The information collected in household surveys, such as this one, is used to describe and understand the living conditions and experiences of South Africans. Often, however, different surveys use different sample areas and interview different households, making it difficult to know whether the living standards or circumstances of particular households have improved. The aim of this survey is to determine whether or not there have been any changes in the socio-economic conditions of those households interviewed in 1993. This information will be used to understand the dynamics of household behaviour over time.