Housing and Disabilities in Marginal Areas of South African Cities

All societies desire to live in spaces where there is harmony, with equality of opportunities. The government of South Africa is on a progressive path towards accommodating the most vulnerable groups, mostly persons with disability (PWDs). The vision for integration was informed by the United Nations Standard Rules for the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities and the Disability Rights Charter developed by Disabled People South Africa. Non-discrimination and equality are founding principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and are an essential aspect of all binding international human rights instruments. The plight of PWDs and the provisions that the South African government are facilitating to provide access to appropriate (adequate or reasonable) housing in all living spaces, including urban residences, traditional houses, or informal settlements, have been thoroughly researched and debated. The reviews therefore consider the challenges faced by PWDs living in informal settlements and interventions that have been put in place and the prospects for future developments. Consultative stakeholder engagements are needed to coordinate the development and amendment of laws, and policies and practices at the national and local level that promote the right to adequate housing for persons with disabilities.