Realizing the right to housing

Abstract

In the South African context, the number of informal settlements are increasing. A problem arises when one observes the conditions that informal settlers are forced to live in, which are diminishing livelihoods and do not fulfill basic human needs. Informal settlements are described as parts of a city that have been neglected and that have been illegally occupied by the urban poor (Huchzermeyer 2006:2). South Africa is currently experiencing a major housing backlog and sometimes the houses that are provided don’t satisfy human needs. It is important to provide elements that will improve the livelihoods of the residents. Thus, the aim is to provide people with elements that not only provide protection against natural elements but also make a positive contribution to the livelihoods of the residents.