Liveability Assessment in South Africa’s Hostel Accommodation: Implications for Urban Health and Sustainable Development Goal 11

This chapter examines the implications of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 on urban health, particularly service delivery in a South African hostel accommodation. The aim of SDG 11 is to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlements with enhanced access to adequate housing and basic services. The recent global pandemic has underscored the urgency of addressing human settlement challenges in low-income communities while aligning with SDGs and urban health indicators. Through a qualitative case study, primary data were collected through observations, focus group discussions, interviews, and community meetings in Mangaung (South Africa). Secondary data from literature, policy and legislative reports, and media sources supplemented this. A thematic analysis was employed to analyse the findings. The study reveals significant inadequacies in housing, sanitation, and garbage removal in the study area, highlighting the need for sustainable urban development efforts. The paper argues that while achieving SDG 11 targets may present challenges in a municipality facing administrative hurdles, Mangaung has the potential to lead in sustainable human settlements by addressing urban health challenges through collaborative efforts involving the state, community, private sector, academia, and other stakeholders. This research underlines the opportunity to remodel hostel accommodation into liveable residences through integrated and collaborative approaches.