Determinants of household vulnerability to poverty in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality informal settlements

Abstract

This study examines the determinants of vulnerability to poverty in the informal settlements of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, with a specific focus on Atteridgeville, Nellmapius and Olievenhoutbosch. The study aims to understand how various socio-economic factors contribute to household vulnerability in these areas, where poverty is prevalent. Primary data were collected from 366 households using a stratified random sampling technique to ensure representativeness across the informal settlements. The data was collected through structured questionnaires, which captured detailed information on household income, employment status, education level, access to basic services, food security and social factors. The data collected was analysed using the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke poverty measure to assess the relationship between household income and vulnerability. A modified Poisson regression analysis was also used to identify key determinants of vulnerability to poverty in the study areas. The study's findings indicate several factors significantly influence household vulnerability to poverty. The key determinants positively associated with this vulnerability include having more children under the age of five, being unemployed and not actively seeking work, being the primary breadwinner, experiencing exposure to sinkholes, and facing electricity interruptions a few times each month. Conversely, factors that show a significant negative relationship to vulnerability include the overall household size and having a household member who has completed matriculation. Additionally, variables that do not exhibit substantial relationships with vulnerability to poverty include gender, age, marital status, home ownership, the affordability of healthcare, receiving grants, the type of grants received, receiving government support for agriculture, and having a social support network. Based on the findings, the study recommends targeted policy measures to improve employment, education and essential services to alleviate poverty. These interventions have the potential to significantly reduce household vulnerability and contribute to poverty alleviation efforts, particularly in informal settlements.