LEARNING TO LISTEN : Communicating the value of urbanisation and informal settlement upgrading

The Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) is a policy research and advocacy organisation with a focus on developmental issues. The CDE has just completed an investigation into the role of communication in the process of upgrading informal urban settlements- in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga.

There were nine lessons that emerged from the study which were: Urbanisation is positive, but difficult to manage; Poor urban management fuels growth of informal settlements; There have been varied policy responses to informal settlements; in situ upgrading provides the most benefits; Innovation can be a tool for addressing informality; Government needs to communicate more effectively internally; Communication with the public needs improvement; Strategic communication methods can facilitate development for the poor and; citizens have limited space to engage with government.

The report provides some insights into the history of informal settlements and looks at the future of housing policy. The way to address informal communities is through the development of communication channels, there should be a clear agreed message and then proper consultation. The report further provides feedback from the various professionals that attended the workshop.