Tatenda Manomano

Housing Problems and Programs in South Africa: A Literature Review

Abstract Although many in South Africa have access to low cost housing from the government, persistent housing problems continue to take center stage among the poor and needy in the country. This paper examines the housing problems in the housing programs in South Africa through a literature review. Findings show that most of the housing problems are caused by corruption and mismanagement while some are due to small housing structures, whereas others are due to the poor housing material, and others are caused by poor location of housing projects, with others resulting from lack of involvement of stakeholders and beneficiaries in the housing projects. Also, factors such as urbanization, unemployment as well as renting and selling of houses by the housing beneficiaries contribute to the housing problems. Researchers recommend program monitoring and evaluation for restrengthening and reorganizing of the housing programs among other things.

Exploring the Administrative and Managerial Flaws Associated with Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) Housing Projects: the Case of Alice Golf Course Housing Project, Eastern Cape

Abstract This study sought to explore the pertinent administrative and managerial flaws associated with Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing projects in South Africa. The study used the mixed methods of both qualitative and quantitative approaches with quantitative aspect taking the form of a mini-survey while the qualitative took the form of a case study. Both the interview guide and a likert-scaled questionnaire were used as data collection instruments. The findings indicated pertinent administrative and managerial challenges such as: RDP participants being engaged in only a few meetings; administrators using the meetings to rubberstamp their agendas and not those of the housing beneficiaries; undemocratic use of only one language in the meetings; disagreements and contestations in the meetings; administrators not respecting the housing beneficiaries; and many cases of malpractices by the housing administrators. The researchers recommended to the government to seriously consider monitoring and evaluation of the administration of the housing project and its relationship with the people. The RDP housing beneficiaries need their democratic space to air their views, concerns and grievances. This is for them to increase their spirit of programme ownership.

Validating RDP Housing Beneficiaries' Perceptions on the Quality of Their Houses: The Case of RDP Golf Course Study, Eastern Cape

Abstract The study sought to validate the RDP housing beneficiaries’ perceptions on the quality of their houses. The study was explorative, explanatory and descriptive in design; and triangulated both qualitative and quantitative approaches with the qualitative approach being the dominant approach and quantitative being the less dominant. The study utilized an interview guide with unstructured questions as a data collection tool to guide the conduction of in-depth interviews with the study participants; while a mini-survey questionnaire with likert designed questions was used to solicit the magnitude of the perceptions of the study respondents on the extent of the quality of the houses. The following perceptions were raised by most of the study participants: poor quality roofing; poor quality doors; cracking floors; weak and poor quality toilets. The researchers informed by these findings advocate for the government to work towards renovation of these houses to ensure that the people reside in qualitative RDP houses.

Pitting the Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP) Housing Quality Against International Housing Quality Norms: The Case of 2011-2013 Golf Course Study, Eastern Cape Province

Abstract The present study sought to pit the 2011-2013 of Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP) houses’ quality against the international housing norms. The study triangulated both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The quantitative approach was in the form of a mini survey while the qualitative approach was in the form of a case study. The study used an interview guide and a questionnaire as data collection instruments. The findings from this study revealed that the quality of houses did not meet the international standards because: they were too small and had inadequate space; were built with poor building material for the roofs, floors, walls and their doors and windows were weak threatening occupants’ state of security; and had not been connected to sources of water. The researchers recommended that the government needs to map out renovations plans for the houses so that they can meet international standards. These houses need to be connected to sources of water and sewer. This is to ensure the occupants are fairly satisfied and the houses are hygienic.

The Extent to Which Government Housing Programs meet the Expectations of Intended Beneficiaries in South Africa

Abstract Although numerous housing projects for the needy have been established in South Africa since 1994, many reports show their inadequacy in meeting the expectations of the intended beneficiaries. It is based on this notion that this paper was crafted to explore the extent to which housing programs meet the expectations of intended beneficiaries. The study collected data from 276 participants who were subjected to either interviews or questionnaires. The findings show that the beneficiaries were not happy with the quality, size and spacing of the houses; the intended beneficiaries felt that the distance of the houses to other socio-economic locations such as schools, hospitals and police were very far; the government and contractors’ slow pace of construction of the houses was disturbing and very slow. The researchers recommend an overhaul in the implementation of the housing program to ensure that the expectations of the intended beneficiaries are met. A thorough monitoring and evaluation is needed to promote and strengthen accountability at all levels. This paper is derived from a broader research study that sought to investigate the implementation of housing programs towards addressing housing problems in the Amathole district of the Eastern Cape Province with the objective of this study being to investigate and establish the extent to which the housing projects meet the expectations of the targeted beneficiaries in South Africa.

