Neither South African municipalities nor government is able to prevent or curb the development of informal settlements that are springing up like mushrooms across the country.
The FF Plus pointed out as far back as 2019 that there are thousands of hectares around metros that cannot be developed because they are zoned as agricultural land.
Rezoning these areas to residential areas could take up to six years. This period of time could be shortened by amending the relevant legislation.
The Minister has already confirmed that there are 14 000 hectares situated around the respective metros which could be used for accommodation, but thus far, nothing notable has happened in this regard.
The biggest reasons for the unbridled springing up of informal settlements were extraordinary population growth and an influx over the last few decades.
The latter also contributes to the country's high crime rate.
Most informal settlements develop unlawfully and municipalities simply allow it.
And in most cases, the areas that are occupied are challenging in terms of service delivery, like providing water and power supply. Ecologically sensitive areas, like marshes, are also frequently jeopardised.
If action is taken against the illegal land occupants, violence usually ensues. Roads are blocked and law-abiding citizens become victims.
It is also no secret that the police are hesitant to step in. Ultimately, the entire situation has a negative impact on local economies.
When one considers the lightning speed at which some of these informal settlements are growing across the country, it is difficult to see how more permanent housing will be provided to all those people.
Still, the matter must be addressed. A first step would be to immediately identify land that can be developed for housing.
Innovative ways must be found to provide quality housing to as many people as possible at low cost.
And in the meantime, law and order must be upheld and decisive action must be taken against illegal land occupants. If that does not happen, an already unbearable situation will get totally out of hand.
