Home-based enterprise in social housing: enhancing the quality of life of residents?

Abstract

The housing plan known as “Breaking New Ground” (BNG) promotes the use of the house as an asset for wealth creation and empowerment (Dept of Housing, 2004). An assessment of social housing developments in South Africa indicated that some of the residents support the inclusion of home-based enterprises (informal sector) in the development by the housing authorities. While South Africa emphasises the importance of a policy to reflect its context, it is essential to assess to what extent the inclusion of such businesses will enhance the residents’ quality of life. It also raises questions about possible implications including affordability and neighbourliness. This paper will discuss whether allowing home-based enterprises in social housing will enhance the quality of life of the residents. The findings are based on an in-depth research project carried out by the CSIR in South Africa in 2008.