An evaluation of socio-economic benefits of an in-situ upgrading programme : the case study of Namibia Stop 8 in Inanda (eThekwini Municipality).

Abstract

This research sought to assess and evaluate the socio-economic benefits experienced by beneficiaries of South Africa’s UISP programme in Namibia Stop 8. The study seeks to emphasize the economic and social contribution of housing delivery to the creation of sustainable human settlements in South Africa, while unpacks the objectives versus implementation of the Housing policy and its impact. As the policy seeks not only to provide houses for the poor, but also to empower them through skills transfer, economic activities, participation and employment opportunities. The South African Government has made giant leaps in re-addressing the socio-economic issues challenging the country and its previously disadvantaged communities through various state and bilateral interventions. Informal settlement upgrading is one of South Africa’s key socio-economic interventions, which seeks to re-address issues related to housing shortages, poor living conditions, economic opportunities and spatial segregation. Moreover, the research study will critically investigate the UISP’s results in Namibia stop 8 whether benefits can be found, and measuring of what real impact it’s had in the community verses the BNG and UISP objectives. Through this evaluation, the UISP subsidy programme relevance will come under the spotlight regarding its ability to address socio-economic issues and through the provision of adequate housing. The above will be addressed in chapter two’s theoretical framework and literature review with the aid of Neoliberal theory, wellbeing theory and social capital concept to provide scholarly insight to the research study by means of qualitative research method and secondary data sources. The findings revealed through mixed method methodology and primary data sources, that economic benefits are absent or limited to a few but more social and wellbeing benefits amongst the majority. Research findings indicate that the upgrading programme has found some success in improving wellbeing of beneficiaries but had failed dismally in improving livelihoods. This was ironic as most beneficiaries located to Inanda stop 8 for economic reasons above the social. Consequently, beneficiaries are not likely to increase their income and achieve upward mobility in the housing market through the programme as it would have failed to significantly address the poverty in the community. The research recommends an additional policy programme that will focus on realizing community’s economic aspirations and promotion of livelihood strategies during and post upgrading.