Study of

Settlements
Rural & Urban

Name
2025
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 RURAL
SETTLEMENTS

2025
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1. The study of settlements
Concept of settlement:
A place where people live which includes buildings,
economic activities and transport networks.

Site: is the actual place (physical landscape) on which a settlement is built

Physical Factors: Micro-climate

i.e. Access to water i.e. top of hill (flooding / defence)

Fertile soil Valley climate / frost pockets

Gradient Shelter wind

Climate Aspect
Floodplains

Avoid extreme climates

Accessibility & Communication

Tradition Fuel and building material

Situation: the location of a settlement in relation to the surrounding area

Some factors that influence the situation of a settlement include:

 Roads
 Railways, harbours, airports
 Distance to other settlements / markets
 Access to resources and services

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 Influence of site and situation on settlement
1. Accessibility Communication
Bridging Ford Located on higher ground
(hills and mountains) or in the
Point Settlement found in loop of meanders for safety
gaps between hills. It reasons.
Settlement locates at a creates the potential for Can be at the foothills of
shallow point along the growth and to link to mountains (sheltered /
river to make it easier to other areas. hidden)
cross

Settlements found Settlements close to the water source

AWAY from marshy in areas where
or flood prone areas water is scarce
because water is a (common in arid
threat areas)

Urban
 refers to farmsteads, villages or hamlets Towns, cities, metropolis, conurbation
where there is limited development and and megalopolis
technology.
Densely populated settlements
 Generally rely on agriculture and natural
resources as a source of living. Lots of man-made structures / few open
spaces
 Generally basic living conditions (uni-
functional) Improved social facilities (transport /
business / educational facilities / enter-
 Characterised by primary economic ac- tainment). Variety of functions
tivities
Characterised by secondary, tertiary and
 Dispersed OR nucleated quaternary activities
Multi-functional
ALWAYS nucleated

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 Ribbon / linear development
Settlement classification
1.Settlement Patterns (shape)

Nucleated / clustered
rural Semi-circular
Economic and social
advantages and
disadvantages?

Round / square

Dispersed / isolated rural

Economic and social advantages
and disadvantages?

Cross-shaped T-shaped Star shaped

2. Settlement Function
The main factor that is used to differentiate
between rural and urban settlements

3. Hierarchy

Hierarchy refers to the ranking from smallest to largest

 Criterion used to rank settlements is function
 The higher up the hierarchy a settlement is; the
greater its range and number of services

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 4. Size of settlements
1. Megalopolis: where interdependent conurbations join together (none in SA yet)
2. Conurbation: large settlement are formed by smaller urban areas
linking together. For example, on the Witwatersrand

3. Metropolis: A large city surrounded by independent towns.

For example: Port Elizabeth with Uitenhage and Despatch; Cape Town
with Bellville and Kuils River.

4. City: a town that has many established functions such as industrial, resi-
dential, educational, retail and transport functions. For example: East London and Port Elizabeth

5. Town: a street plan is evident, and a market centre has been formed.
6. Village: a few farms around a church or general store.
7. Hamlet: Few farms joined together (mostly found in Europe).
8. Farmstead: Isolated farm some distance from nearest neighbour.

TYPE PATTERN SIZE & COMPLEXTITY

S
E Rural Dispersed Isolated Farm

T Rural hamlet

T Village

L Town

E City

M Metropolis

E Conurbation
N Urban Nucleated
Megalopolis
T

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 Activity 1

Match the descriptions below with settlement A or B. Choose from the answer and write down
only the letter A or B next to the question.
1. A nucleated settlement pattern.
2. Lacks privacy.
3. Sharing of farm equipment.
4. Safety and security risk.
5. Fragmented (broken up) farm lands.
6. Far from basic services like shops and schools.
7. Produces large yields.
8. Requires large amounts of money to practise farming. (8x1)

Activity 2
SELECT THE CORRECT OPTION .
1. A dispersed / nucleated settlement is usually associated with large machinery.
2. Settlement pattern encourages more community activity: nucleated / dispersed.
3. Lack safety and increased vulnerability to crim is more predominate in nucleated / dispersed settle-
ment pattern.
4. Nucleated / dispersed settlement patterns commonly associated with privately owned land.
5. Settlement that develops at the intersection of transport routes has a linear / crossroads shape.
6. Circular / linear shaped settlements develop around a focal point.
7. Circular / linear shaped settlement forms along transport routes.
8. Settlement shape responsible for the greatest accessibility is a linear / crossroads settlement.

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 Activity 3
Before selecting a site for his / her farm, a farmer will take various site
and situation factors into account.

1. Clearly distinguish between the terms site and situation. (2x1)

2. Water can be both an attraction and a deterrent (to be avoided) when selecting a site for a
farmstead. Explain this statement. (2x2)

3. Name and discuss ONE other physical factor that a farmer will consider when selecting a site for a
farm. (2x2)

4. Discuss the role of market accessibility as a situation factor when selecting a site for a farm. (2x2)

Activity 4
SELECT THE CORRECT OPTION
1. Dry / wet point settlement is located on a hill because the water poses a threat.
2. Railways and airports influence site / situation of a settlement.
3. A decrease in the number of people living in a rural area is referred to as rural depopulation / rural-
urban migration.
4. A settlement that has both rural and urban functions is a village / hamlet.
5. Tradition is a factor that influences site / situation.
6. Round / linear rural settlement patterns usually develop because of security issues.

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 Activity 5

Match the descriptions below with settlement A or B. Choose from the answer and write down
only the letter A or B next to the question.
1. Associated with dispersed farmsteads.
2. Allows for the sharing of farm equipment and ideas.
3. Have fragmented plots of land.
4. Needs large amounts of capital to be sustained.
5. Lack of privacy in this settlement type.
6. Shows a nucleated pattern.
7. Greater security risk in this settlement type. (7x1)

Activity 6

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1. The actual ground that is occupied by a 2. The choice of site for the location of a
farm is known as the… farm is influenced by...
A situation. A population size.
B location. B topography.
C site. C finance.
D space. D markets.

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3. The situation of a farm is influenced by...
A soil fertility.
B water sources.
C distance to markets.
D steepness of land.

Refer to the patterns of rural settlements (X and Y) to answer QUESTIONS 4-6.

4. The social advantage of settlement X is …

A safety and security.
B using technology.
C that a local market is available.
D making more profit.

5. Settlement pattern Y is classified as a dispersed settlement due to the …

A farm plots being far apart.
B distance away from the market.
C farmsteads being far apart.
D availability of flat land

6. An economic advantage of settlement Y is …

A greater privacy.
B the potential for large profits.
C the high cost of buying equipment.
D independence.

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Refer to the sketch of the settlement to answer
QUESTIONS 7 and 8.

7. The shape of the settlement is…

A linear.
B dispersed.
C crossroads.
D round.

8. The main reason for the development of the settlement is…

A access to a road.
B a gap in the mountain.
C access to water.
D defence from enemies.

Activity 7
1. Rural settlements are associated with … 2. A dispersed settlement pattern develops
activities. when there is ...
A primary A one dominant water source.
B secondary B an abundance of water.
C tertiary C a narrow river valley.
D quaternary D communal ownership of land.

3. An advantage of a rural nucleated settle- 4. A … is the location of a settlement in

ment: relation to the surrounding area.
A Sharing of farm equipment A gap
B Large, commercial plots of land B site
C Making independent decisions C bridging point
D Making large profits D situation

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5. A dry-point settlement is located … 6. The sketch below refers to a … shaped
water because water is …. settlement.
A far from; scarce.
B far from; a threat.
C near; a threat.
D near; scarce

7. The circular shape of the settlement be

low is influenced by the …
A round
B semi-circular
C crossroad
D linear

8. The following physical factors determine

the site of a settlement:
A lake.
(i) Accessibility to transport
B coastline.
(ii) Distance to market
C terrain.
(iii) Relief
D roads.
(iv) Fertile soil

A (i) and (ii)

B (ii) and (iii)
C (ii) and (iv)
D (iii) and (iv)

Match the descriptions below with letters (A-F).

