health risks synergistically while taking account of individual differing primary and secondary prevention needs. Our analyses highlight that social epidemics such as poverty, racism and gender inequality play into the production of poor health outcomes, including poor mental health. These are the underlying structural issues that need to be addressed in order to protect women’s health and reduce harm.

Is hope associated with HIV-acquisition risk and intimate partner violence amongst young women and men? A cross-sectional study in urban informal settlements in South Africa

ABSTRACT Hope is a concept that may mediate between the structural constraints people live under and their HIV-acquisition risk behaviours/experiences. Drawing on data collected as the baseline for an intervention trial between September 2015 and September 2016, among young (18–30-year-old), out-of-school women and men in urban informal settlements in Durban, South Africa, we assess whether hope, assessed by the Snyder Hope Scale, is associated with HIV-risk behaviours/experiences. 677 women (35.5%; 33.7%; 30.9%; low, medium, and high hope scores respectively) and 668 men (40.6%; 32.8%; 26.7%; low, medium, and high hope scores respectively) were included. Among women, adjusted analyses showed high levels of hope, compared to low levels, were associated with greater modern contraceptive use (aOR1.57, 1.04–2.37). For men, medium or high levels of hope, compared to low levels, were associated with reduced physical and/or sexual IPV perpetration (med: aOR0.55, 0.38–0.81, high: 0.38, 0.25–0.57), emotional IPV perpetration (med: aOR0.54, 0.36–0.80, high: aOR0.62, 0.41–0.94) and transactional sex (med: 0.57, 0.38–0.84, high: aOR0.57, 0.39–0.86) respectively. For men, hope potentially captured a pathway between an individual’s structural context and their HIV-risk behaviour. Yet this was not the case for women. It may be the Snyder Hope Scale does not adequately capture localised meanings of hope.

Google Earth Engine for Informal Settlement Mapping: A Random Forest Classification Using Spectral and Textural Information

Accurate and reliable informal settlement maps are fundamental decision-making tools for planning, and for expediting informed management of cities. However, extraction of spatial information for informal settlements has remained a mammoth task due to the spatial heterogeneity of urban landscape components, requiring complex analytical processes. To date, the use of Google Earth Engine platform (GEE), with cloud computing prowess, provides unique opportunities to map informal settlements with precision and enhanced accuracy. This paper leverages cloud-based computing techniques within GEE to integrate spectral and textural features for accurate extraction of the location and spatial extent of informal settlements in Durban, South Africa. The paper aims to investigate the potential and advantages of GEE’s innovative image processing techniques to precisely depict morphologically varied informal settlements. Seven data input models derived from Sentinel 2A bands, band-derived texture metrics, and spectral indices were investigated through a random forest supervised protocol. The main objective was to explore the value of different data input combinations in accurately mapping informal settlements. The results revealed that the classification based on spectral bands + textural information yielded the highest informal settlement identification accuracy (94% F-score). The addition of spectral indices decreased mapping accuracy. Our results confirm that the highest spatial accuracy is achieved with the ‘textural features’ model, which yielded the lowest root-mean-square log error (0.51) and mean absolute percent error (0.36). Our approach highlights the capability of GEE’s complex integrative data processing capabilities in extracting morphological variations of informal settlements in rugged and heterogeneous urban landscapes, with reliable accuracy.

Determinants of diarrhoeal infections among users of shared sanitation in informal settlements in Durban, South Africa.

Diarrhoeal disease continues to be a major health problem in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, mainly due to the lack of access to sanitation, water, and hygienic living conditions. Identifying the determinants of diarrhoeal infections continues to be a challenge in developing countries. In this study, we ascertained the factors behind diarrhoea among inhabitants of informal settlements in the city of Durban, South Africa. Prevalence of diarrhoea in the study area varied between 7-year historical clinical records and data collected during the current study (primary data), with the primary data giving the highest monthly prevalence odds ratio (POR) up to 18.1 (±1.6)%. The main factors associated with diarrhoeal infections were open defaecation (POR = 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.9-3.12), use of shared sanitation (POR = 1.7; 95%; CI: 1.05-2.26), and exposure to faecal matter around the homes (POR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.25-3.10). Several other factors were also determined to be associated with diarrhoeal infections, such as hygiene practices in the communities, the non-treatment of water before use, and the presence of solid waste and faecal materials around the households. This study shows that diarrhoeal disease infections in informal settlements could be multifactorial; therefore, a multifactorial approach is needed to reduce these infections. These could include improving education on hygiene practices within the home setting as well as in public places, such as the community ablution blocks.

