Consolidate analysis of research into small scale landlords and home based entrepreneurs

Since the formation of the Government of National Unity in 1994, there have been significant strides towards the transformation of the lives of ordinary South Africans. Set within a macroeconomic policy, which is focused on stimulating economic growth, there has been significant delivery in respect of the provision of housing, engineering services such as water and electricity and social services such as education, health and social safety nets for the most vulnerable. A significant portion of Government annual expenditure continues to be directed to meeting these needs.Yet despite these efforts by Government, poverty, unemployment and poor service delivery has increased. The South Africa, Human Development Report (2003) indicates that 48,5% of the South African population (21,9million people) fall below the national poverty line. In addition poverty has a highly skewed gender, race and spatial profile with the majority of the poor being female, African and living in rural areas.This research seeks to contribute to addressing these fundamental issues by obtaining a deeper understanding of housing as a productive asset and its role in promoting economic activity and improved affordable housing supply, through supporting the activities of Home Based Entrepreneurs and Small Scale Landlords. It is estimated that currently these Housing Entrepreneurs are generating significant income as a result of their activities estimated to be R900 million per month. Many of these Housing Entrepreneurs fall within the low income categories.The research found further that significant opportunities exist, both in terms of existing Housing Entrepreneurs growing their businesses, as well as encouraging the emergence of new Housing Entrepreneurs. Given the challenges faced by South Africa of high levels of unemployment and poverty, Government needs to recognise that housing is an economically productive asset that can be used to create income. This can occur in a manner that is not detrimental to the environment or residential areas. Government policy needs to shift to recognise this and initiatives and programmes should be implemented by both Government and the private sector to support the growth and development of Housing Entrepreneurs.