Letters MAY be repeated.

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 Activity 9
3. The type of settlement illustrated below
is a …

1. The relative location of one place in

relation to another place is referred to
as ...
A site.
B relative distance.
C situation.
D exact location. A linear settlement.
B dry-point settlement.
2. The economic sector and economic C dispersed settlement.
function that dominate in rural settle-
D wet-point settlement.
ments can be described as...
A primary and unifunctional.
4. Settlements along the coast generally
B primary and multifunctional.
have a … shape.
C secondary and multifunctional.
A circular
D secondary and unifunctional.
B cross-
C semi-circular
D star

Activity 10
Select ONE term/concept for each of the following descriptions on the classification of settlements.

hamlet; town; megalopolis; isolated farmhouse;

conurbation; village; city; metropolis

1. A settlement that is the smallest in a hierarchy

2. A settlement that is a continuous urban area made up of towns and cities
3. A settlement that consists of a loose grouping of a few farmsteads
4. A settlement that consists of a major city with satellite towns
5. A settlement that offers a large variety of services and specialised functions
6. A small urban settlement that provides urban functions to the surrounding rural area
7. A settlement consisting of many conurbations

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Activity 11
1. … influence(s) the site of a rural 5. … settlements are located on high lying areas
settlement. because of the threat of flooding.
A People A Dry point
B Water B Wet point
C Oil C Semi-circular
D Services D T-shaped

2. The shape of a linear settlement is 8. Ghost towns/settlements describe rural areas

usually determined by … where the …
A accessibility. A least educated people are left behind.
B tradition. B number of HIV/Aids people have
C canals. increased.

D security. C buildings and farms are abandoned.

D water and fertile land are scarce.

3. … rural settlements make larger

profits.
A Dispersed
B Square
C Crossroad
D Nucleated

4. According to the size and

complexity, … rank the second
lowest in the hierarchy of
settlements.
A farmsteads
B villages
C hamlets
D towns

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 Activity 12

1. Name the shape of the settlement in the photo. (1x1)

2. Give evidence from the photograph to support your answer mentioned in Question 1. (1x2)

3. Why is this settlement a nucleated rural settlement? (2x1)

4. Explain how relief (topography) and water influenced the nucleated pattern of the settlement. (2x2)

5. Comment on the fact that the river will have negative economic impact on the inhabitants of the settlement.
(3x2)

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Rural settlement issues
(pages 185 - 197)
South Africa is characterised by high levels of poverty
especially in rural areas. About 70% of South Africa’s
poor live in rural areas.

Rural depopulation
The decreasing number of
people that live in rural areas
due to rural-urban migration

Rural-urban
migration

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 Why is the reality different?

The consequences of rural depopulation

Leave for “better” life

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Social / Economic Factors
 cohesive rural community
 Family ties
 Safety and security
 Facilities will not close down
 Services won’t stop
 Development / infrastructural maintenance

The need for rural development strategies

(why should ‘dwindling’ rural settlements be managed?)
 Role of rural settlement

 Decrease subsistence farming

 Effect on unemployment

 Negative influence on economy

 Increase in ghost towns

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 Agricultural planning Employment
Facilities for agricultural extensions and Decentralisation / growth poles to create more
research / training course to improve skills job opportunities
in farming Promote industrial development
Increased agricultural planning Provide incentives for start-ups
Provision/ subsidy for tools and technology Tax relief for potential investors
Encourage small-scale commercial farming Make cheaper industrial sites available
Access of loans for farming
Provide drought-resistant crops Provision of basic needs
Access to capital for farming Infrastructure / facilities / education
Change ownership of land from communal Improve roads and transport facilities
to private Water / housing / health = counter urbanisation

Integrated Rural Development / Land reform

Diversification of activities
Implement land reform programmes
Promote rural projects to increase
Accelerated land reform to enable the poor /
employment
landless to obtain land for farming
Provide training to improve skills
Promote (eco)-tourism Counter urbanisation
Encourage local crafts / cultural activities Market / promote rural areas as peaceful /
aesthetical beauty
Encourage local markets
Eco-estates / development of retirement
Women empowerment in job creation
villages
Measures to reduce crime

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Activity 13

The cycle of stagnation in rural areas is presented.

Match the descriptions below with a phrase from the sketch

1. Name the process responsible for the stagnation as illustrated in the sketch.
2. The buying power of the area declines.
3. The rural area becomes abandoned.
4. An unproductive workforce remains behind.
5. Effect of rural depopulation.
6. Infrastructure is not properly maintained.
7. Businesses become bankrupt.
8. Decline of agricultural activity. (8x1)

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Activity 14

1. What is the rural-urban migration? (1x1)

2. List ONE physical “push” factor evident in the illustration. (1x1)

3. State ONE service evident in the illustration that would “pull” people to urban areas. (1x1)

4. Discuss a negative economic consequence that rural areas will experience as a result of rural-urban migration.
(1x2)

5. Suggest a possible strategy that municipalities in rural areas could implement to encounter counter
urbanisation. (1x2)

6. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, explaining why rural-urban migration generally results in
negative outcomes for most urban immigrants. URBAN SECTION

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Activity 15

1. Define the concept rural depopulation. (1x2)

2. Give evidence from the sketch that rural depopulation has occurred. (1x1)
3. Refer to the table and give evidence that indicates that rural depopulation took place between 2017
and 2020. (1x2)
4. What is the social importance of discouraging (liming) rural depopulation. (1x2)
5. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, suggest FOUR sustainable strategies that could create
more employment opportunities in rural areas. (4x2)

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Activity 16
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF RURAL DEPOPULATION IN RURAL AREAS?
By Peter Balin

There used to be 13 farms with families within 1 km of me. Now there are five farms, with four
of them housing only one resident.
As towns depopulate and stores leave, you have to travel further for necessities. I could fill a
page listing the stores we used to have in our town and now they are just about all gone. The
churches decline because of population decline, the schools consolidate and communities
lose their identity. Farms get bigger while less manpower is needed.

1. Define the term rural depopulation. (1x1)

2. Quote TWO pieces of evidence from the passage that indicates the social effects of rural depopulation..
(2x1)

3 “Farms get bigger, while less manpower is needed.”