A Mixed-Method Analysis of Inequalities Associated With Adverse Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes and the Requisite Interventions Among Young Women in Durban Informal Settlements, South Africa.

BackgroundOver the years, positive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes have been made possible by a series of policies such as the Sustainable Development Goals, targeted toward different aspects of young women's SRH needs. Nevertheless, inequalities in the levels and trends of adverse SRH outcomes still exist in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including South Africa. Thus, this study examines the inequalities associated with adverse SRH outcomes among young women in Durban informal settlements, South Africa, using a mixed-method analysis and suggested requisite interventions to reduce or eliminate the disparity.MethodsA mixed-method sequential explanatory design was used to address the research question. First, a quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 547 young women aged 18 to 24 years in four informal settlements in Durban, South Africa, between April and July 2021. Thereafter, twenty (20) key informant interviews were conducted among different participants but with the same study characteristics. The study's outcome variable was adverse SRH outcomes, including HIV, STIs and unintended pregnancy, while the independent variable was inequality. The quantitative analysis employed binary and multivariable analysis to determine the association between the outcome and explanatory variables, using an alpha level of p < 0.05 to determine significance, while the qualitative analysis was done thematically.ResultsAt the quantitative level, the prevalence of adverse SRH outcomes among young women dwelling in Durban informal settlements was 82.45%, 90.86% and 81.90% for STIs, HIV and unintended pregnancy, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio showed that young women who ever discussed sexual matters with their parents had a lower likelihood of reporting having STIs [aOR = 0.20; 95% (CI = 0.15–1.01)], HIV [aOR = 0.20; 95% (CI = 0.15–1.01)] and unintended pregnancy [aOR = 0.20; 95% (CI = 0.15–1.01)] compared to young women who never had a sexual discussion with their parents. Almost all the key informant interview participants shared the same perspective and proffered possible solutions in the qualitative results.ConclusionThere are disparities in the factors associated with adverse SRH outcomes in Durban's informal settlements. Healthcare proximity, child support grants, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, polygamous family structures and gender based violence were associated with higher odds of reporting adverse SRH outcomes.

Examining the Interplay between Economic Development and Local Women Vulnerability to Flood Impacts in Selected Local Areas in Durban, South Africa

This article probes the rural economic development approach in selected informal settlements in Durban and how such approach affects the vulnerability of local Black women to flood impacts within the areas. Qualitative data for the study were gathered through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 25 local Black women from Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu and Umlazi. Five key informants from the eThekwini (Durban) metropolitan municipality were also interviewed. Findings from the study showed that although there is improved economic development in the selected settlements, which constitute informal settlements designated for Black South Africans during the apartheid era, such an economic development approach has not significantly improved the livelihoods and adaptive capacity of the local women. The article suggests a multidimensional approach to development that is practical, inclusive and equitable, and addresses local women’s challenges associated with climate adaptation and sustainable livelihoods.

Risk factors for generalized anxiety disorder among young women and men in informal settlements in South Africa: A cross-sectional study

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is common globally, particularly among young people, but limited research has been done on the risk factors for GAD especially in low-income settings. We sought to understand risk factors for GAD among young (ages 18–32) women and men from urban informal settlements in Durban, South Africa, enrolled in an intervention trial. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess risk factors, separately by sex. Using the GAD7 scale, among 484 women, 18.6 ​% reported moderate or severe symptoms of GAD. In multivariable analysis, moderate or severe GAD symptoms were associated with stealing because of hunger in the past month, stress because of lack of work, experiencing three or more past year experiences of adverse events, and past year experience of intimate partner violence. Among 505 men, 19.6 ​% reported moderate or severe GAD symptoms. In multivariable analysis, moderate or severe GAD symptoms were associated with stealing because of hunger in the past month, greater adverse childhood experiences, and three or more adverse experiences in the past year. Overall higher GAD symptoms were associated with poverty and violence experience and exposure, addressing these two factors is critical for reducing poor mental health.

