Between the launch of the South African Government’s White Paper on Housing in December 1994 and February 2003 nearly 1.5 million houses were constructed under the subsidised housing scheme. Such properties have become known as ‘Mandela homes’.
Approximately 8.5 million previously disadvantaged South Africans (roughly 20% of the population), now have access to an affordable home with basic services such as water and electricity and the provision of street lighting. The houses were constructed to a common design - each has four rooms including a kitchen and bathroom. Until the passing of the 1999 Rental Housing Act, most were owner-occupied, but a greater proportion is now being rented.
Despite the successes achieved by this subsidised scheme, the provision of suitable housing remains one of South Africa’s most pressing problems. Recent reports suggest that 7 million people still live in squatter settlements and that South Africa has a backlog of some 3-4 million houses, which is increasing by 150,000 each year. In addition, many 'Mandela homes' were located away from areas of opportunity or sources of work.
Ideas for further exploration:
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of providing housing to a standard shape and size in an area such as the Transkei?
- Apart from the provision of sewerage, electricity and clean water, other facilities such as metalled roads, trees and shops are not in evidence. Why do you think this is?
- In what ways do these homes contrast with those in Lesotho (see Lesotho housing 1 and Lesotho housing 2)?
- In what ways are some of the problems associated with the apartheid system being repeated in subsidised housing schemes?
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