3.1 Suggest ONE possible reason why farms get bigger. (1x2)

3.2 Discuss how “bigger farms” could increase rural depopulation. (1x2)

5. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, explain how land reform could reduce rural depopulation
in South Africa. LAND REFORM SECTION. (4x2)

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Activity 17

1. Comment on the trend from 2004 to 2015 in the graph regarding people living in rural areas in South Africa.
(1x1)

2. What percentage of South Africans lived in rural areas in 2015. (1x1)

3 Give a projected percentage for the South African rural population in 2018. (1x2)

4. What impact will the trend in QUESTION 1 have on rural areas in the future. (2x2)

5. If the trend in QUESTION 1 continues, South Africa might head for food insecurity in the near future.
In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, outline sustainable measures to ensure continued food
security. (4x2)
FOOD SECURTIY SECTION

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Activity 18

1. Define the concept rural depopulation. (1x1)

2. Determine the number of people living in the rural areas of South Africa in 2004. (1x1)

3 Is the rural population showing an increase or a decrease from 2004 to 2020. (1x2)

4. How will this trend (Question 3) have a negative impact on the standard of living of the rural population? (2x2)

5. Explain TWO social factors that contributed to rural depopulation in South Africa. (2x2)

6. Suggest TWO sustainable strategies to encourage people to return to rural areas. (2x2)

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Activity 19

1. Name the push factor in the cartoon that caused rural-urban migration. (1x1)

2. Name the pull factor that attracted John to the city. (1x1)

3. Refer to the cartoon (frame 4). Why was Joan surprised by John’s attraction to the city. (1x1)

4. State TWO other expectations John had that were NOT met when he moved to the city. (2x2)

5. Local government (municipality) must increase their yearly budgets to provide for an influx of rural
migrants. Explain this statement In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines. (4x2)
URBAN SECTION

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Activity 20

1. Quote evidence from the FIGURE that suggests that the age structure is affected by depopulation in rural
settlements. (1x1)

2. Give TWO factors that cause rural depopulation. (2x1)

3. Explain the negative SOCIAL impact of rural depopulation on rural settlements. (2x2)

4. Why is it so important to grow the ECONOMIC of rural settlements. (2x2)

5. Explain how the process of land redistribution would improve the economy of rural settlements in
South Africa. (2x2)

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Social justice issues in rural areas
Social Justice is about creating equal opportunity and meeting the basic needs of people.

Rural areas - development & infrastructure

 Apartheid legacy– rural areas not prioritised
 Lack of funding for improved infrastructure
 Not economically viable to develop areas in sparsely populated areas
 Lack of planning and development in rural area (not a primary focal area)
 Population increase faster than infrastructure development
 Poor maintenance of existing infrastructure networks
 Mismanagement of funds / corruption by the government
 Theft of existing infrastructure
 Insufficient qualified people to maintain existing infrastructure
 Focus placed on urban areas and industrial development
 Poor / cheap quality materials used of maintain infrastructure
 Poorer areas - limited income (rates and taxes) to allocated to infrastructure

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Activity 21

1. How was water transported in rural areas prior to the invention of the water wheel shown in the figure. (1x1)

2. How has the water wheel by Wello changed access to water in rural areas? (1x2)

3 What role can access to water in rural areas play in reducing poverty? (1x2)

4. Give a reason for the poor water infrastructure in rural areas of South Africa. (1x2)

5. Write a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines suggesting sustainable solutions to improve access to water
in rural areas. (4x2)

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 Land Reform
CONCEPT: Policy to bring about equitable distribution / acces to land / land ownership
Process to correct the imbalances of the past with regards to land ownership.
Aim to bring equitable distribution and access to land.

Land tenure
 The legal right to use land.

 People need security of tenure in terms of land ownership.

 Recognises the communal land rights of tenants on mainly white-owned farms.
 Prevents unfair eviction of tenants from land that they have occupied for a long time.

Land Reform Policies

Land restitution: Refers to the process where people who are forcefully removed from their
land can claim back or be compensated financially. // Process of compensating people for the
land they lost due to forced removals (either with another piece of land or being paid out)

Land redistribution: Where state-owned land is redistributed to previously disadvantaged

people.
Aim is to provide previously disadvantaged people with land for residential or farming purposes.

Target skills development Food Security

National reconciliation and

stability Economic Growth
Purpose / objectives of
land reform policies

Reduce injustices of Apartheid Alleviate poverty

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 Willing buyer/seller

Cost implications
No interest /
knowledge agri

Challenges associated
with Land Reform

Disagreements (gov Time frame

& trad) lead)

Policy gaps

Success Agri? Economic Growth

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Expropriation of land without compensation
Concept:

How does this policy speed up land reform?

 Time
 Legal
 Willing-buyer-willing-seller
 Accessibility and affordability
 Government advisory panel

Land Reform—impact on AGRICULTURE

Land Reform’s NEGATIVE impact on South Africa (Agriculture)

Food Security Economy Employment

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Land Reform’s POSTITIVE impact on South Africa (Agriculture Production)

Small scale farmer

Halting rural—urban migration

Food Agriculture= Household

Cost Food
Security

grow

Subsistence to Commercial

Successful Land Reform: POSTITIVE SOCIAL IMPACTS

 Increased in food production would alleviate poverty

 Employment would decrease poverty
 Commercial farming would create more employment
 Increased reconciliation among rural communities and more stability
 Improved services would contribute to a better quality of life
 Family units would not be broken due to a decrease in rural-urban migration

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Why is land reform necessary in South Africa?
 To promote economic growth—those who were disadvantaged will have access to land
 To create self-sufficient farmers.
 To improve food production (especially for the previously marginalised sectors)
 To redress injustices / imbalances of the past (Apartheid : very unfair distribution of land)
 To change the ownership of communal land / land tenure
 For national reconciliation

Methods for government to support resettled people (post-settlement support)

 Revising land reform policies
 Measures to ensure redistributed land is used productively
 Inclusion of local communities to establish needs through consultation.
 Establishing educational centres in these settlements for up-skilling the communities.
 Training and development in modern farming methods / mentorship to new farmers.
 Monitoring and evaluation of processes must be reliable.
 Monitoring and evaluation of allocation of resources must be reliable.
 Relook at the policies of buying land.
 Subsidise small scale farming communities to encourage the buying and selling of their
products.
 Create market areas for trading .

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Activity 22

1. What is the purpose of land reform in South Africa. (1x1)

2. Name any TWO land reform policies that enabled this claimant to be successful (2x1)

3 Discuss the TWO challenges that the government could have faced in effecting land reform policy for this
successful claimant. (2x2)

4. Suggest possible reasons why this land claimant, illustrated in the cartoon, needs help. (2x2)

5. Explain the implications of the country if all land claimants do not get the necessary help. (2x2)

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 SOUTH AFRICA'S LAND REFORM EFFORTS LACK A FOCUS ON STRUGGLING FARMERS
South Africa's land reform programme has suffered many failures and its beneficiaries have in
many cases seen little or no improvements to their livelihoods. Land reform remains an unresolved
historical grievance.
There is a general agreement that land reform has been a failure and needs to be sped up. Re-
search shows that between 70% and 90% of the projects (including land restitution projects) have
failed. The government needs to reconsider its policy of simply acquiring land for redistribution. It
needs to take measures to make sure that redistributed land is used productively.
If land reform is to continue in its current fashion, its prospects are doomed. It is the government's
duty to see to it that they create self-sufficient farmers through the provision of post-settlement sup-
port.

1. Define the term land reform. (1x1)

2. According to the article, why has the land reform programme failed? (1x1)

3 Briefly discuss TWO factors that explain why land reform in South Africa is necessary. (2x2)

4. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, discuss methods that the government can put in place to provide
support to the people resettled on the land once land reform has taken place. (4x2)

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Activity 24
STATE-OWNED 'LAND PARCELS' IDENTIFIED FOR EXPROPRIATION – RAMAPHOSA
President Cyril Ramaphosa says state-owned 'land parcels' have been identified for the purpose
of *expropriation without compensation. Ramaphosa delivered his 2019 State of the Nation Ad-
dress (SONA) in February 2019. An advisory panel of experts was put in place to advise govern-
ment on its land reform programme. 'As part of accelerating land reform, we have identified land
parcels owned by the state for redistribution,' President Ramaphosa stated.
With regard to an agriculture stimulatory package, Ramaphosa said government had invested a lot
in comprehensive farmer development support to ensure that restituted and communal land was
productively used. Government would continue to give importance to targeted skills development
and capacity building programmes for emerging farmers.
*Expropriation: the act of a government in taking privately owned property, seemingly to be used
for purposes designed to benefit the overall public