Innovation for improved hand hygiene: Field testing the Autarky handwashing station in collaboration with informal settlement residents in Durban, South Africa

Safe and accessible water services for hand hygiene are critical to human health and well-being. However, access to handwashing facilities is limited in cities in the Global South, where rapid urbanisation, service backlogs, lack of infrastructure and capacity, and water scarcity impact on the ability of local governments to provide them. Community participation and the co-production of knowledge in the development of innovative technologies, which are aligned with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) principles, can lead to more sustainable and socially-acceptable hand hygiene systems. This paper presents the outcomes of the testing of the Autarky handwashing station, a technology that provides onsite treatment and recycling of handwashing water, in an informal settlement in Durban, South Africa. The transdisciplinary research approach adopted enabled the participation of multiple stakeholders with different knowledge systems in the framing, testing and evaluation of the system. The process of co-producing knowledge, as well as the outcomes of the testing, namely high levels of functionality and social acceptability of the technology, supported the WASH principles. The evaluation revealed that the Autarky handwashing station is a niche intervention that improved access to safe and appealing handwashing facilities in an informal settlement. Its novel design, socially desirable features, reliability and ability to save water increased its acceptance in the community. The testing of the system in a real-world context revealed the value of including communities in knowledge production processes for technology innovation. Further work is required to ensure that real-time monitoring of system function is feasible before such systems can be implemented at larger scale.

Cellphones and romantic relationships of young women in urban informal settlements in South Africa

Cellphones have impacted on people’s intimate sexual relationships. Using the framework of relationship formation, maintenance and ending, we explore how cellphones and attendant social media have impacted on relationships among a group of young women living in urban informal settlements in Durban, South Africa. We conducted in-depth repeat interviews with 15 women enrolled in the Stepping Stones and Creating Futures trial, as well as group discussions and light-touch participant observation. Our data show that cellphones and social media are central to women’s sexual relationships and allow women greater control over relationships – particularly their formation. However, cellphones and social media also enable greater control and monitoring by partners. In this study, cellphones were central in establishing (or not) trust in relationships, as well as being gifts, sometimes given by men to demonstrate love, but often becoming a snare for women who then struggled to end relationships because the phones ‘remained’ the property of the man. We conclude that while cellphones have created new spaces and opportunities for women’s agency, overall the wider social and material forces of women’s existence were deeply constraining and were the main driver of patterns in women’s relationships.

The individual and combined influence of the lack of employee benefits, collective bargaining and communication on labour unrest

Labour unrest is often the outcome of an interplay or combination of factors that employees are unhappy about. Whilst issues relating to the lack of collective bargaining, communication and employee benefits prove to be reasons for causing labour unrest, the question is whether, and if so, how do they come together to increase the occurrence of labour unrest. Hence, this study explores the relationships between collective bargaining, communication, employee benefits and labour unrest, respectively. It is advocated that a lack of employee benefits, collective bargaining and communication has the potential to lead to labour unrest. The research is conducted at the informal settlement in Durban, South Africa, where most of the construction employees who worked at the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) reside. A sample of fifty from fifty-eight construction employees was drawn using cluster sampling. The researcher used quantitative research methods and data was collected using a self-developed questionnaire and analysed using inferential statistics. The research revealed that all sub-dimensions of the lack of employee benefits, collective bargaining and communication have the potential to influence labour unrest individually and in varying degrees. In this regard, a significant relationship was only found between poor availability of health and wellness programmes (employee benefits) and poor bargaining councils (collective bargaining). In addition, a significant but inverse relationship was found between poor medical care (employee benefits) and poor communication. Recommendations, based on the results of the study, are presented.

Depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their comorbidity: Implications of adversity amongst young women living in informal settlements in Durban, South Africa

• Informal settlements have exceedingly high rates of depression, PTSD and comorbid PTSD-depression. • Compared to women with ‘just’ depression, those with comorbid PTSD-depression reported more disability, childhood trauma and lifetime trauma experience. • Belonging to a social group was protective against depression and comorbid PTSD-depression. • Group-based interventions should be considered in treatment of depression and PTSD. Informal settlements have high rates of poor mental health, yet little research has looked at PTSD-depression co-occurrence in these settings. We investigated the prevalence of depression, PTSD, and comorbid PTSD-depression amongst a non-clinical sample of 18–30 year old women, in informal settlements in South Africa. Cross-sectional analysis of self-selecting young women, enrolled at baseline of an intervention trial. We assessed the occurrence of depression, PTSD and co-occurring PTSD and depression, and used multinomial and logistic regressions to assess risk factors for these. Depression, PTSD and comorbid PTSD-depression were reported by 45.2%, 21.0% and 18.6% of the women respectively. Depression was associated with social group membership (ß -0.74, p = 0.022), food insecurity (ß. 0.97, p = 0.001), stress related to lack of work (ß 0.61, p = 0.022), childhood traumas (ß 0.07, p = 0.004), IPV (ß 0.58, p = 0.007), other lifetime traumas (ß 0.51, p = 0.021) and alcohol misuse (ß 0.04, p = 0.002). Comorbid PTSD-depression was associated with social group membership (ß -0.73, p = 0.008), lack of work stress (ß 1.13, p = 0.009), disability (ß 0.99, p = 0.002), childhood traumas (ß 0.19, p <0.001), alcohol misuse (ß 0.05, p = 0.036) and other lifetime traumas (ß 1.32, p <0.001). Differentiating depression and comorbid PTSD-depression were disability (adj.OR 2.20, p = 0.013), childhood traumas (adj.OR 1.13, p <0.001) and other lifetime traumas (adj.OR 2.44, p = 0.012). This was a cross-sectional study, limiting delineation of the direction of associations. Findings cannot be generalised as the study was non-representative. Findings motivate for trauma informed mental health interventions. Potential for group-based interventions is indicated.

