Abstract
ABSTRACT: Since 1994, the state has delivered more than 3.4 million housing opportunities to previously marginalised populations. Despite challenges, state subsidised housing has often been cited as the post-apartheid government's major success. The state's primary objective has been to meet the housing needs of the previously disenfranchised majority African population. However, some of the beneficiaries started selling their houses informally. Since the state saw this as defeating the primary purpose of the programme, it introduced a prohibition on the selling of the properties within the first eight years. This paper explores examples of intricate and complex informal transactions in state subsidised housing, drawing on on a substantial study of the processes involved. In conclusion, the paper argues that informalisation of state-subsidised housing in South Africa represents the people's push back against state paternalism in housing provision – whether directly or indirectly – and recommends alternative approaches.