Self-taught builders turn neglect into opportunity in South Africa
Al Jazeera · 1 month ago
Al Jazeera
1 month ago
In Cape Town, South Africa, many residents face prolonged waits for government housing, with some living in makeshift and unsafe shacks for decades. An organisation called Shack Builders is addressing this issue by constructing improved, insulated homes for those in need, focusing on informal settlements. Shack Builders, led by research psychologist Quinten Adams, has built over 120 homes in eight years and also provides construction skills training to local youth. The initiative is funded mainly by private companies, with beneficiaries identified through community leaders, offering a practical solution to South Africa's significant housing backlog.
Breakdown
- Many residents in Cape Town have waited decades for government housing, living in unsafe conditions.
- Shack Builders constructs insulated, ventilated homes in informal settlements. 34s
- The group has built over 120 homes in eight years and teaches construction skills to local youth. 1m 7s
- South Africa faces a construction backlog of over two million homes, with government resources stretched. 1m 14s
- Homes cost about $1,300 each, funded mainly by private companies and allocated through community leaders. 2m 0s