Environmental contamination and risk factors for geohelminth transmission in three informal settlements in Durban metropole, South Africa.

Informal settlements/slums are characterised by a lack of adequate sanitation and safe drinking water. Contaminated soil and water sources combined with poor hygiene and environmental conditions results in the transmission of soil transmitted helminths to humans. The aim of the present study was to assess environmental contamination and risk factors for geohelminth transmission in three informal settlements in Durban, South Africa. Each settlement had different types of sanitation facilities namely; flush toilets, pit latrines and chemical toilets. Thirty adult members from 30 households from each settlement were interviewed to determine their knowledge, attitudes and behaviour on geohelminth transmission. Furthermore, two hundred soil samples were collected from areas considered potential sources of infection and processed for the detection and identification of geohelminth eggs. Prevalence and intensities of geohelminth infections from school-age children were also assessed. From the total collection in the three settlements, 31.6% (95/190) were positive for geohelminth eggs with Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Taenia spp. eggs being recovered. Quarry Road West (57%; 114/200) showed the highest levels of soil contamination followed by Briardene (27%; 54/200) and Smithfield (11%; 22/200). Stool samples collected from 135 children were found to contain parasite eggs of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura. Prevalences and intensities of infection were highest in Quarry Road West for both A. lumbricoides (42%, 57/135; 6.0eggs/g) and T. trichiura (10%, 14/135; 1.9eggs/g) and 9.6% (13/135) harboured dual infections. Open defaecation by community members was observed as the main contributing factor for the presence of geohelminth eggs in soil.

A hybrid methodology to map informal settlements in Durban, South Africa

Currently, given the rapid growth and implementation of inadequate planning policies in African cities, the gap between formal and informal urbanisation is becoming increasingly evident. Spontaneous and unplanned settlements are home to more than half the urban population in Africa, where lost and forgotten spaces within cities are claimed by the urban poor as their ‘right to the city’. This study proposes an innovative research methodology of spatial mapping to analyse informal settlements, thus giving them a new ‘lived’ identity. The research has two key objectives: understanding how lived space can be effectively captured and interpreted and using spatial mapping as a key methodological approach to reinterpreting and adapting spontaneous settlements to existing challenges, hazards and risks. The proposed hybrid methodology, which combines drone photography and qualitative research methods (e.g. interviews, collaborative mapping), was tested in two pilot studies in the Durban metropolitan area, South Africa, to reveal the real attributes and vulnerabilities of such human settlements and to understand how they can be reorganised and adapted. The outcomes of this study allow for a more accurate (lived four-dimensional) mapping of scenarios affecting cities today.

Risk factors for alcohol and drug misuse amongst young women in informal settlements in Durban, South Africa

ABSTRACT Alcohol and drug misuse (ADM) pose a significant disease burden globally. Yet, there remains a gap in understanding risk factors associated with women’s ADM, particularly those in marginalised settings. We investigated risk factors associated with ADM amongst young women in urban informal settlements in South Africa. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted on a sample of 680 young women assessing associations between sociodemographic factors, mental health, relationship factors and past year ADM. Alcohol misuse was assessed using the 10 item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scale, with scores ≥8 defining misuse, a single item assessed past year illegal drug use. Alcohol and drug misuse were reported by 23.1% and 31.8% of the women respectively. In multivariable regression, alcohol misuse was associated with experiencing past year non-partner sexual violence, transactional sex with a main partner, past year drug use, and past week depressive symptoms, while drug misuse was associated with alcohol misuse, transactional sex with a casual partner, past year experience of physical and/or sexual IPV and having a functional limitation (disability). Results indicate ADM in informal settlements are shaped by violence and poor mental health. Interventions geared towards strengthening women’s economic position and mental healthcare are recommended.

