The challenge of informal settlement statistics and impact on policy and planning in South Africa

Purpose: The principal argument in this research is based on the fact that statistical data are very necessary for the formulation of policy and planning to target informal settlement challenge. Quantitative data is increasing being used for planning issues such as access to housing, health, socioeconomic activities and infrastructural provision. Problem of investigation: Research has shown that Informal settlement varies greatly in their sizes and by providing information on how many settlements are informal and formal, how many men and women are residing in informal settlements, what is the total number of infrastructures and socio-economic needs such as access to jobs, clinics, education facilities and open space, planners will be guided and equipped to adjust or improve policies towards these vulnerable group of urban residents. The question that will be answered is: To what extent can the collation of quantitative data on informal settlement assist planners and policy makers in the policy making process in relation to informal settlements in South Africa? Design/Methodology/Approach: This investigation was based on primary and secondary data with great emphasis on the analysis of Census 1996 and 2001 as well as Community Survey of 2009. The study used Geographic Information Systems data. These findings were contextualise in Johannesburg as a case study because this happens to be one of the municipalities with high rate of urbanization and attendant housing shortages. The sporadic increase in the number of households living in Informal Settlement cannot continue to be neglected or unabated without accurate data for monitoring and evaluation. Findings: This investigation found out that data on informal settlement can help to mitigate service delivery protests and resistance to relocation that is being witnessed