Housing and Social Development: Linking Social and Economic Aspects of Development through Housing Delivery

The aim of this article is to highlight the nexus between housing delivery and social development. Social development as a theoretical lens aims at harnessing economic dividends toward social investments that will improve people’s lives. South Africa’s housing and social policies are well developed. However, housing delivery planning and practice requires thoughtful appreciation of the role of housing delivery in ameliorating poverty, inequality, and unemployment. Currently, the country faces interrelated challenges of a sluggish economy, unemployment, and low social collegiality evidenced by crime, gender-based violence, and abuse against children. Drawing from literature, this reflective paper underscores the centrality of adequate housing delivery in generating employment, stimulating home-grown economic enterprises, boosting health, and growing the economy. Housing-based partnerships are critical in driving social and economic growth. The author recommends that housing, as a social policy, should be integrated with economic planning.