The perpetuation of spatial injustice in housing: a case of Alexandra, Johannesburg

Abstract

This study explores the practice of spatial justice in Alexandra, a township in Johannesburg, South Africa, by examining why there is a perpetuation of post-apartheid spatial injustices. It stems from the fact that, despite implementation of various programmes, Alexandra continues to be a deprived area where perpetuation of spatial injustices is evident. I designed the research within the exploratory case study paradigm. The key findings are that spatial injustice in housing in Alexandra speaks to a myriad of general and context-specific factors. These factors include failure to take a regional approach in addressing Alexandra’s challenges, institutional dysfunctionality, land claims, migration, economic marginalisation and the alleged negative externalities from surrounding affluent areas. This study concludes that the manifestation of spatial injustice does need to be addressed, but at the same time, the difficult task of coming to grips with the causes and processes reproducing spatial injustices should be tackled. It is suggested that all spheres of government strive to take control of injustice of spatiality through the disruption of places of privilege and addressing the causes and effects of urbanisation