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SoCIaL houSINg aS a drIver of urBaN regeNeratIoN: exPLorINg INNovatIve aPProaCheS IN the free State
Lebaka, r.P.
Built Environment Department, Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa
Qumbisa, N.M.r*
Built Environment Department, Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa
Orcid: 0000-0002-5760-5567.
LinkedIn: Dr Nolwazi Qumbisa
*Correspondence: nqumbisa@cut.ac.za
abstract
Disproportionate urbanisation relative to economic development has led to elevated levels of urban poverty and rapid expansion of unregulated urban communities. This exponential growth in urban population has outpaced efforts to provide sufficient housing, widening the gap between the demand for and supply of housing, especially for the urban underprivileged. The urban poor, lacking the financial resources to secure adequate and affordable housing, are disproportionately impacted, a challenge that social housing can help address. The absence of human settlement service provision for ‘free housing’, coupled with increasing urbanisation in cities underscores the need for ongoing research focused on sustainability and societal transformation. Despite various interventions and investments, the Free State province continues to face significant challenges in social housing and urban revitalisation. There is a notable lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the effectiveness and impact of these initiatives. This study aimed to explore the policy frameworks guiding social housing and urban regeneration in the Free State, with a particular focus on understanding how social housing can drive urban regeneration.
The research employed a qualitative interpretivism methodology, utilising semi-structured interviews with 17 participants. These participants shared their lived experiences with social housing or provided insights into the policy frameworks guiding social housing and urban regeneration. The study revealed that despite the various initiatives in place, significant challenges remain, and there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the efficacy and impact of these initiatives. The study highlighted the interrelation between social housing and urban regeneration, enhancing the understanding of the social and economic benefits of successful housing and regeneration projects for local communities. By examining institutional support, the role of the private sector, and the regulation of sustainable technologies,
the research provided evidence-based insights to inform policymakers in designing more effective social housing and urban regeneration policies. The findings contribute to the broader goals of sustainable urban development by addressing housing shortages and revitalising urban areas. Ultimately, the study underscores social housing as a crucial mechanism for driving urban regeneration and enriches the body of knowledge in urban planning, housing studies, and social development.
Keywords: affordable housing, policy frameworks, social housing, sustainable development, urban regeneration
Introduction
Urban regeneration is a critical process for revitalising neglected or decaying urban areas, essential for enhancing quality of life, promoting economic growth, and fostering social cohesion (Kayembe 2021). It refers to an intricate and systematic approach aimed at rejuvenating deteriorating urban regions, encompassing not just physical rehabilitation but also the mitigation of social deterioration, cultural valuation, and economic growth (Rahbarianyazd 2020; Bottero et al. 2020). In South Africa, the legacy of apartheid- era spatial planning has left urban centres fragmented and unequal, making urban regeneration efforts essential to address these disparities (Ramatlo 2021).
A key component of these efforts is social housing, which offers innovative approaches to urban decline and sustainable development (Evenko and Doroginin 2020). Social housing plays a crucial role in addressing housing shortages and improving living conditions for socio- economically disadvantaged communities, especially in rapidly urbanising areas (Chung et al. 2020). In South Africa social housing has been a prominent strategy for tackling the systemic housing crisis worsened by historical inequalities, urbanisation, and economic challenges (Makalima 2024).
Despite its recognised importance, the implementation of social housing in the Free State province of South Africa faces significant challenges, including inadequate policy frameworks and economic constraints. This study aims to explore the policy frameworks guiding social housing and urban regeneration in the Free State province, focusing on how social housing can act as a catalyst for urban renewal. The study also analyses the role of institutional support, private sector involvement, and sustainable technologies in enhancing social housing-led urban regeneration.
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Proceedings of the conference on Public innovation, develoPment and sustainability