Abstract
M.A.
Squatter settlements have mushroomed all over South Africa. The Government no longer
can turn the blind eye on this phenomenon. There is an urgent need to develop policy to
deal with this matter and also to intervene in a manner that is not only going to control the
problem but also bring satisfaction to all the parties involved.
This study was undertaken to, investigate the needs of communities in squatter settlements.
This study was based on literature and research from South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal.
The respondents of the study were people who are involved with settlements, Community
leaders, Social workers and Community Workers.
Qualitative design of exploratory nature was conducted. Thirteen people participated in
focus groups. Three focus group interviews were conducted. The sample was
representative of the population under study. One limitation was that some interviews were
conducted in Zulu and later translated into English, which might have resulted in a loss of
meaning in some instances since there are some Zulu words that do not exist in English.
The results showed that most of the needs of squatter settlements are basic. Valuable
results emerged as how those needs can be met, to the satisfaction of the communities.
Conclusions and recommendations for further research were discussed according to results
from the study.