Enhancing Rural and Communal Areas through Integrated Human Settlements

South Africa’s past racial discrimination and lack of investment in rural and communal areas continue to affect their development today. Apartheid policies enriched the minority and impoverished the indigenous population, causing South Africa to have the highest income inequality in the world.

Economic Reality of Rural Areas

Rural areas have experienced a decline in productivity, leading to limited self-sufficiency and rural to urban migration. This has resulted in overcrowding and a higher demand for housing in urban areas. To prevent this, integrated liveable human settlements must be implemented.

Coordination of Functions

To achieve sustainable settlements, housing, public transport, land-use planning and management, local economic development, health, education, and social development must be coordinated.

Infrastructure Investment

President Ramaphosa allocated R600 million for project preparation in rural and under-resourced areas to facilitate the construction of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and dams. The Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG) was also increased to 30% for bulk infrastructure in rural provinces.

Access to Basic Services

Policy measures, such as providing solar panels and rainwater harvesting devices, aim to improve access to basic services like electricity, running water taps, and sewage systems. Additionally, houses for persons with disabilities will be fitted with burglar bars to enhance security.

Communal Land Potential

Communal land has the potential to provide tenure security, as demonstrated by middle-class individuals investing in multistory houses in customary land in Limpopo. However, financial institutions must change their lending rules and attitudes towards communal land residents.

Collaboration between Traditional Leaders and Government

Traditional leaders and the government must work together to eliminate informality and ensure a transparent and trustworthy land allocation process to attract more investment in communal property markets.

First Home Finance Initiative

The government-led First Home Finance initiative, managed by the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC), aims to provide affordable housing finance to households with monthly incomes between R3,501 and R22,000. This program is beneficial for rural residents holding “Permission-To-Occupy” certificates.

Climate Change Vulnerability

The national Department of Human Settlements aims to eliminate mud houses to address rural areas’ vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather events. The People’s Housing Programme (PHP) promotes self-help housing and the incorporation of cooperatives in housing delivery to create sustainable human settlements.

Multifaceted Approach

To establish a virtuous cycle of development, a multifaceted approach is required, including economic revitalization, infrastructure development, policy changes, and cooperation between traditional leaders and the government. By addressing these aspects, rural to urban migration can be slowed, enhancing rural and communal areas through integrated human settlements.