1. What is the purpose of land reform in South Africa? (1x1)

2.1 Name any TWO land reform policies that enabled this claimant to be successful. (2x1)

2.2 Explain the difference between the land reform programmes named in question 2.1 (2x2)

3. Give TWO solutions in the extract that refers to the success of land reform for emerging farmers. (2x1)

4. How will the action of “expropriation of land without compensation” help accelerate (speed up the process
of land reform? (2x2)

5. Discuss how the implementation of land reform can affect South Africa’s agricultural production. (2x2)

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Activity 25
RURAL TRANSFORMATION AS A SOLUTION TO POVERTY IN SOUTH AFRICA
Around a third of South Africa’s population lives in rural areas. Amongst these people are the
country’s most vulnerable. They are excluded from the formal economy and are denied the pro-
ceeds of profitable agriculture and mineral resources and access to land.
However, land reform remains a central factor in determining the success of rural transformation
and achievement of a more sustainable and inclusive development agenda

1. How many people live in rural areas in South Africa? (1x1)

2. Define the term social justice. (1x1)

3 Mention TWO social injustices from the article that South Africans are currently facing. (2x1)

4. Name and explain ONE land reform policy that was implemented in South Africa, to ensure rural
transformation. (1+2)

5. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, explain how land reform in South Africa may reduce poverty.
(4x2)

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1. What is land reform? (1x2)
2. According to the extract, what is the benefit of well-managed land reform? (1x1)
3a. Why is land restitution considered a challenge? (1x2)
3b. How does B illustrate the successful process of land restitution? (1x2)
4. Which factors have caused the “process of land reform” to advance too slowly? (2x2)
5. Explain the social benefits of well-managed land reform for people living in rural areas. (2x2)

Activity 27
1. Land … is a process of compensating 2. ...is one of the challenges associated
people for land that they lost. with land reform.

A reform A Expropriation
B expropriation B Social justice
C tenure C Willing buyer / seller clause
D restitution D Social injustice

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Study of Settlements:
URBAN
SETTLEMENT

2023 41
 3. Urban settlements
Development of Urban Settlements
Cities are focal points of our modern global civilisation. The % of the world’s urban population
has increased dramatically in the twentieth and twenty –first centuries.

Urban Trends
In most countries of the worl d there is an in-
creasing number of people liv ing in urban areas.

URBAN GROWTH URBANISATION RATE OF URBANISATION

Natural increase LEVEL OF URBANISATION

Rural-urban migration
Internal migration
International migration

URBAN EXPANSION

URBAN SPRAWL

COUNTER-URBANISATION

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Site and Situation affect on urban settlements

Religion; language; Climate; natural

culture; family harbours / water;
relief; resources
(minerals)

Government promotes Trade. Availability of

certain urban resources; job;
settlements industries; transport
routes

Classification of urban settlements according to function

 Urban settlements are classified according to their dominant FUNCTION
 The original function that determines the location of an urban settlement could change over
time.
 Johannesburg used to be dominated by mining as a function but this has changed to eco-
nomic centre of business, finance and industry and being the administrative capital of
Gauteng.

Mineral Revolution—Johannesburg Johannesburg today

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Types of Urban Settlements according to function

1.Central Place Theory

Rural
Accessible urban settlements
Provide goods and services
to surrounding population
(economic, religious, cultural,
Urban (town / city)
administrative, police, courts,
retail; medical)

2. Specialised Cities
 mining, resort, industrial, military, fishing
 One MAIN dominant function
 Location influenced by natural resources /
attractive beaches etc.

3. Trade and Transport Cities

 established due to trade / transportation
 Aerotropolis: settlements around large
airports

3.1 Break of bulk point 3.2 Gap / Gateway 3.3 Junction towns
 Goods transferred settlement  Important transport
from one form of  Originates where there junctions (where
transport to another are physical barriers. transport routes
 Ship—road / rail converge)
 i.e mountain passes
 River crossings
 Road / railway
junction

44
 Functions of urban settlements Multifunctional
 Retail
Secondary:  Entertainment
 Health
 Wholesale
Tertiary:  Political
 Religious
 Transportation
 Military / defence
 Financial
Quaternary  Media
 Cultural
 Public services

Urban Hierarchy

Hierarchy—arrangement of settlements in an area from the

smallest to the largest (shape of a pyramid).  urban hierarchy
The smallest settlement forms the base of the pyramid.  Central place
Hierarchy is based on the function that a settlement offers.  Threshold population
 Population size  Sphere of goods
 Range and number of services offered  Concepts (
 Sphere of influence / market area

45
 Central Place : Settlement that provides goods and ser-
vices to the surrounding rural population

Theory: A theoretical
concept that tries to
explain a complex issue
in a simple manner.

Not realistic.

Does not take into ac-

count all factors.

Broad theory.

Central place
Settlement that provides goods and services to the surrounding rural population.

Low-order centres
Smaller settlements that supply low-order services /functions. These goods are required
on a regular basis. (petrol, bread, electricity)

High-order centres
Larger settlements that supply high-order services /functions. These functions are
specialised and required by few people on a less frequent basis. (university; specialised
hospitals; high magistrates; high-end boutiques)

Threshold Population
The minimum number of people
required to support a business.

Sphere of influence
The area from which a business
draws its customers (market
area)

Range of goods
The maximum distance a
consumer is willing to travel to
purchase something.

46
Activity 1

Activity 2

47
 Urban Struct ure and Patterns

External layout of a city

Shape when viewed from above
Shape, form and structure

External physical layout of a city

consider the following:
Street patterns
Urban profile
Building density
Urban zones

 traffic congestion at centre

 Ancient cities
 Ring roads

 easy planning / easy to find places

 Building & development easy
 Idea on flat / gentle gradient but NOT for areas too steep
 Older part of settlements (i.e inner Johannesburg)
 Traffic flow is hindered with TOO many stops

 no focal points
 Easy to get lost
 Ensures smooth traffic flow
 Longer streets with few intersections
 Ideal for broken relief / hilly relief
 Irregular road lengths
 Found in new urban developments
 Saves petrol

48
 URBAN PROFILE
Shows the vertical
dimension of a city:
the heights of
buildings

 Urban profile shows the vertical dimension of a city (the height of buildings).
 Also known as a urban transect / URBAN PROFILE
 Similar to a “cross-section” view
 Highest buildings are found in the city centre and decreases outwards
 Land value in CBD = make maximum use of the land
 Land use in an urban area needs to be compatible (land use zones should coexist
without negatively affecting one another: high-income residential and heavy industry.
 Different land use zones have different characteristics but can blend into one another.

Building density decreases from the city centre outwards

Land values in CBD very expensive so developers maximise
The number of buildings the use of land and build vertically
per unit area

49
Activity 3

Activity 4
Match the statements below with the terms City, Town or Village. Write ONLY the question
numbers (1-7) and your answer eg. 1.8 Town
1. Offers a wide variety of high order functions e.g., specialised doctors
2. Has a smaller sphere of influence
3. This settlement is not an example of a central place
4. Offers only low order services and functions
5. This settlement has the lowest threshold population
6. Has a higher rank on the urban hierarchy
7. Settlement that has the largest range

Activity 5

50
 Urban Land-use Zones
 Urban areas are muilti-functional Land use zones
 The land is used for a variety of functions
Land use corresponds to the socio-
 Thus giving rise to various land use zones economic description (functional
dimension) of areas
The zone where a specific function is
dominant.

You need to know the following:

Internal structure and patterns of urban settlements (includes shape of urban settlements)

Difference: Land-use and Land-use zones

Land use zones: reason for location, purposes and characteristics

Commercial (CBD, OBD, types of commercial decentralisation)

Residential

Industrial

Transition zone, zone of decay

Rural-urban fringe

51
 Lifestyle estates / golf estates
Residential (gated communities)

High-income residential

Low-income
residential

Middle-income residential

Informal / squatter settlements

Ghettos

52
53
 Industrial
Heavy Industry Light Industry

Q: Why are low-income houses often located

close to an industrial area? (2x2)

54
 Central Business District (CBD)
Characteristics

Commercial Decentralisation

Q: Explain the negative factors in the CBD that resulted in the

relocation of businesses to the surrounding areas.

