The Constitution Promises Housing… So Why Are South Africans Still Fighting Evictions?

Nearly 30 years into democracy, why are housing rights still being

fought for in court? Housing is a constitutional right in South Africa,

yet for millions of people it remains out of reach. In this episode,

Phumi Mashigo sits down with Nomzamo Zondo, Executive Director:

Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) to unpack the reality behind

evictions, informal settlements, and the widening gap between what the

Constitution promises and what people actually experience. From court

battles that prevent families from losing their homes to the slow pace

of government delivery, the conversation explores why housing rights are

still being fought for in court, the tension between law, policy and

real-life implementation, and how informal settlements continue to shape

the country’s cities. At its core, it asks a critical question: if the

Constitution is clear, why are so many South Africans still without

secure housing? The Burning Platform