South Africa’s Challenges of Realising her Socio-Economic Rights

Abstract

Homelessness and poverty are huge challenges in South Africa. These social problems manifest themselves in poor housing. Inadequate and poor housing structures coupled with illegal land evasions as well as evictions have characterised the society since the Verwoerdian era and even during the new democracy. The ANC led government declared housing one of its constitutional mandate. Provision of the state’s low cost housing is seen as a panacea to homelessness, inadequate housing and poverty. The fact that the democratic government declared housing a priority area, in itself gave birth to different perceptions in the minds of many people. Some people are occupying land illegally, which often municipalities will launch counter initiatives to evict them and take them to areas suitable for human settlement. Such an intervention is often fought fiercely by affected residents. There are people who believe that they can occupy any available vacant land because the Constitution of South Africa puts provision of adequate housing upon the state. This study used a qualitiatative research methodology in gathering data in the affected areas of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Providing housing continues to be contested and the battle does not seem to have been won. Despite the challenges of the state, a framework has been established for the future.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p900