Emergency housing provision in the city of Johannesburg

Abstract

This research presents a qualitative case study into the City of Johannesburg’s implementation of emergency housing within the context of South Africa’s decentralised development goals. The study explores the challenges faced by local governments, particularly the City of Johannesburg, in their service delivery responsibilities. It examines the adoption of decentralised development in the political and administrative spheres of local government and the role of institutions like SALGA and COGTA in supporting local governments. The research also investigates the struggles of municipalities in applying developmental themes of inclusivity, accountability, and political and social change. The backdrop of the study is the persisting housing backlog and the impact of the failures of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). The research highlights the complexities of providing emergency housing and temporary accommodation in the face of rapid urbanisation, poverty, and the legacy of apartheid spatial planning and housing policies. The study utilises a case study research methodology to scrutinise the political and administrative implementation of developmental local government, their adoption of developmental theories, the opportunities of intergovernmental relations, and the impact on service delivery. The goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the complexities of decentralisation in South Africa and provide insights that could enhance the quality of service delivery, particularly in the provision of emergency housing and temporary accommodation. There is a need to strengthen political and social change; and inclusivity in the City through improving engagement with communities and using resources to find more sustainable ways, in line with the capability and the human rights-based approach, to provide the temporary housing services. Implementing planned community engagement in areas where people are most vulnerable to eviction and emergencies that would require their relocation to temporary emergency accommodation or emergency housing