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Investigating alternative forms of tenure security
An article by Ronald Eglin of Afesis-corplan explores a range of potential options for the poor to access urban land in ways that achieve official recognition and the wide variety of benefits arising from this.
Land reform: Government gets tough
The Financial Mail recently reported that the Department of Public Works was preparing to reintroduce its expropriation bill, with significant amendments - it would be treated like a new bill. According to AgriSA, the most contentious aspect is that the bill allows the minister to determine the final price of expropriated land without recourse of appeal to a court in the event of a disagreement.
Residents flee from violence in Kennedy Road informal settlement
The Kennedy Road informal settlement in Durban has been racked by mob violence since late September. More than 1000 people are estimated to have fled the settlement, fearing for their lives. Read a selection of media reports investigating the possible causes of the tension, and reporting on the response from community organisations, academics and church leaders.
- Ethnic tension boils over
- Academics condemn attack on settlement
- Church enters Kennedy Road fray
- Kennedy Road attack: ANC and police in the spotlight
Pan Africa Shopping Centre proves to be valuable asset for Alexandra
eProp reports that consumers are flocking to the first fully integrated shopping mall and taxi facility developed by public-private partnership in Alexandra.
Service delivery protests put pressure on government
A wave of protests has erupted in townships across South Africa over service delivery. Read articles on this topic from the Mail & Guardian Online and Business Day Online.
Transnet holds back on Carlton sale, but says residential option is inappropriate
A recent article by Terence Creamer, published in Engineering News Online, reveals that, while Transnet did not intend disposing of the Carlton Centre, situated in downtown Johannesburg, during the current property market downturn, it was opposed to arguments that it forego profits on any possible future sale in the interests of a social housing project.
Second "Slumdog" child star's home torn down
Railway authorities in Mumbai tore down the shanty home of another "Slumdog Millionaire" child star on Wednesday, barely a week after a first child actor from the Oscar-winning film was forced into the streets. Also read the UN Rapporteur
Home ownership: Shelter, or burden?
The social benefits of home ownership are beginning to look more modest and the economic costs much higher. In 2008, 2.3m American families lost their homes or faced foreclosure - double the average before the global economic meltdown - reducing the home-ownership rate from 69% in 2004 to 67.5% at the end of 2008. The number of owner-occupied dwellings also slipped in Britain in 2007/08, for the first time since the 1950s.
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