Understanding the FEDUP group savings scheme model for self-help housing. a case study of Namibia Stop 8 housing project in Inanda, KwaZulu Natal.

Abstract

The post-apartheid South African government is faced with a severe housing backlog due to the apartheid regime which created inequalities through segregation policies. Consequently, due to a number of factors the current government has been struggling to address the high housing demand. The Federation of the Urban Poor (FEDUP) group savings scheme model for self-help housing appears to be complementing the government’s efforts in the provision of housing. The model operates under the Enhanced People’s Housing Process (EPHP) policy, previously known as the People’s Housing Process (PHP), which was adopted by the government after engagements with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s) which included FEDUP and uTshani Fund, to encourage more community participation for housing development. The aim of this study is to understand the FEDUP group savings scheme model for self-help housing. The research was conducted using the qualitative approach for data collection, analysis and presentation. The study used the case study of Namibia Stop 8 housing project to understand the model and assess its potential for replicability elsewhere. The findings of the study indicate that group savings schemes are able to deliver good quality housing products, encourage more community involvement during housing projects, including participation in decision-making. The success of the model relies mainly on good cooperation between the key stakeholders of the project. The findings have suggested that the FEDUP group savings scheme model can be replicated elsewhere. These findings, in relation to the enabling approach, autonomous approach and social capital theory suggest that the culture of poverty theory can be negated through the use of the model as communities are given the opportunity to contribute to the delivery of their own homes with support from organisations such as FEDUP, thereby breaking the poverty cycle. Using group savings schemes, communities can work together to better their living conditions and improve their housing conditions. The conclusion of the study is that the FEDUP group savings scheme model as means of self-help housing assists to enhance the current unsustainable government system of low-cost housing provision, through community participation in the housing development process and production of an arguably better housing product.