Situating Sustainability at the Heart of Global South Efforts to Reduce Housing Deficits, Deepen Community Resilience and Engender Spatial Justice

Housing deficits in the global south are of immense proportions. It is a social problem that can only be solved if the solutions are holistic, comprehensive, sustainable and based on the principles of spatial justice. This approach which reflects a fundamental departure from traditional capitalist housing markets should be empowering and deepen community resilience. To achieve sustainable housing in the Global South, integrated approaches that combine environmental, economic, and social considerations are essential. This involves collaboration between governments, nongovernmental organizations, private sector, and communities. Policy frameworks and financial mechanisms must support sustainable housing initiatives, and urban planning should prioritize inclusive and resilient communities. The paper uses a post-apartheid South African tendency towards spatial justice as a basis to address the dire housing situation.