Author(s): Oratilwe Khoza, Tafadzwa Clementine Maramura & Bloemfontein, South Africa
In South Africa, informal settlements are a home to a huge percentage of the country’s population. The main key issue on transforming human settlements is accessibility. People do not have access to safe, affordable, adequate housing and basic services. This study focuses on the Sustainable Development Goal eleven (SDG), which highlights the importance of transforming human settlements and making cities inclusive, safe, sustainable, and resilient. This study explores the progress of transforming human settlements using the Mangaung Metropolitan municipality as the case study. In doing so, the study employs a qualitative research approach to critically analyse and observe shortcomings and challenges that the government currently encounters to achieve this goal and the progress thereof. In this line, the study results show that the Covid-19 pandemic provided an urgent need for housing and urban development. The pandemic exposed and expanded the threats associated with living in informal settlements. The results further indicate that, the mobility between work and home in this municipality is a struggle since such places are isolated and are far away from economic opportunities. Furthermore, natural disasters such as floods are also a threat to the informal community because houses easily get blown away and damaged by floods and pose a threat to the lives of children. The study recommends that, for the local government to see progress in transforming human settlements, there is a need for establishing a strong institutional structure. This entails proper support and commitment in leadership. A conclusion may be drawn that transforming human settlements is still a concerning factor that needs immediate action in this municipality. Therefore, the responsibilities of public officials need to be clarified in accordance with the provisions of the constitution to promote economic growth and development and to restore dignity in South African communities.