Answer to Question #230302 in History for Gerald

Question

The Restructuring Zone and Urban Development Zone initiatives by the eThekwini Municipality have failed to deliver social-rented housing at scale. Discuss.

Submission status

Answer 1

Members of movement organizations have been able to gain access to the housing subsidy system. Because of a lack of restructuring zones, a misaligned project pipeline between municipalities and the province, a lack of understanding of the program objectives, and a lack of human capacity within the municipalities, the eThekwini Municipality's Restructuring Zone and Urban Development Zone initiatives have failed to deliver social-rented housing on a large scale. Their development, however, has been restricted. Despite obvious flaws, the research concludes that there is a predominant focus on what is delivered through state programs and regulations. While there is recognition of the mismatch between available programs, movement members' requirements, and more general shelter needs, no major challenge to the dominant method is being presented.

Members and leaders of the movement have a clear focus on material improvements, but the more fundamental objective of being recognized as equal citizens underpins their motives and parts of their techniques and actions. Movement organizations demand acknowledgement of their citizenship as well as a redistribution of state resources in this dimension. While the ability of social movement organizations to manage emergent chances is linked to political opportunity structures, it also depends on their interactions with the state, professional support organizations, and other movement organizations. To better negotiation positions, secure shelter, and attain greater political inclusion, relationships move from disagreement to partnership.