Empowering communities: the role of housing cooperatives in alleviating urban housing crisis

Zamikhaya Gladwell Gotyi ^1* Wilson Majee ² Wilson Majee ³

• ¹ Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi, South Africa
• ² Missouri State University, Springfield, Illinois, United States
• ³ University of Missouri, Columbia, Kentucky, United States

The urban housing crisis in South Africa's inner cities has escalated into a significant socio-economic and public health concern. This crisis, driven by several factors, calls for innovative and inclusive solutions. Housing cooperatives offer a promising approach to addressing this challenge. Their potential as a viable, community-centered alternative for housing provision should be explored. This paper aims to examine the transformative potential of housing cooperatives in addressing the urban housing crisis. Additionally, it seeks to explore how housing cooperatives can enhance socio-economic inclusivity and empower communities in urban environments Two primary electronic databases, Sabinet and Science Direct, were searched for relevant articles using a combination of key terms related to cooperatives. Google Scholar was also utilized to supplement the database searches, and bibliographies of selected articles were reviewed for additional relevant sources. Data from the identified articles were abstracted, analyzed, and used to explore the critical role of cooperatives as a sustainable solution for addressing the housing crisis and promoting social cohesion in South Africa's cities. A total of 211 records were identified, with 85 ultimately included in the review. The literature indicates that housing cooperatives have the potential to drive social change, foster community resilience, and support equitable urban development. They can expand access to affordable housing and promote social cohesion, community empowerment, and socio-economic development. When implemented sustainably, housing cooperatives can help alleviate housing shortages while strengthening community empowerment and social cohesion. Housing cooperatives should, therefore, be considered a viable solution to South Africa's housing challenges.