Original Research - Special Collection: Faith-based action and urban regeneration

Housing challenge and urban regeneration: A contribution of faith-based action with special reference to a case study from the City of Tshwane

Ezekiel Ntakirutimana
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 74, No 3 | a5151 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v74i3.5151 | © 2018 Ezekiel Ntakirutimana | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 11 June 2018 | Published: 07 November 2018

About the author(s)

Ezekiel Ntakirutimana, Yeast City Housing, Pretoria, South Africa; and, Centre for Contextual Ministry, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, South Africa; and, Department of Practical Theology, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to describe a problem portrayed into critical human conditions in urban margins characterised by the deprivation of most basic human needs, housing in particular. This is undertaken in search of alternative ways that promote a bigger plan of urban regeneration while exploring whether faith-based action makes a special contribution to this goal, both sustainably and innovatively. The article uses a case study of faith-based action from the City of Tshwane in Gauteng province, South Africa. It first begins with constructing an untoward paradoxical narrative of urban marginalisation and housing crisis scenario. It proceeds, responding to marginalisation in light of values of spatial justice and housing. This insight leads the article to sketch a paradigmatic point of departure addressing urban margins, looking at the sustainable livelihoods framework and its basic tenets that mobilise livelihood assets (tangible and intangible) to tackle urban marginalisation from its roots. The article moves on to explore a contribution of faith-based action in urban regeneration through housing value. The penultimate point of the article engages the case study followed by drawing the general conclusion and way forward. The article adds to the existing literature, employing an epistemological approach that integrates multidisciplinary sources and empirical reports on urban marginalisation. Unstructured interviews, participatory observations and personal experience on housing practice help to achieve the main objective of the study.

Keywords

Urban marginalisation; housing; faith-based action; Sustainable Livelihoods Framework

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Crossref Citations

1. Faith Based Organizations: Types and Typologies. A Scoping Review (2010-2021)
Sarah Maes, M. Schrooten, P. Raeymaeckers, B. Broeckaert
Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought  vol: 42  issue: 2  first page: 211  year: 2023  
doi: 10.1080/15426432.2023.2188511