Hostel conversion through the Institutional Housing Subsidy as affordable housing: Case study of the Sethokga pilot project, Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

Existing government policies and programmes promote the redevelopment of single sex public hostels to provide family units as a sustainable form of housing for the poor in South Africa. A survey was carried out among residents of Sethokga hostel in preparation of a pilot conversion project with funding via the Institutional Housing Subsidy. The survey revealed that low pay and high unemployment contributed to real fears among residents about their ability to afford rent for the upgraded accommodation, and the possibility of displacement, and even eviction as a result. The expressed need therefore, appeared to be for flexible funding arrangements that allow for affordable accommodation options not limited to family units, ranging from single rooms to apartments for sub letting and sharing, an option which would not be possible with the use of the Institutional Housing Subsidy as the sole funding instrument.