The more things change the more they remain the same: A study on the quality of life in an informal township in Tshwane

‘A better life for all’ has been the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party-slogan for four successive successful elections since South Africa's democratisation in 1994. Citizens seek to actualise the slogan by escaping from the dire rural economic conditions to urban townships. While townships are formal dwellings, they are seldom without an informal component in which poorer blacks live. Using key informant interviews, survey research, census data and documentary review; a study was carried out to investigate the quality of life in a sprawling informal settlement in Mamelodi – one of South Africa's prominent townships. In the process, political representatives were interviewed on issues ranging from the provision of services, xenophobia, environmental quality and health, to political accountability. A survey of 90 households, conducted in the Phomolong informal settlement, provides a measure of attitudes and perceptions on quality of life and public services. While a few respondents give credit to government for improving the welfare of the poor, many are discontent with government officials and are disappointed and angry with the new political elite. The discontent stems from a high (42%) unemployment rate among respondents. Furthermore 76%, 93%, and 90% of respondents are dissatisfied with waste collection services, access to electricity, and the provision of housing respectively.

► South Africa's democracy has not benefited many informal settlement dwellers.
► Informal settlement dwellers' perceptions on their quality of life are negative.
► Dissatisfaction over service provision and discontentment with the black elite.
► Conditions will improve with functional institutions and responsible politicians.