Learning from the local: Experiences of informal settlement upgrading in Kwazulu-Natal

This article discusses examples of informal settlement upgrading undertaken over a 14 year period in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In light of the national focus since 2003 on the importance of upgrading informal settlements, it is argued that a consideration of past experience can provide important insights into this field of endeavour. In particular, the examples cited offer the opportunity to consider different processes, and different products of upgrading. Further research could shed light on residents' perceptions of the experience of upgrading, probing the link between specific, often technically-oriented interventions, and a wider set out outcomes. These broader outcomes — such as an impact on poverty — are anticipated by the 2004 Informal Settlements Programme of the Department of Housing, whilst the specific interventions of the Programme have similarities with those described here. This article does not itself evaluate the upgrading projects described; it does however highlight particular aspects of the case studies which offer fruitful material for interrogation in relation to the current Progamme. The article motivates for a greater emphasis on review and reflection of experience to date in order to usefully inform future practice.