MOVING TO AN INFORMAL SETTLEMENT: THE GAUTENG EXPERIENCE

ABSTRACT

In Gauteng, 34 informal settlements have been targeted under projects to implement the government's housing subsidy scheme. In four of these, the upgrading process is being closely monitored. This paper reports on baseline information about the migration experiences of the residents, which was collected in October 1997 and January 1998. Most residents moved to the settlements from adjacent localities and not directly from rural areas. The few who came from outside Gauteng generally moved from adjacent provinces. Primary motivations for moving to these settlements were ‘just to have somewhere to live’, to be independent of extended families, or to escape paying rent or poor relationships with the landlord in their previous homes. Most of the residents indicated a preference for urban rather than rural living. However, there were differences in levels of satisfaction and attitudes to urban living between the settlements. Our findings suggest that residents' backgrounds and the geographical location of the settlements are important factors shaping their attitudes to urban life and therefore the potential for creating stable, well-integrated communities.