Sustainable Self-help Housing In South Africa?

Abstract

In this paper, I explain the theoretical basis of self-help, as a mode of delivery of housing to the urban poor. I explain the rationale of the multilateral donors' support for self-help in relation to global, neo-liberal macroeconomics. With that background, I look at the space this mode of delivery occupies in the South African context, contrasting it with cases of success and failure elsewhere. I analyse the implication of self-help mode of delivery to the South African urban poor, exploring whether or not it is desirable .1 then explore self-help through the lens of sustain ability, suggesting that narrow understanding of the concept hinders its benefits to self-help housing. I advance the idea that self-help as a mode of delivery of housing has to be homegrown; is not transferable from one context to the next and cannot be uniformly prescribed. I conclude with recommendations taking into account the unique South African socio-economic and political situation, global macroeconomics and the need for more state involvement in welfare.