Preserving human dignity: Promises and pitfalls – a South African perspective:

The authors of this article contend that although the universal affirmation of human dignity remains an ambition whose vast dimensions would be exceedingly daunting for all but the truly visionary, reimagining contextual and contemporary emancipatory thinking has the potential to contribute towards alleviating the conditions and circumstances that threaten and debilitate human dignity. It is particularly noteworthy that developing countries, and their rural areas in particular, continue to be afflicted by a lack of access to basic needs such as adequate access to basic education, social development and housing.

Sanitary and Hygiene Related Challenges Associated With RDP Houses: The Case of RDP Golf Course 2011-2013 Study, Eastern Cape Province

Abstract This paper sought to explore the sanitary and hygiene related challenges associated with RDP houses in South Africa through a 2011-2013 case study of RDP houses at Golf Course, Eastern Cape Province. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches and therefore took adopted the case study and mini-survey designs. The findings from this study revealed that there were challenges associated with sanitary and hygiene in these RDP houses due to factors such as inadequate spacing and the size of the houses, lack of access to clean water in almost all the houses, poor quality of toilet materials, bad positioning and malfunctioning of the toilets, and poor cracking walls that allowed the wind and cold air to easily permeate. These challenges compelled the researchers to recommend for serious renovation of the houses, work to reposition the toilets, and work on speedy provision of clean water to all the houses among other things.

Taking Stock of South Africa’s Progress towards Mitigating the Crime and Violence against Women

Abstract Indubitably, violence against women, also referred to as gender-based violence is a critical challenge in South Africa that needs to be reduced significantly, controlled, mitigated, if not annihilated altogether. The vice emasculates women’s participation in socio-economic affairs of their countries; and undermines their human rights and renders the country’s aspirations to make a significant score in the Millennium Development Goal number three a daunting dream. The paper, using a review of literature methodology, aimed to debate and discuss some aspects of the environment of gender based violence in South Africa. The paper identifies that most women are raped or sexually molested in South Africa; emotionally harassed in families; lack of self-control and regulation among women; risky behaviour such as travelling late at night and hanging around wrong places. On the other hand, addressing the challenge of violence against women is beset by: poor justice and legal system to effectuate thorough punishment on perpetrators; lack of effective policing system to protect and safeguard the lives of the women; broken traditional and community leadership to foster the values of respect and dignity especially to among the women; as well as preponderance of poverty and unemployment. The paper suggests; awareness campaigns to inform and educate especially the women and men to respect and love one another; enhancing and ensuring community forums spread the message of zero tolerance towards violence; and having a stronger criminal justice system that will impose stiffer penalties to those who perpetrate crime against women.

Poor Infrastructural Development as a Major Impediment to Education Acquisition of Children in South Africa: A Discourse Analysis

Abstract With the stocktaking of the Millennium development goals slowly time ticking to 2015, infrastructural development remains a major impediment to education acquisition of children in South Africa. Although South Africa has pencilled many policies and clauses in an attempt to address education acquisition of children, it is unfortunate that many platforms indicate paucity of schools; while other areas have schools lacking toilets and sanitation facilities. The article aimed at raising debate and discourse on challenges besetting acquisition of quality education among the South Africans especially those residing in the rural areas. The article utilized a review of literature methodology. Findings indicate the following deterrents to qualitative education in South Africa: poor infrastructural development; inadequate schools and classes; poor state of sanitation and hygiene environment; and longer distance to schools for both the teachers and students. The following strategies have been suggested to address the above deterrents: ensure enough schools and classes; a humane and hygiene environment; reconstruction and renovation of the schools; and government to collaborate with the private sector to improve the circumstances of schools in the country.

The Relationship Between Crime and Infrastructural Gaps Within the Golf Course Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) Housing Estate in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract This study sought to explore the association between crime and infrastructural gaps in the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses with a case of the 2013 RDP Golf course study. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches and adopted a case study and mini survey designs. The study was explorative, explanatory and descriptive in design. Twenty-four (24) participants were subjected to one -on-one interview while 50 respondents answered a questionnaire interview. The findings from this study indicated that there were immense crime attributed to inadequate infrastructure such as having no streetlights; no feeder roads while the existing ones were deplorable; and there were no police services instituted near these houses; These shortcomings compelled these researchers to recommend to the government and other development partners to consider working for infrastructure such as making feeder roads and improving the existing ones; expediting the installation of street lights and ensuring police services are instituted. These researchers believe that the results from the study will ring a bell to policy makers and non government organizations to brainstorm and come up with a plan to bolster the infrastructure around the RDP houses.