Page 9 - UKZN Proceedings of the Conference Report

Literature review
Social housing and urban regeneration
Social housing has evolved beyond addressing housing shortages; it has become a driver of urban regeneration, contributing to economic revitalisation and social cohesion. As noted by Dos Santos Figueiredo et al. (2022), social innovation in urban revitalisation fosters networks, collaboration, and empowerment. Urban regeneration efforts have shifted from focusing solely on physical transformation to a more holistic approach aimed at improving residents’ quality of life (Cerreta and La Rocca 2021).
Internationally, social housing has demonstrated its capacity to rejuvenate declining urban areas. For example, an experimental urban regeneration model in Sassari, Italy, repurposed abandoned buildings and promoted collaborative living, showcasing the transformative potential of social housing (Beretić and Talu 2020). Similarly, in Western countries, urban renewal has shifted towards mixed-tenure developments to reduce poverty concentration and stigmatisation within social housing estates (Watt 2017). However, these efforts often face challenges such as the risk of gentrification and displacement of low-income residents (Watt and Smets 2017).
Policy frameworks and urban regeneration
Effective urban regeneration requires the correction of previous policy errors, including fragmented spatial planning, which has characterised many South African urban areas. According to Rahbarianyazd (2020), careful examination of urban design and policy frameworks is essential for successful regeneration efforts. However, in the Free State province social housing policy frameworks are often inadequate, lacking the comprehensive evaluation needed to assess the effectiveness of urban regeneration initiatives.
In Johannesburg a hybrid approach combining market- based practices with state intervention has shown both promise and limitations in promoting urban renewal and providing affordable housing (Mosselson 2017). The success of such initiatives depends on balancing social, economic, and developmental goals while avoiding the negative consequences of gentrification and displacement. In the Free State province, addressing similar challenges requires a robust policy framework that integrates urban regeneration with sustainable housing solutions.
Challenges in the Free State province
The challenges facing social housing and urban regeneration in the Free State province are multifaceted. Rising urbanisation, coupled with economic and policy
constraints, has hindered the delivery of sustainable housing solutions for low-income populations. The challenges confronting social housing and urban regeneration in the Free State province are complex (Mokoena 2022). Residents of social housing in Bloemfontein face challenges including insufficient bedrooms, restrictions on house extensions, absence of bathroom facilities, unemployment, and congestion (Amoah 2023). The increasing elderly demographic raises further housing issues, indicating a transition from government-subsidised residences for seniors (Kotze 2006). The province experiences elevated unemployment, poverty, and inadequate skills, with merely one-third of working-age persons employed (Puukka et al. 2012).
Urban margins exhibit a lack of essential resources, especially housing, requiring inventive strategies for urban regeneration (Ntakirutimana 2018). These difficulties impede policy aims and obstruct living conditions. Resolving these issues necessitates a comprehensive strategy, which involves engaging higher education institutions for regional advancement, investigating faith- based initiatives, and executing sustainable livelihood frameworks to address urban marginalisation and foster spatial justice (Puukka et al. 2012; Ntakirutimana 2018). Moreover, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the effectiveness of social housing initiatives in driving urban regeneration within the province. Current efforts have not undergone comprehensive evaluation, limiting the ability to make data-driven improvements in policy and practice.
This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the role of social housing in urban regeneration, particularly within the South African context. By exploring the intersection of social housing, policy frameworks, and urban regeneration, the research offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for revitalising urban areas in the Free State province. The findings are expected to inform more effective housing policies, leading to improved living conditions and sustainable urban development.
Materials and methods
This study was conducted within the framework of an interpretivist research philosophy, which focuses on understanding and interpreting the complex realities surrounding social housing and urban regeneration in the Free State province. The research followed an inductive approach, best suited for qualitative data collection and analysis, allowing for the exploration of subjective and socially constructed meanings related to the phenomenon under investigation. A case study strategy was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the specific context of social housing and urban regeneration within the Free
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