CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE · Vol. 2021

Assessment of the role of institutionalised self-help housing in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Post-Apartheid South Africa

Tshepang Mosiea, Precious Lukhele, Sijekula Mbanga, Sithembiso Myeni

Keywords: Breaking New Ground, Instititionalised Self-help Housing, Neoliberalism, Self-help Housing, Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

This paper assesses the role of institutionalised self-help housing as postulated by John Turner in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) in post-apartheid South Africa. This study problematises how the two are interlinked, the challenges and opportunities that self-help housing presents in realising sustainable development goals. This study adopts a systematic literature review approach to critique the self-help housing policy i.e. enhanced peoples housing process whose objectives emerged out of the broader housing policy of Breaking New Ground (BNG). The study adopts a qualitative research approach and uses secondary data sources, which is presented thematically. This study is limited because it does not use primary data from self-help organised groups and beneficiaries of housing provision to understand the limitations of neoliberal agenda in achieving SDGs in the Global South. This study found that Turner’s ideas were heavily disputed by Marxist scholars, who argued that self-help leads to the commodification of housing. There are practical implications of Turner’s work in that governments should not have to provide aspects of housing, which people can provide for themselves. This study concludes that Turner was in favour of dwellercontrol, whereas the World Bank's neoliberal approach was based on the economics of housing and that, self-help is influenced by neoliberalism, where the market, individualism and commodification of a house reinforces poverty. As a result, institutionalised self-help has advantages in delivering sustainable human settlements but has limitations in achieving sustainable development goals.