Living close to life : social housing in the inner city of Pretoria

Abstract

The housing shortage in South Africa is a major concern for low-income people, due to the disadvantaged communities that were developed under the Apartheid system. The system separated disadvantaged communities from the Central Business Districts, making it difficult to meet their basic needs. The housing shortage and lack of job opportunities became critical after the fall of the Apartheid regime in 1994. The ANC Government came to power in 1994, promising a better life, employment opportunities and housing for all people who were in the struggle during Apartheid. Due to social, economical and political problems in South Africa, the Government could not respond to all the demands in time. Because of the delay of the promises made by the Government, people began to strike, demanding better job opportunities and other social economic services, specifically housing. The Apartheid system had created low-income jobs for the disadvantaged communities with the majority of people working in the Central Business Districts. Their salaries were not enough to sustain their families, transport and others necessities. They travelled by bus, train or taxi and then walked long distances to reach their destinations.