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Analysis of the Living Conditions at eZakheleni Informal Settlement of Durban: Implications for Community Revitalization in South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Busisiwe Nkonki-Mandleni

    (Institute for Rural Development and Community Engagement (IRDCE), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), Umlazi 4031, South Africa)

  • Abiodun Olusola Omotayo

    (Institute for Rural Development and Community Engagement (IRDCE), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), Umlazi 4031, South Africa)

  • David Ikponmwosa Ighodaro

    (Institute for Rural Development and Community Engagement (IRDCE), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), Umlazi 4031, South Africa)

  • Samuel Babatunde Agbola

    (Chair of Human Settlements, Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), Umlazi 4031, South Africa)

Abstract

This study investigated the living conditions of the eZakheleni informal settlement, Durban metropolis of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. The utilized data were collected with the use of a well-structured questionnaire through a multistage sampling of 255 households. The descriptive results indicated low levels of educational attainment, large number of female headed households, high unemployment rates, inadequate sources of income, poor security and low government intervention programmes. The results of inferential analysis indicate that factors such as water accessibility, toilet accessibility, years of working experience, food security status, educational status and access to good health were the significant factors that were key to improving the living conditions of the residents in the study area. The study therefore concluded that education, basic housing services (water accessibility, toilet accessibility), food security, working experience, social connectivity and health are key contributors to households’ living condition in the study area and recommended several future research and policy directions which could improve the living conditions of the informal settlement.

Suggested Citation

  • Busisiwe Nkonki-Mandleni & Abiodun Olusola Omotayo & David Ikponmwosa Ighodaro & Samuel Babatunde Agbola, 2021. "Analysis of the Living Conditions at eZakheleni Informal Settlement of Durban: Implications for Community Revitalization in South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:2371-:d:504015
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