Assessing the limitations in the implementation of the enhanced people's housing process (EPHP): the case study of the Vulindlela area in Msunduzi.

Abstract

The apartheid system in South Africa created imbalances and this resulted in Black communities facing significant housing issues. The post-apartheid government in South Africa was then responsible for correcting such imbalances. Thus, the Enhanced People’s Housing Programme (EPHP), which was introduced in 1998, was a product of the post-apartheid government meant to ensure that all South Africans had their own houses, including those groups previously disadvantaged by the apartheid system. This programme involves different stakeholders, including provincial and local authorities, non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations, religious bodies, and others. However, the programme has been marred by challenges thus hindering the timeous delivery of housing to the people. Thus, this research aims at assessing the limitations of the implementation of the EPHP in Vulindlela. The study adopted a purposive sampling strategy to select the participants. The qualitative approach was use to collect data through interviews conducted with a sample of 30 participants (20 beneficiaries and 10 stakeholders selected from the Municipality and Vulindlela Development Association (VDA)). The Greater Vulindlela Township located in Pietermaritzburg, Msunduzi Municipality, was selected as the study site for the present study. The study found that limited financial support was one of the significant factors limiting the successful implementation of EPHP in Vulindlela. Other limitations included political patronage, little communication about the programme, and limited community participation. The findings indicate the need to educate communities on the implementation of EPHP and the roles of relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, incentivising community participation improved community participation in the EPHP project.