Making a life in informal dwellings in Gauteng

Although migrants into Gauteng hope for improved services and economic opportunities, some 18% of Gauteng residents live in informal dwellings (StatsSA 2016). People living informally are more likely to be under 35 years and to live alone than those living in formal accommodation. Not only are they unable to secure adequate accommodation; they also struggle to penetrate the formal job market, and are more likely to be unemployed. Government grants help to sustain livelihoods for informal dwellers, but most make a living through provisional means, temporary work, or the informal sector. This vignette explores aspects of the life and livelihoods of Gauteng residents living informally, using 2015 Quality of Life Survey data.