Exploring the lived experiences of state subsidised housing beneficiaries: the case of Geluksdal Extension 3, City of Ekurhuleni

Abstract

The year 1994 highlights a significant moment in the South African history as this period witnessed the shift from an authoritarian regime to a democratic state. Post -1994 the government of national unity led by the – African National Congress – adopted the White Paper on Housing. In quantitative measures the primary goal of the housing policy was to deliver one million houses in five years and in qualitative measures the policy aimed to create educational and social amenities, access to health care and services and economic opportunities. Since the introduction of the 1994 White Paper on Housing, it is estimated that five million housing opportunities have been created and these constitute of serviced sites, houses built, under construction and\or subsidised houses. Notwithstanding the above, little is known about the lived experiences of the state subsidised housing beneficiaries. This study seeks to understand the lived experiences of state subsidised housing beneficiaries. The study will attempt to uncover what the units mean for people who inhabit them, highlighting what has improved or not for them and detailing the impact on their lives and the space they occupy. Tracing these changes will be achieved vis-à-vis discussion of the advantages and disadvantages between their previous and new accommodation. The research site for this study is Geluksdal Extension 3, a township founded in the early 1960s under the Brakpan municipality. The study focuses on extension three residents of Geluksdal because there is a large development of state subsidised houses in the Ekurhuleni municipality, however, little research has been conducted focusing on the lived experiences of the state subsidised housing beneficiaries. Additionally, it was easier to access this research site and approach participants to be part of this study because the researcher resides around this area. The study employed a qualitative research approach as it allowed for rigor, complex and in-depth understanding of the experiences of state subsidised housing beneficiaries in an environment where their daily living takes place. Based on the data collected the study found that despite the housing deficiencies and limited access to services and amenities, beneficiaries’ lives and general wellbeing has improved significantly. The study also found that the beneficiaries have recorded a remarkable change in their lives, the change goes beyond just the ownership of the house, it includes freedom, belonging, security privacy.