Outlying Business District (OBD)

Counter-urbanisation: The PROCESS whereby people move
out of cities to outskirts (to smaller urban settlements / rural areas.
Q: Why is the outlying business
district (OBD) attractive for the
relocation of businesses?

54
 Transition Zone (Zone of Decay)
Found just outsides the CBD.
Run-down / old / neglected / decaying buildings (urban
decay / urban blight).
Land is often desirable and high property prices
Mixed land-use (housing, light industry, commercial,
warehouses, etc..)
“Twilight zone” - graffiti, high crime rate, drugs dealers,
gangs, prostitution, high-poverty rate / foreigners and
refugees.
Known as TRANSITION ZONE
because it is constantly under-
going change.

Q: Why are buildings in the transition zone often Q: Describe the physical appearance of buildings in
in a dilapidated (poor) state? the zone of decay.

Q: Why is the transition zone generally dilapi- Q: Contrast between the land values and the physical
appearance of buildings in the zone of decay.
dated despite high land values?

Q: State TWO characteristics of the transitional zone

Q: Why is this land-use zone ideal for the location of light industries?

Q: Suggest ONE reason for the transition zone having high land values.

55
  Controls greenhouse gasses

Greenbelts  Reduces effect of ‘heat island” / lowers temperature

 Cleans air / reduces air pollution
 Reduces run-off / promotes infiltration of water
 Absorbs city noises / traffic sounds / filters noises
 Habitat for living organisms / increase biodiversity
 Aesthetical value (looks pretty)
Recreational (walking dogs / picnics / jogging)

high income residential areas and industry.

56
 Rural-Urban Fringe Outskirts of city
Mixture of functions (residential
(high-income life-style estates)
Definition: and (low-income / urban
The boundary / transition between the urban edge and the rural sprawl) regional shopping
periphery where rural and urban functions are mixed. centres, airports, golf courses,
business parks etc.)
Land is cheaper here but new
developments encroach into
the rural-urban fringe, increas-
ing land value

Contributing factors to
leaving CBD?

Attraction:
 Better quality of life in quieter, cleaner rural surrounding
 Relocation of businesses to places with better transport links and cheaper building costs
 Flexible working and new technology
 Retired people leave the city where they once worked
 Land is cheaper
 There is less traffic congestion and pollution
 There is easier access and a better road infrastructure – as it is a newer development
 More people are willing and able to travel further to work

Q: Describe the difference in land values Q: Provide TWO reasons WHY the rural-urban fringe is
between the CBD and the rural-urban fringe. becoming more urban in nature.

Q: The demand for housing is growing rapidly and devel-

Q: Why is the rural-urban fringe an attractive opers are looking at the rural-urban fringe as a solution for the
shortage of building space. Suggest TWO possible objections
location for the gated community (secure neigh- to planned housing developments in the rural-urban fringe.
bourhood with security guards and controlled
access)?

57
 Activity 6

1. State TWO characteristics of the Johannesburg CBD that is evident in the photograph. (2x1)

2. Which land-use zone has the highest land value, as indicated on the graph? (1x1)

3. How does the land value (answer to question 2) influence the high building density of the CBD? (1x2)

4. Why is the transition zone generally dilapidated despite high land values? (2x2)

5. Why is the outlying business district (OBD) attractive for the relocation of businesses? (3x2)

58
 Activity 7

1. Where is the rural-urban fringe located? (1x1)

2. State TWO economic activities in the photograph, which are found in the rural-urban fringe. (2x1)

3. How does the economic activity at B benefit from being located in the rural-urban fringe? (2x2)

4. What positive impact does activity B have on the local community? (2x2)

5. How has the recent urban expansion of large cities changed the rural-urban fringe? (2x2)

59
 Activity 8

Refer to photograph A
1. Classify the residential area shown in the photograph as either high income or low income. (1x1)

2. Give evidence from the photograph to support your answer to QUESTION 1. (1x2)

Refer to photographs A and B

3. Why is the type of residential area (answer to QUESTION 1) often located close to an industrial area? (2x2)

4. Give TWO social injustices that are experienced by people in the residential area due to the industrial activity
at B. (2x2)

5. Explain TWO measures that can be implemented by the industries at B to reduce the impact of the social
injustice. (2x2)

60
Activity
9

1. The movement of commercial functions out of the CBD is commercial (centralisation / decentralisation) (1x1)

2. The shopping centre in Mdantsane is an outlying (business district / planned neighbourhood centre) (1x1)

3. State THREE factors that promoted the location of the shopping centre. (3x1)

4. How will the development of Mdantsane City shopping centre have a positive social impact on the area? (2x2)

5. Explain the negative factors in the CBD that resulted in the relocation of businesses to Mdantsane and its
surrounding area. (2x2)

61
Activity 10

1. What is the rural-urban fringe? (1 x 1)

2. State TWO urban land uses that are evident in the rural-urban fringe (A). (2 x 1)

3. Give TWO reasons why the rural-urban fringe is becoming more urban in nature. (2 x 2)

4. Why is the rural-urban fringe an attractive location for the gated community (secure
neighbourhood with security guards and controlled access)? (2 x 2)

5. The demand for housing is growing rapidly and developers are looking at the rural-urban
fringe as a solution for the shortage of building space. Suggest TWO possible objections
to planned housing developments in the rural-urban fringe. (2 x 2)

62
Activity 11

63
 Activity 12

1. Give evidence from the photography to support the statement that this is a Central
Business District. (1 x 1)

2. Why is the CBD classified as an urban land-use zone? (1 x 2)

3. Describe TWO factors that would have determined the concentration of commercial
functions in the CBD. (2 x 2)

4. Explain why commercial decentralisation has impacted negatively on the CBD. (2 x 2)

5. Suggest TWO strategies that could be implemented to make the CBD more attractive to
businesses. (2 x 2)

64
 Activity 13

1. Give ONE visible characteristic of the CBD. (1 x 1)

2. Describe the difference in land values between the CBD and the rural-urban fringe. (1 x 2)

3. Explain TWO factors that could have influenced the location of the regional shopping
centre. (2 x 2)

4. Assess the negative impact that the cement factory would have on the environment. (2 x 2)

5. Discuss the role of the Green Belt in a sustainable development of the city. (2 x 2)

65
 Activity 14

1. Identify the land-use at A. (1x1)

2. How would the decreasing accessibility to land-use zone A negatively impact commuters? (1x2)

3. Give TWO reasons for the irregular shape of the land-use zone at B. (2x2)

4. Why are buildings in land-use zone B in a dilapidated (poor) state? (2x2)

5. Why will new high-income residential developments be attract to area C? (2x2)

66
 Activity 15

1. Give evidence from the FIGRUE that the central business district (CBD) is accessible. (1x1)

2. Why does the transition zone have an irregular shape in the FIGURE? (1x1)

3. Explain TWO factors that have attracted heavy industries to X. (2x2)

4. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines explain why the CBD is no longer attractive as a location for
many businesses. (4x2)

67
 Activity 16

1. Define the concept urban hierarchy. (1x2)

2. What will hinder (prevent) the town from expanding in a northerly direction? (1x1)

3. Will more specialised goods be found at city A, rather than city B? (1x1)

4. Explain your answer to QUESTION 3. (1x2)

5. Refer to the shopping centre.

(a) Is the new shopping centre a regional or neighbourhood shopping centre? (1x1)

(b) Comment on the suitability of the location for the shopping centre (answer to QUESTION 5(a)). (2x2)

(c) Explain the impact of the shopping centre (answer to QUESTION 5(a)) on the threshold population of
CITY A.

