Black housing in South Africa : realities, myths and options

Abstract

This thesis is primarily based on three statements, the first a reality, the second a statement of policy and the third a declaration of intent. THE REALITY: In order to keep pace with the growth in population over the period 1980 to 2000, more than four million houses will need to be built. In addition, in 1983 the housing backlog was estimated to be approximately 700 000, with the major shortages being experienced by Blacks. (Sutcliffe, 1986). This amounts to approximately 550 houses per day for the twenty year period. At present the building rate is below 20 units per working day. (Kentridge, 1986). THE PRESENT POLICY:In 1982, the Minister of Community Development, Pen Kotze, announced that the state will no longer provide built housing units. Instead, our first priority will be to ensure that land and infrastructure is made available to all persons who can, with their own financial resources, those of their employers, financial institutions and other private means, accept responsibility for the construction or their own houses. (Dewar, 1983). Furthermore state- provided rented accommodation will, only be built for welfare cases and for people earning less than R150.00 a month. Even here a substantial cutback is implied. To quote the Minister, As far as housing for the poor is concerned, the Department will STILL CONSIDER making funds available for housing projects for people earning less than RlSO a month. [emphasis added) (Dewar, 1983). THE DECLARATION OF INTENT: Clause 9 of the Freedom Charter states, There Shall Be Houses, Security and Comfort All people shall have the right to live where they choose, to be decently housed and to bring up their families in comfort and security; Unused housing space to be made available to the people; Rent and prices shall be lowered, food plentiful and no one shall go hungry, ... Slums shall be demolished and new suburbs built where all have transport, roads, lighting, playing fields, creches and social centres; ... Fenced location and ghettos shall be abolished, and laws which break up families shall be repealed. Each of the above two statements in turn begs a related question: Of the present policy - how and why did it come about? What are the present responses and how effective are they? Of the declared intention - how can it be fulfilled? In essence, this thesis addresses these questions.