Understanding Informal Settlement Growth in

Abstract

The area of focus that has been identified for this research paper is the eThandukukhanya informal settlement on the outskirts of the town of Piet Retief in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. The study will attempt to understand informal settlement growth in regional towns by using this settlement as a case study. The study will give a brief introduction to the challenges of informal settlements at Mkhondo Municipality in the Gert Sibande District of Mpumalanga, where the informal settlement is situated. The paper will examine the background and provide a ‘snapshot’ of the historical circumstances that led to the current challenges faced by the country regarding the growth of informal settlements. The researcher will attempt to establish whether provision of RDP houses to the poor is in fact encouraging in-migration to towns like Piet Retief; and explore whether other alternatives can be utilised to deal with the challenges posed by the increase in informal settlements in this area.