68
 Models of urban structure
Model: a simplified representation of reality that attempts to explain how geographical
phenomenon occurs or works.
Models are theories that attempt to explain urban land use zones and city structure.

PLEASE NOTE: You need to know the models of urban structures (description and
characteristics) of the following:
 Multiple-nuclei model (Harris and Ullman)
 Modern American-western city
 The third world city
 South African city (and the changing urban patterns and land use in South African cities)

1. Multiple-nuclei model (Harrison Ullman 1945)

 There are many nuclei (focal points) around which growth occurs
 The CBD is not placed in the centre
 There are additional nuclei of economic activity (OBDs)
 Nuclei (focal points) = many centres
 Land-use zone has a cellular pattern
 Flexible model QUESTION:
 Many cities around the world The land-use model (above) can be identified
as a multiple nuclei model because it has…
 Provision all land use zones
A concentric zones.
 Takes into account factors that affect land
B many focal points.
use zones
many wedges.
one focal point.

69
 2. Modern American / Western City

 Similar to the Multiple Nuclei Model with many nuclei / focal points
 Reflects the land use patterns in cities that developed in the 1900s and shows the influ-
ence of improved transport associated with the motor car
 Transport dependent (separation between home and work) Commute—to travel from
home to work and back on a daily basis.
 Spread out and suburban. Suburbs: areas where people live, away from CBD
 Decentralisation (movement of people and activities out of the city centre towards
the outer suburbs and rural-urban fringe)
 Segregation—clear separation between high, middle & ow income residential areas
 Ethnic clustering—people of the same racial or cultural group live together
 CBD known as “downtown”
 Sharply defined land use zones

3. The “Third World” City

Refers to developing countries.
Often influenced by different periods in history.

 Mixed land use zones (colonial influence)

 Growing informal settlements and slums
 High levels of informal trading on streets
 High income residential areas tend to be close to city centre
 Poor infrastructure
 High influx of migrants
 Social problems (crime, insufficient or poor standard of housing, unemployment)

70
South african City(Apartheid City)
 Influenced by colonial and Apartheid
past
 Land use zones influenced by
Group Areas Act
 Racial areas main feature
 Whites = good views, accessible,
close to city centre)
 Indians and coloured on less favour-
able sites away from the city centre
 Blacks were located in townships on
the outskirts of the city
 Black labour pool close to industries
 Apartheid abolished = influence
seen in the structure of SA cities

71
 Activity 17

1. Identify the model of urban structure (1x1)

2. Which land-use zone covers the largest area in the illustrated model of urban structure? (1x1)

3. Name ONE visible characteristic of the CBD. (1x1)

4. Give ONE reason for the development of the outlying business district (7) on the outskirts of the city. (1x2)

5. Refer to land-use zones 5 and 6.

(a) Comment on the location of land-use zones 5 and 6 in relation to each other. (1x2)

(b) Compatibility (ability to live or to exist together) determines the location of land-use zones in an urban area.
Give reasons why 5 and 6 are NOT compatible. (2x2)

6. What are the similarities between the South African city and the model identified in the FIGURE? (2x2)

72
 Urban Settlement issues
 Recent urbanisation patterns in South Africa
 Urban issues related to rapid urbanisation (definition, causes, impact, possible solutions)
- pollution
- urban blight (urban decay)
- traffic congestion
- lack of planning, urban sprawl
- overcrowding, housing shortage, provision of basic services
- social challenges
 Informal Settlements
- Concept (definition and identification)
- Growth of informal settlements
- Issues associated with informal settlements
- Strategies to address issues related to informal settlements
 How are urban areas managing urban challenges
 Injustice issues in urban areas
- Definition of environmental, social and economic injustice concerns
- Environmental concerns
- Noise pollution
- Destruction of ecosystems
- Economic concerns
- Poverty
- Poor public transport systems
- Social concerns
- Unequal access to resources

73
 Recent urbanisation patterns in SA

Know your terms:

 Urbanisation
 Rate of urbanisation
 Level of urbanisation
 Urban growth
 Urban expansion
 Urban sprawl
QUESTION

QUESTION Discuss the reasons why the increased

rate and level of urbanisation has led to
Account for the urban problems that result increased protests against service
from rapid urbanisation in cities in develop- delivery in urban areas.
ing countries.

74
 Activity 1

1. Distinguish between the terms urbanisation and urban expansion. (2x1)

2. State the trend in urbanisation from 1970 to 2020. (1x1)

3. Why does urbanisation give rise to urban expansion? (2x2)

4. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, account for the urban problems that result from rapid
urbanisation in cities in developing countries. (4x2)

75
 Activity 2

1. Define the term urbanisation. (1x1)

2. State the relationship between the level and the rate of urbanisation between 2006 and 2016. (1x2)

3. Discuss TWO physical factors in the rural area that could have contributed to the rate of urbanisation shown in
the figure. (2x2)

4. Write a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines discussing the reasons why the rate and level of urbanisation
has led to increased protests against service delivery in urban areas. (4x2)

76
 Urban issues related to rapid urbanisation
(definition, causes, impact, possible solutions)

1. Pollution
Increase in pollution with an increase in urban inhabitants
 Influx of motor vehicles—more air pollution
 Pollution from more industries contributes to global warming
 Increase in population / vehicles adds to the noise / land pollution
 More industries—more dumping waste water in rivers (water pollution)
 Increase in people (informal settlements) will cause water pollution due to lack of services
 Difficulty of waste management results in various forms of pollution

2. Urban Blight (urban decay) (Activity 3)

DEFINTION:
Deterioration of parts of an urban area, especially where buildings
are not maintained.
CHARACTERISTICS
 Slum conditions / buildings in a state of disrepair
 Dilapidated building; buildings not maintained
 Illegal occupation of buildings
 Graffiti / vandalism
 High crime rate / social ills

MAJOR CAUSES:
 Lack of continuity in the municipal leadership sphere
 Corrupt practices and a lack of attention / oversight
by municipalities
 Ineffective municipal by-laws
 Lack of legislation (no fines) for inhabitants and com-
panies that dump refuse
 Inadequate municipal service delivery
 Shortage of skills, knowledge and expertise of administrators to deal with the issue of urban decay
 Street vendors / informal business litter without any repercussions
 Crime and social ills such as drug dealing makes the inner city unattractive and dangerous
 Poor monitoring and policing of the inner city

77
 Possible Solutions
1. Slum clearance Demolishing buildings and redeveloping. People get moved.

Think about the negatives—does this really help the people who are living in this area?

2. Regeneration / renewal
 Improve physical environment (renovating)
 Attracts investors (“rebranding”)

3. Inner City renewal

 Invasion and succession—replacing the original function
 Gentrification / chelseafication—low cost houses cheaply bought by wealthy and modernised
 Facadism— Preserving the front of the building while rest is knocked down (heritage preserved)

ECONOMIC POSITIVES:
 Creates job opportunities whilst upgrading and restoring
 More businesses will recover / re-open which increases job opportunities
 Better infrastructure and a healthier environment will attract investors and tourists

78
Strategies / measures / possible solutions to urban issues related
to rapid urbanisation: Traffic congestion
TRAFFIC CONGESTION
Q: Suggest THREE strategies that could be implemented to reduce traffic congestion in urban areas
Possible answers:

 Encourage the use of public transport

 Improved / safer public transport systems

 Efficient / reliable public transport systems

 More efficient rail services

 Increase the number of lanes

 Specialised lanes (accept examples)

 Encourage the use of scooters / bicycles

 Motorised barriers (to increase number of lanes)

 Lift clubs / car-pooling

 Increase parking tariffs in the CBD

 Park and rid facilities

 Use of tollgates

 Synchronised traffic lights

 Decentralise commercial functions

 Staggered starting times

 Ring roads and by-passes

 By-laws to reduce number of private vehicles on the road

 On way streets

 Proper road maintenance

 Encourage people to work from home

 Broadcast traffic accidents and congested routes

 Enforce existing road traffic laws

 CCTV to monitor road conditions

79
4. Lack of planning & Urban Sprawl (Activity 6)
DEFINITION URBAN SPRAWL:
The uncontrolled / unplanned / formless expansion of an urban area
CHARACTERISTICS:
 New buildings don’t follow and organised / planned pattern
 Invasion into the surrounding rural areas
 New buildings have been constructed in the outskirts / urban fringe
DIFFICULTY IN CONTROLLING:
 Difficult to control the development of informal set-
tlements which results from a high level of urbani-
sation
 Local authorities have limited control over privately
owned land
 Local authorises do not have the capacity to control
the influx of people into urban areas
 Local authorities do not have the budget and time
to plan urban areas in a controlled manner
 Interference of political parties / illegal invasion of land
 Some municipal officials sell land illegally / corruption
 Land invasion on unoccupied land
 Legal protocols make it difficult for local authorities to impose the law
 High demand to locate in urban areas

Strategies / measures / possible solutions to deal with urban

issues related to rapid urbanisation:

80
5. Overcrowding; housing shortage; provision of basic services (Activity 7)
THE STRUGGLE FOR MUNICIPALITIES TO PROVIDE BASIC SERVICES
 Insufficient budges to plan for rapid urbanisation
 Corruption among municipal employees has affected service provision / service delivery
protests
 Nepotism among officials has led to a shortage of skilled
officials / personnel in key positions.
 Municipalities persistently struggle with water shortages,
electricity blackout
 Financial viability programmes
 Poor planning, monitoring and evaluating problems.

IMPACTS : A LACK OF BASIC SERVICES

 Protest action resulting in damage to property/ violent protest actions
 Protest would affect businesses (loss of income; employees not at work)
 Burning tyres along roads ; blocking of roads to traffic
 Companies lose production hours decreasing profits
 Tension between local authorities and communities
 Criminal activity / looting / damaging business and shops —decrease in investors
 Burning down government municipal buildings (schools, municipal offices, clinics)

6. Social Challenges

81
 Activity 3

1. What is urban decay? (1x2)

2. According to president Ramaphosa, what has compounded the country’s economic crisis? (1x1)

3. State TWO pieces of evidence from the photograph that indicates that urban decay has taken place. (1x2)

4. How can inner-city renewal help with economic recovery in South Africa? (1x2)

5. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, explain the major causes of urban decay in South African cities.
(4x2)

82
 Activity 4

1. What is the trend shown in the photographs concerning the number of vehicles between 1960 and 2021?
(1x1)
2. Give TWO possible reasons for this trend (answer to QUESTION 1) (2x2)

3. How does traffic congestion impact the daily traveller? (2x2)

4. Suggest THREE strategies that could be implemented to reduce traffic congestion in urban areas. (3x2)

83
 Activity 5

1. Identify the urban issue shown in the cartoon.

(1x1)
2. Give TWO possible reasons for this trend (answer to QUESTION 1) (1x2)

3. Why is the urban issue in the cartoon common in most cities? (2x2)

4. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, discuss the negative impact of this urban issue on motorists
(4x2)

84
 Activity 6

1. Define the concept urban sprawl (1x1)

2. Give evidence from the FIGURE that suggests that urban sprawl is taking place. (1x2)

3. Why do local authorities find it difficult to control urban sprawl? (2x2)

4. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, discuss the unfavourable environmental conditions caused by
urban sprawl in the rural-urban fringe. (4x2)

85
 Activity 7

1. According to the extract, how many informal settlements are stealing electricity? (1x1)

2. Quote TWO basic services that are lacking in informal settlements. (2x1)

3. Explain why municipalities struggle to provide basic services (2x2)

4. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, explain the economic impact that a lack of basic services will
have on the city of Johannesburg. (4x2)

86
 (Activity 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12) A settlement that has limited planning / infrastructure;
has no formal ownership of land (occupied illegally)
and is built using different materials

Poverty, unemployment, high unemployment rate, lack of

skills, high cost of housing, no proper documentation, influx of
foreigners / refugees

Informal settlements result in urban sprawl.

Economic reasons for the rapid growth of
Issues associated with informal settlements informal settlements
Limited access basic services (education /health)  Increased unemployment
Increase health problems / lack of sanitation  Increased poverty / salary cuts
Increased crime (little security / policing)  High inflation rate
Decrease aesthetic appeal / pollution  High price / rent of houses
Overcrowding / illegal electricity connections  People cannot afford formal housing
Social ills / drug & alcohol abuse  Budget constraints
Increased food insecurity
Increase poverty
Children not in school
Increase violence
Vulnerable to floods, fires,

WHY Government has failed to assist communities living in informal settlements

 They did not provide low cost housing because of a shortage of available land / budget constraints
 No basic services / amenities (accept examples) supplied due to budget
shortfalls
 No basic infrastructure (accept examples) due to a lack of skilled personnel
 Did not create enough job opportunities because of a lack of investment
 Inadequate policing to combat crime due to poor planning
 Did not allocate finance for improving conditions of people living in informal settlements due to
budget constraints
 Corruption which lead to a misappropriation of finances / budget shortfalls
 Nepotism / cronyism results in unqualified people managing these projects which are delayed
 Limited programmes (budget constrains) for upskilling / training of communities

87
 Strategies / measures / possible solutions: Informal Settlements
INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
Q: Discuss possible solutions that the local Q: How can local municipalities reduce the
municipality can provide to reduce the growth challenges associated with the growth of
of an informal settlement informal settlements?
Possible answers: Possible answers:

 Relocate informal settlement dwellers to areas  Provide access to basic services (accept
where self-help homes can be built examples)

 Provision of land for building informal houses  Legal ownership of the land

 Provide site and services plots  Self-help schemes involving communities / pro-
vide building material
 Provide RDP houses to those living in informal
settlements  Employment opportunities / informal sector jobs

 Strict legislation on preventing the growth of  Upskilling of people

informal settlements
 Build houses on available land relocating people
to these areas
INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
 Emergency facilities provided (accept examples)
Explain how the local municipality can reduce
fire hazards for people living in informal  Monitoring and policing to improve safety and
settlements security

Possible answers:  Proper planning / rezoning

Provide safer electricity / solar panels to these  Improve infrastructure (accept examples)
settlements
 Community consultation / advisory committees to
Provide proper infrastructure so that emergency agree on policies
personnel can promptly attend to fires (accept
 Provision of recreational facilities (accept
examples)
examples)
Provide regular policing services to monitor illegal
 Awareness programmes (accept examples)
connections

Establish community forums to assist in case of

INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
fires
Q: Suggest measures to prevent flood-related
Increased access to potable (clean) water disasters in informal settlements.
Create safe after-care places to ensure safety Possible answers:
and supervision of children
 Relocate settlement to higher lying areas
Access to community halls in case of emergency
 Adequate services provided to settlements
Demarcate specific plots for people to settle so
that there is space between houses  Efficient drainage system should be installed

