This article investigates the impact of the provision of housing and basic services on poor communities in the northern Free
State (NFS) region of South Africa. Service delivery and housing backlogs in poor communities have led to an increase in
violent protest marches throughout the country. Poor communities seem frustrated with the rate of service delivery since the
election of the first democratic government in 1994. A community household survey, which included 2 900 households, was
conducted in 2013 in the NFS region and included twelve poor communities. The regional result was compared with four
selected poor communities in the region, namely Moakeng (Moqhaka Local Municipality), Qalabotjha (Mafube Local
Municipality), Tumahole (Ngwathe Local Municipality) and Zamdela (Metsimaholo Local Municipality). The impact of delivery of
basic services and housing were analysed regarding poverty levels, as well as the relationship between the concepts of poverty
and service delivery. Results of the survey indicate that 75.9 percent of the households reside in formal subsidised houses with
high levels of ownership but a relatively low average monthly household income of only R1 458 ($140/month) relating to high
levels of poverty. Only 35.6 percent of all households surveyed are of the subjective opinion that local government delivers
quality services. More detailed results per specific area are analysed and discussed in the article. The results could play an
important role in development policy formulation and policy adjustment. The results should also be taken into account in the
formulation of local economic development (LED) plans for the areas under investigation with a focus on the benefits of
housing delivery and associated basic services. Improved service delivery must be promoted by means of improved
coordination between all spheres of government.