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Conclusion and recommendations
Analysis of the semi-structured interviews indicates significant obstacles in the formulation and execution of urban revitalisation strategies in the Free State province. Insufficient urban regeneration ideas and ineffective policy execution have impeded the province’s capacity to use social housing as a catalyst for sustainable urban revitalisation. To address these shortcomings, it is necessary to adopt a more targeted approach to policy formulation and make a deliberate effort to enhance the execution of current efforts. An analysis of the legislative frameworks governing social housing and urban regeneration in the Free State province was conducted to investigate the potential of social housing in facilitating urban regeneration. The results underscore the intrinsic connection between social housing and urban revitalisation, underscoring the social and economic advantages that effective initiatives may provide to nearby communities. This study has provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with urban regeneration and social housing in the Free State province. The findings highlight the critical need for comprehensive policy frameworks, improved implementation mechanisms, and better alignment between different levels of government. Addressing these challenges will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including government, the private sector, and civil society, to create sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant urban environments.
The research findings substantiate the claim that social housing has the potential to mitigate social and economic disparities and stimulate urban revitalisation through the provision of affordable homes for the urban underprivileged. Nevertheless, the uneven execution of social housing initiatives has frequently disregarded the socio-economic aims and fundamental objectives of urban revitalisation.
outlined here are suggested recommendations to tackle these issues:
• The national government should establish explicit and
robust policy parameters for urban revitalisation, which can direct provincial and municipal governments in developing efficient policies and programmes. These projects should be strategically planned to ensure the attraction of private investment and promote sustainable urban growth.
• It is imperative for municipalities, who have the main responsibility for social housing provision, to guarantee that their planning is in accordance with both national and provincial regulations. Adhering to this alignment is essential for enhancing infrastructure, promoting urban economic growth, and attaining complete city integration.
• It is imperative for the government to wholeheartedly
embrace innovative strategies, such as Greenfield developments and sustainable designs, in social housing projects. The adoption of these strategies has the potential to augment the sustainability and efficacy of housing projects.
• Addressing the gaps in social housing policy implementation requires a multi-faceted approach, including strengthening the capacity of local governments, improving contractor performance, and fostering better relationships between municipalities and private entities.
• Given the increasing demand for social housing, the Free State province should explore innovative approaches, such as public-private partnerships, Greenfield developments, and the refurbishment of abandoned buildings, to expand the supply of affordable housing.
This study has provided valuable insights into the chal- lenges and opportunities associated with urban regenera- tion and social housing in the Free State province. The find- ings highlight the critical need for comprehensive policy frameworks, improved implementation mechanisms, and better alignment between different levels of government. Addressing these challenges will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including government, private sec- tor, and civil society, to create sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant urban environments.
Statement on data availability: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Due to the nature of the data, which contain sensitive and identifiable information, access to the full data set may be restricted to protect the confidentiality of the participants.
declaration of interest: Nothing to declare.
authors’contributions: Refiloe Lebaka: conceptualisation, data curation and writing. Nolwazi M.R. Qumbisa: writing, review and editing, and supervision.
references
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Beretić, N. and Talu, V. 2020. Social housing as an experimental approach to the sustainable regeneration of historic city centers: An ongoing study of Sassari City, Italy. Sustainability, 12 (11), p. 4579.
Berrisford, S. 2015. Planning law in South Africa: Its develop- ment and prospects. Cape Town: Juta and Company Ltd.
Bottero, M., Caprioli, C. and Berta, M. 2020. Urban problems and patterns of change: the analysis of a downgraded
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Proceedings of the conference on Public innovation, develoPment and sustainability