VOLUNTARY HOUSING DELIVERY: THE CONTRIBUTION OF PARTNERSHIPS TO THE SUCCESS OF A COMMUNITY BASED ORGANISATION (WASSUP) IN DIEPSLOOT LOW-INCOME COMMUNITY, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

South Africa continues to face a persistent housing challenge. This article examines the success of a housing partnership initiated by WASSUP, a housing-based voluntary organisation operating in Diepsloot, a low-income community north of Johannesburg. Findings showed that from its inception the organisation had gained grassroots support, because it targeted the felt housing maintenance needs of the community. Local leadership and other non-profit organisations (NPOs) in the community developed a sense of ownership, as they were involved in defining the relevant needs and the establishment of WASSUP. The authors recommend purposeful support for housing partnerships through financial and advisory support, among other aspects.