Informal Transactions of Low Income Houses in South Africa: A Case Study of eThekwini Municipality

Sandile Mbatha examines how beneficiaries of government-subsidized housing in South Africa challenge prevailing understandings of property relations through informal processes and human-centric institutional arrangements, embedded in complex urban tenure dynamics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

In a complex web of informal processes and human-centric institutional arrangements, beneficiaries of government-subsidized housing in South Africa have found ways to formally register their properties into informality. Sandile Mbatha delves into the concept of informality, shedding light on how these beneficiaries challenge prevailing notions of property relations. These practices are deeply intertwined with the intricate urban tenure dynamics prevalent in post-colonial societies. In these societies, where the state imposes predominantly Western forms of tenure and property rights, it fails to acknowledge the anthropological essence of housing.

The beneficiaries of government-subsidized housing in South Africa have developed intricate informal processes and human-centric institutional arrangements to formalize their properties into informality. This phenomenon challenges prevailing understandings of property relations and is intricately linked to the complex urban tenure dynamics prevalent in post-colonial societies. These societies, where the state imposes predominantly Western forms of tenure and property rights, overlook the anthropological nature of housing.

In a bid to navigate the complexities of urban tenure, beneficiaries of government-subsidized housing have resorted to informal practices. These practices are embedded within the broader context of complex urban tenure dynamics, which are shaped by historical legacies, cultural norms, and political influences. These dynamics often result in the marginalization of certain groups, such as the poor and marginalized communities, who face barriers to accessing formal property rights and tenure systems.

One of the key aspects of informality is the blurring of boundaries between formal and informal property arrangements. Beneficiaries of government-subsidized housing may engage in a range of practices, such as sub-letting, informal land transactions, and the use of shared spaces, to establish and maintain their housing arrangements. These practices are often driven by economic necessity, as well as the lack of access to formal property markets and tenure systems.

However, informality also carries significant risks and challenges. One of the primary concerns is the lack of legal protection and security for beneficiaries of government-subsidized housing. Informal property arrangements are often vulnerable to eviction, land disputes, and other legal challenges, which can lead to displacement and instability. Moreover, informal property arrangements may not provide access to essential services, such as water, electricity, and sanitation, which can have a negative impact on the health and well-being of residents.

To address the challenges of informality, there is a need for a comprehensive and integrated approach. This approach should involve the government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to work together to promote formal property rights and tenure systems, while also addressing the underlying economic and social factors that contribute to informality. This can include initiatives such as land reform, housing subsidies, and social safety nets to support vulnerable communities.

In conclusion, informality in the context of government-subsidized housing in South Africa is a complex and multifaceted issue. It reflects the broader challenges of urban tenure dynamics in post-colonial societies, where the state's imposition of predominantly Western forms of tenure and property rights fails to acknowledge the anthropological nature of housing. Through informal processes and human-centric institutional arrangements, beneficiaries of government-subsidized housing have found ways to establish and maintain their housing arrangements, but this comes at the cost of legal protection and security. To address the challenges of informality, a comprehensive and integrated approach is needed that promotes formal property rights and tenure systems, while also addressing the underlying economic and social factors that contribute to informality.

Dimension: 23 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837662795