Research Assesses eThekwini Municipality’s Integrated Human Settlements Strategy

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Dr Bongekile Mvuyana’s PhD study was titled, An Assessment of a Sustainable Human Settlements Strategy in Creating a Quality Living Environment. A Case of eThekwini Municipality. Supervised by Professor Thokozani Nzimakwe, it recommends a review of the processes followed by municipalities in housing provision.

‘Qualitative data was collected from members of the Cornubia community and officials from eThekwini Municipality and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements. The analysis highlighted the problems that the municipality has encountered and strategies embarked upon to ensure that the right to adequate housing is fulfilled,’ said Mvuyana.

‘The study found that some of the houses provided do not have the facilities expected of human settlements. It is hoped that the results will assist the municipality in finding solutions,’ she added.

A lecturer in Public Administration at Mangosuthu University of Technology, Mvuyana says that research is vital for improving teaching and learning.

‘Academia is about publishing and developing the new knowledge required to solve the problems confronting society. This qualification will improve my teaching and learning, as well as research and innovation. I am working on publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals and hope to become a professor one day,’ she said.

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan