Community participation in housing development at Philippi community in the Cape metropole

Abstract

Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Republic of South Africa, 1996) entrenches the right of access to basic and decent housing. The position of the poor is further highlighted by the fact that the government is committed to giving preference to people who are homeless or living under conditions of extreme poverty. Although the government is taking the lead in providing housing to a large section of the community, great emphasis is put on the need for communities to participate in the process of public housing delivery. Community participation has become an essential part of South African government protocols (Fubesi, 2019). This research project deals with the matter of community participation in the housing delivery process within the Philippi community, a township in the Cape Metropole. The literature covered the legislative framework for community participation in housing delivery; analysis of community participation techniques; discussion of community involvement issues; guidelines for increasing community participation; limitations of community participation; and the encouragement of community participation. The study follows a quantitative approach to research in the form of a questionnaire survey conducted amongst a sample of households in the area. The participants in the research project were informed that their participation in the research project was voluntary, and that their identities would be protected at all times. Based on the findings, specific recommendations are made with a view to assist the municipality to improve the level of community participation in the Philippi Ward 80 community.