Gauteng’s plan to transform hostels into family-friendly homes
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements is taking steps to transform hostels across the province, aiming to make them more family-friendly and livable for all residents.
Currently, these hostels consist of single-compound rooms, originally designed to accommodate male migrant workers. Over time, many of these buildings have deteriorated, with poor maintenance leading to unsafe and inadequate living conditions.
On Saturday, the department held a consultation meeting with hostel residents in Meadowlands, Soweto, to discuss how to improve living conditions and create a better future for families living in these hostels.
Transform hostels
Acknowledging Past Mistakes
The Department of Human Settlements has admitted to previously neglecting hostel residents in its housing development plans. Officials now recognize that past proposals failed to address the needs of those living in hostels.
During the Meadowlands consultation, department official Thobile Dlamini emphasized the importance of involving residents in shaping the new transformation plan.
“We are saying we want to change the concept of hostels and repackage it into something that is going to serve many parts of the residents’ lives beyond having a structure of four walls in which residents sleep in,” Dlamini said.
One of the key priorities in the department’s new approach is to ensure that women and children can live safely in the revamped hostel structures.
Reimagining Hostels for a Better Future
Hostels in Gauteng were initially built to accommodate migrant laborers working in industries like mining and construction. However, over time, they have become permanent homes for many families, despite their inadequate facilities and overcrowded conditions.
Residents have long complained about poor sanitation, lack of electricity, crime, and structural decay in these hostels. Many hostel buildings remain in disrepair, making them unsafe and unfit for human habitation.
The new transformation plan seeks to:
✅ Improve infrastructure – Fixing dilapidated buildings, water supply, and electricity
✅ Ensure safety – Making hostels secure and family-friendly
✅ Expand living spaces – Redesigning hostels to accommodate families instead of single individuals
✅ Include residents in decision-making – Ensuring that those who live in hostels have a say in the changes
The Department of Human Settlements aims to restructure hostels in a way that enhances the quality of life for residents while preserving their historical and cultural significance.
A Commitment to Dignity and Revitalization
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero stressed the city’s commitment to improving hostels as part of a broader plan to revitalize Johannesburg.
“For us, it’s important because we took a view as this government that part of what we have to do is to change the living conditions; two, improve the quality of life of our people and three, we took a decision on revitalisation of Johannesburg which cannot be without other sectors within human settlements,” Morero stated.
The city believes that revitalizing hostels is essential to Johannesburg’s overall urban development strategy. Providing better housing will not only enhance living conditions for hostel residents but also contribute to economic growth, social stability, and safer communities.
What Happens Next?
The Department of Human Settlements is now gathering input from hostel residents and community leaders before finalizing its transformation strategy.
While funding and implementation timelines have not yet been fully outlined, officials have assured residents that change is coming.
The key challenge will be balancing the demands of residents with the financial and logistical realities of redeveloping these hostels. However, both the department and the city leadership have expressed their determination to see the transformation through.
For many hostel residents, the hope is that this initiative will finally bring dignity, stability, and improved living conditions—turning once-crumbling hostels into safe and welcoming homes for families.
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