Assessing the Impact of Social Housing on Urban Regeneration in South African Cities Social Housing Regulatory Authority (

Noxolo Ngema ^1* Ahmed Bokhari ¹ Sijekula Mbanga ²

• ¹ Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), Johannesburg, South Africa
• ² Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Urban regeneration in South Africa focuses on addressing historical spatial inequalities and the growing demand for affordable housing. The Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) plays a pivotal role in this, aiming to create integrated urban environments with well-located, affordable, and quality rental homes. This paper examines the impact of social housing on urban regeneration, emphasizing the SHRA's contributions to spatial justice, economic integration, and social development. Social housing in South Africa targets low- to medium-income households, promoting social mobility and disrupting apartheid-era spatial patterns. The SHRA's regulation, investment, and transformation of the social housing market are crucial for successful urban regeneration. A key strategy is the strategic placement of social housing projects in areas that offer economic opportunities and social amenities, aligning with national priorities to address historical spatial dysfunctions. The SHRA has focused projects on provinces with high population densities and economic activity, such as Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. This contributes to urban densification and equitable resource allocation. The growth in the number of regulated units and delivery agents highlights the expanding reach of social housing initiatives. The SHRA promotes inclusivity by supporting project accreditation for majority-controlled designated groups and transforming the social housing value chain. Social housing alleviates financial burdens on low- to medium-income households, enhancing living conditions and community stability. It also stimulates economic activity and job creation in the construction and real estate sectors. Challenges like construction mafias and rental boycotts necessitate collaborative efforts for project sustainability. The SHRA's strategies and stakeholder partnerships are vital for continued success. Social housing is essential for urban regeneration, promoting spatial integration, economic inclusion, and social development, and paving the way for a more integrated and equitable urban future.