Is a bucket initiative the answer to South Africa’s housing crisis?

In a viral video from South Africa, drivers are seen eagerly stopping to donate money to Ayanda Msweli, founder of The Bucket Initiative. This grassroots effort is capturing hearts by building houses for impoverished families. South Africa faces a severe housing crisis, with a backlog of 2.3 million units affecting 12 million people, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, high construction costs, and limited affordable financing. The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified poverty and homelessness, making initiatives like Ayanda’s crucial.Africa Daily’s Mpho Lakaje has been hearing more about these efforts and their origins from Ayanda as well as Sunday World senior journalist Mawande AmaShabalala.