The aim of this study was to examine housing as an asset for poverty alleviation by focusing on the relationship between a property and its ability to create income-generating activities through home-based enterprises. It essentially investigated the performances of home-based enterprises in Vosloorus Township, Gauteng. The study explored the different perceptions which households held about home-based enterprise activities and how they affect their livelihoods. The study further examined the relationship between housing, home-based enterprises, and the informal sector. The study was framed by the neoliberal market theory, to obtain deeper insights into households? motivation and rationale for home-based enterprises in the informal sector.
The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, which was suitable to investigate home-based enterprises among Vosloorus households. Secondary and primary sources were included in the three methods of data collection: 155 household survey questionnaires were administered; in-depth interviews were carried out with 29 participants; and non-participant observation was also conducted to determine time of operations and types of enterprises, as well as to observe overall perceptions of having these enterprises in the township. Secondary data from scholarly articles, journals, books, and other resources guided the main arguments, emphasised current discourses and debates, and identified knowledge gaps. Archival research was complemented by Integrated Development Plan reports for Ekurhuleni Municipality, policies, and legislation to ascertain directives in support of home-based enterprises.
The study implemented a thematic approach for data analysis, and the findings affirm that housing is a vital economic asset, which offers the potential for home-based enterprises to grow progressively. The data revealed that incomes generated from home-based enterprises play an essential role in improving the quality of life for households. Additionally, it was found that most households who established home-based enterprises did so out of necessity, to supplement their household income. Findings further indicated that the property, regardless of which part of it was utilised, was a crucial asset that contributed to the success of the home-based enterprise. Further findings indicated that many of the households were self-funded to start their home-based enterprise. However, it became evident that households would appreciate support by the local government and financial institutions.
A Housing Asset Model was developed as a tool to accentuate the house as an economic asset. The model represents housing layout plans, which inclusively have demarcated areas for home-based enterprises within the property, irrespective of whether it is a spaza shop, saloon, backyard accommodation rental or car wash. Overall, this study concluded that households which utilise their house as an economic asset to conduct home-based enterprises have improved their economic situation, generate incomes, create employment opportunities, improve their houses structurally, and thereby contribute towards poverty alleviation.