A critical analysis of housing inadequacy in South Africa and its ramifications

Abstract

Background: This article critically analyses housing inadequacy in South Africa and its ramifications. Aim: The study is exploratory in nature and used the qualitative methodology. Setting: Key findings suggest that protests, informal settlements, health challenges, shack fires, flooding, violence and criminality, corruption and xenophobic attacks are the ramifications of housing inadequacy in South Africa. Method: This study used relevant review of literature, document and policy review, and a qualitative inquiry of secondary sources with regards to housing inadequacy in South Africa and its ramifications to answer the research questions. Results: Through the Housing Development Agency, the government needs to engage the private sector, state-owned enterprises, provinces and municipalities to unlock strategic parcels of land suitable for human settlements development, which provision, especially for low-income groups should be at subsidised rates. Conclusion: The country needs an efficient, formidable and incorruptible department that is able to perform the huge task of spatial integration.