Informalising Formality? How Dunoon Township Transformed From a Planned Into an Auto-Constructed 'Informal' Neighbourhood

Bibliographic Data

ID2309639
AuthorsMartin Magidi (0000-0001-5221-6012, University of Cape Town, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume61
Issue3
Pages2021-2037
Publication date2025-04-29
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Asian and African Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0021-9096 • E-ISSN: 1745-2538
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/00219096251336379
OpenAlexW4409977325
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited25

This study explores why Dunoon transformed from a planned to a hybrid auto-constructed formal-informal housing township. It examines how residents bypass official planning to build their own homes as an alternative housing solution. Data were collected using ethnographic methods including interviews, informal conversations and observations. Findings show that Dunoon's informatisation is driven by small house sizes failing to meet family needs, high crime rates necessitating additional home safety measures and high unemployment necessitating the creation of informal entrepreneurial spaces. The research concludes that the informalisation of townships will continue if the legacy of apartheid continues to persist in South African cities

Formality · Neighbourhood (mathematics · Political science · Mathematics · Urban Planning and Governance

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