This article is a reflection on nearly a decade of practical work by an alliance of two South African organisations, People’s Dialogue on Land and Shelter and the South African Homeless People’s Federation.The South African Homeless People Federation was established in 1994 to represent autonomous local organizations that had developed savings and credit schemes and were developing their own housing schemes. Its national character, active membership, autonomy and high level of participation make it one of the most significant housing movements in Africa. With over 80,000 households within its member groups, power and decision-making are highly decentralized with individual organizations responsible for their own development activity and direction. The local organizations are based around savings and credit schemes and all federation members are encouraged to save daily.