Barriers and opportunities for participatory environmental upgrading: Case study of Havelock informal settlement, Durban

Urbanisation is one of the key challenges of this decade with 68% of the global population likely to be living in urban areas by 2050. This challenge is particularly acute in sub-Saharan Africa where future towns and cities will see an influx of residents living in spontaneous human settlements. As cities struggle to keep up with the speed of growth and spread of informal settlements, associated environmental challenges such as air and water pollution and waste management have been significantly increasing posing a health risk in high density settings. Using the case of Havelock informal settlement in Durban, the authors identified key challenges associated with poor environmental conditions, lack of basic infrastructure, and the implications for settlement upgrading. The study uses mixed methods combining transect walks, priority mapping, seasonal calendar, focus group discussions and household interviews to explore the households' most challenging environmental issues faced daily by informal dwellers. This paper seeks to make the case for targeted participatory environmental infrastructure and management delivery in urban settlements in South Africa. The research also highlights the value of adopting a holistic approach to infrastructure provision to effectively enhance the living conditions of communities. Targeted participatory processes are vital to ensure that holistic infrastructure interventions are acceptable, appropriate and embedded in local communities to create sustainable habitats.

Constructing, reproducing and challenging masculinities in a participatory intervention in urban informal settlements in South Africa

Participatory interventions with men and boys to transform masculinities are increasingly common to improve health and reduce intimate partner violence and HIV-related risk. Yet, despite this, there has been little consideration of how facilitators’ own masculinities shape interventions. In this analysis of Stepping Stones and Creating Futures, a gender-transformative programme delivered to young men (aged 18–30 years) in urban informal settlements in Durban, South Africa we explore how facilitators’ masculinities were employed to engender change in the masculinities of participants. We argue facilitators had to negotiate two tasks existing in some tension, the first, overt and the main aim of the programme: namely, challenging elements of the youthful masculinity at play in the lives of participants, such as exerting violent power over women. A second task was more covert: namely, establishing facilitators’ credibility ‘as men’ in order to do this work with participants. Through strategies including clothes, mobile phones, jokes and storytelling, facilitators demonstrated to participants their ‘successful’ masculinity and could then engage with participants around emotions, non-violence and consistent condom use. This enabled facilitators and participants to undergo a limited processes of change, without ‘compromising’ their sense of masculinity, and without fundamentally challenging men’s patriarchal privilege.

Making Informal Settlements ‘Visible’ Through Datafication: A Case Study of Quarry Road West Informal Settlement, Durban, South Africa

Can datafication increase the ‘visibility’ of informal settlements in South Africa, in the context of a national and local state that holds both progressive and repressive approaches towards informal settlements? This case study explores a datafication process that has been in place for five years in an informal settlement in Durban, which has been established through an inclusionary, participatory data collection and production process. It examines how and when the data moves in the information value chain, and the implications this movement has for achieving rights-based, instrumental, structural and distributive justice. It argues that procedural and rights-based justice can be achieved to a certain extent through the construction of an inclusionary datafication process. However, instrumental, structural and distributive justice is dependent on how the interventionist and developmental state of South Africa engages with the data, and whether it takes it up in a meaningful way, thus enabling it to lead to fundamental shifts in discourses, approaches and practices towards informality. The results reveal that the ‘governance and knowledge platforms’ that are built through the datafication process are more important and powerful at first, than the actual data itself. However, informal settlers and other data intermediaries, who have learnt how to engage data to secure the ‘right of informal settlers to the city,’ have begun to use the data in interesting ways, acting as champions, and re-shaping citizens’ relations with the state. While this does not secure tangible changes in informal settlements, it begins to shift discourses and power relations, which is critical to informal settlement upgrading.

Amaoti and Pumwani: Studying urban informality in South Africa and Kenya

ABSTRACTBased on the authors’ parallel projects of research and fieldwork in urban informal settlements in Durban and Nairobi, the article uses comparison to bring out similarities and differences in the dynamics of informality in a South African and Kenyan setting. The article examines three dimensions of informality – the informal economy, informal housing and informal politics – as they play into the lives of youth, popular culture, moral debate, and local political contestations. The two historical trajectories of settler colonial state-building and urban influx control and segregation in South Africa and Kenya are contrasted, together with the struggles that accompanied decolonisation and the transitions to democracy. The article discusses the ways in which informal entrepreneurship has different weight and possibilities in the South African and the Kenyan case, and shows the impact of different expectations of state delivery in the two environments. In conclusion, the authors try to assess comparatively whether developments in the two cases of urban informal settlement in Durban and Nairobi are converging, or whether they exhibit different patterns of urban integration.