University of Pretoria
The Pitch
The University of Pretoria built up residents’ capacity to organize and advocate for positive change in their communities, propelling resident-led development of inclusive housing projects.
The Problem
The remnants of Apartheid in South Africa continue to create urban inequalities. As a result, some communities in Pretoria live in precarious housing situations with limited access to public services.
The Process
- Worked with communities facing or experiencing eviction, gentrification, homelessness or dilapidated housing, to identify and work toward goals
- Held think tanks with the community to clarify residents’ needs
- Created the Tshwane Urban Activist School to connect leaders from different sites with a support network
- Documented local narratives and struggles
- Built connections between different communities to encourage unity in learning and action
The Impact
- Converted two existing buildings in the city center to housing for 53 older previously unhoused people
- Supported the creation of housing for 738 families on previously vacant state land, providing shelter for 2,000 people
- Supports creation of various other social housing structures across Pretoria’s neighborhoods
- Moved 60-70 older people into permanent self-owned housing in Eersterust
- Integrated 1,000 people living in makeshift backyard structures into social housing
- Helped 5,000 people living in Woodlane Village gain the right to remain on public land and be included in its development process
- Encouraged residents to care more deeply for public spaces: Community organizations now steward a public park and hold an annual festival, and Burgers Park neighborhood’s local government introduced “adopt-a-spot" so local community members can help manage local parks
- Helped residents collaboratively imagine new housing and public spaces
- Equipped 40 community leaders with the capacity to engage with local policy and planning
- Laid a strong groundwork for inclusive urban change that is led by and benefits locals, and adapts according to lessons learned through the process
- Enables residents of new housing projects to live closer to jobs and public services, reducing their transportation costs
- Allows older residents in improved housing to access on-site support services
- Includes residents of in informal settlements in government decision-making processes and redevelopment plans
- Increased communities’ capacity to advocate for their needs and lead new projects: For example, community organizations in Mamelodi East started fruit and vegetable gardens to provide cheap, healthy food