Build formal brick houses  Provide stronger building material

Increase awareness programmes  Provide low-cost housing

Install fire hydrants  Provide better infrastructure

 Access to better emergency services

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 Activity 8

1. What is an informal settlement? (1x1)

2. State TWO basic needs that people who live in most informal settlements do not have easy access to. (2x1)

3. State TWO ways in which the appearance of informal settlement differs from the appearance of the formal
settlement at B. (2x1)

4. Name TWO factors that influence the location of this informal settlement. (2x1)

5. Explain how the people living in A can benefit from settlement B. (2x2)

6. Discuss possible solutions that the local municipality can provide to reduce the growth of settlement A. (2x2)

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 Activity 9

1. How many people in South Africa, according to the infographic, live in shacks? (1x1)

2. State TWO advantages of living in a backyard shack compared to an informal settlement according to
the infographic. (2x1)

3. Why do a larger number of people still choose to live in informal settlements compared to backyard shacks?
_(1x2)

4. How does the building material of informal settlements increase vulnerability (more at risk) to extreme weather
conditions? (1x2)

5. Identify and explain ONE social issue that developed due to the growth of informal settlements. (2x2)

6. How can local municipalities reduce the challenges associated with the growth of informal settlements? (2x2)

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 Activity 10

1. What is an informal settlement? (1x2)

2. Quote a reason from the extract for the increase in the number of informal settlements in Ethekwini. (1x1)

3. Why are informal settlements in Ethekwini at risk of flooding? (1x2)

4. How would the lack of proper roads negatively impact on emergency services to reach informal settlements in
times of disasters, like floods? (1x2)

5. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, suggest measures to prevent flood-related disasters in informal
settlements in Ethekwini Municipality. (4x2)

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 Activity 11

1. Identify ONE characteristic of informal settlements visible in the photograph. (1x1)

2. State TWO negative social impacts of informal settlements in the extract. (2x1)

3. Give TWO economic reasons for the rapid increase in informal settlements. (2x2)

4. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, explain why the government has failed to assist communities
living in informal settlements. (4x2)

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 Activity 12

1. Define the term informal settlement. (1x1)

2. According to the newspaper article, why is there an increased risk of fires in informal settlements? (2x1)

3. Why does the occurrence of destructive fires increase in informal settlements in winter? (2x2)

4. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, explain how the local municipality can reduce fire hazards for
people living in informal settlements. (4x2)

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 Injustice issues in urban areas
Know the definitions of environmental, social
and economic injustice
1. Environmental concerns (Activity 13)
Environmental Injustice:
Any harmful substance/condition/activity causing damage to people
and the environment.
Example of an environmental injustice:

2. Economic concerns
Economic Injustice:
Is the difference found in various measures of economic well-being among
individuals in a group / among groups in a population.
Example of an economic injustice:
Poverty is living without the basic necessities of life (food, clothing, housing)
Caused by:
Lack of employment; unemployment; lack of education; economic decline etc.

3. Social concerns (Activity 14 & 15)

Social Injustice:
A situation when some unfair practices are being carried in the society.
Unequal access to resources and services
People don’t have the same access to resources e.g water
High-income residential and informal settlements
They vary with regards to access to resources and services

4. Poor public transport systems (Activity 16)

Poor public transport systems: insufficient or poor quality transport for public e.g. bus services;
Taxis (some of them are not road worthy); public transport
networks; poor quality buses which are not reliable

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 Strategies / measures
(types of questions that can be presented)
Q: Suggest TWO measures that can be put in Q: Explain how local authorities can develop
place to protect this community from the sustainable solutions to reduce the impact of
environmental injustice. this injustice issue on the environment
Possible answers: Possible answers:
- Tall smoke stacks/chimneys to distribute the  Use of renewable / non-conventional sources of
pollution at a higher level so that upper winds energy will have less impact on the health sector
can disperse the air pollution
 Stricter control by local authorities on the levels
- filters / scrubbers installed in chimneys to clean of air pollution on a regular basis
the air.
 Fines imposed on factory owners for exceeding
- Legislation to protect people’s environmental the pollution levels
rights.
 Incentives on tax rebates for factory owners who
 Assistance in legal claims against polluters comply
 Frequent testing and monitoring of air quality  Create more green spaces and parks in the ur-
 Policing and implementing the “polluter pay” ban areas
principle, imposing fines  Stacks of factories to be built higher so that
 Compensation to the community for health care pollutants can be dispersed into the upper
atmosphere
 Relocate poor communities away from the power
stations  Put filters in factory stacks to reduce the amount
of pollutants emitted
 Improve housing conditions of the poor
 Promote awareness campaigns / education
 Create awareness campaigns educating people regarding clean energy resources
on their environmental rights
 Promote industrial decentralisation to reduce
 Promote clean energy resources pollution in the area
 Create greenbelts to assist with cleaning of air

Q: Suggest measures government could implement to address the social injustices faced by people
living in informal settlements
Possible answers:

 Relocate people and build decent houses where the space is available

 Provide cheap building material to build houses

 Provision of proper low-cost houses / RDP houses / Self-help housing schemes

 Provide basic services to the people

 Provide tarred roads with better drainage systems / provision of storm water drainage

 Provision of water points / piped water in the houses ; provision of sanitation and regular refuse removal

 Provision of electricity in a form of solar panels

 Move businesses to the region (decentralise); Better pay / increase minimum wage

 Improved education provision / upskilling

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Q: In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, Q: Discuss TWO possible solutions that
discuss how service delivery in the public government could implement to reduce taxi
health care sector in urban areas could be violence
improved.
Possible answers:
Possible answers:
 Regulate the taxi industry / taxi ranks through
 Increase the number of doctors employed in pub- legislation
lic hospitals and clinics
 Regulate the private service providers like Uber
 Build more hospitals and clinics to cater for the
 Bring together the various transport providers, to
large population numbers
foster healthy competition, and to work together
 Sufficient provision of equipment / stock in peace and harmony

 Make health care more affordable  More vigilance from government in policing /
monitoring taxi associations
 Regulate the prices of all medical services and
medicine  The Minister of Transport / Police can close spe-
cific problematic routes
 Extend working hours in local clinics to allow
greater access to treatment  Possible allocation of different routes to associa-
tions
 Regulate the prices of medical schemes
 Effective prosecution of those who incite violence
 Introduce an affordable national health insurance
within the taxi industry
 Improve salaries of healthcare workers
 Educating operators (imbizos) on responsibilities
 Improve qualifications of healthcare workers in
 More monitoring by traffic officers
public hospitals
 Issue more operational licences where there is a
 Regulate monitoring of health care workers by
demand
senior management
 Shut down taxi routes for a period of time during
 Provision of public and private partnerships
the day

 Implementing car systems to regulate operational

routes within the taxi industry.

Explain measures that can implemented by the industries to reduce the impact of the social injustices
Possible answers:

Install filters on chimneys to reduce air pollution

Increase the height of chimneys to disperse air pollution

 Implement legislation to control the amount of pollution associate with the industries (accept examples)

Conduct research to determine the effect of their activities on the people of the environment

Regulate maintenance of infrastructure related to the industries

Employ environmental officers to monitor pollution levels

Develop greenbelts / buffer zones around industries (accept examples) to control air pollution

Encourage the use of green energy to reduce pollution levels

Compensate the community for health care as a result of air pollution

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 Activity 13

1. Define the concept environmental injustice. (1x1)

2. State the environmental injustice evident in the FIGURE. (1x1)

3. Give evidence from the photograph to support your answer to the QUESTION 2. (1x1)

4. Why is your answer to QUESTION 2 considered an environmental injustice? (2x2)

5. Discuss how this environmental injustice will affect the local community. (2x2)

6. Explain how local authorities can develop sustainable solutions to reduce the impact of this injustice issue on
the environment. (2x2)

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1. According to the FIGURE what percentage of the population relies on public health care services? (1x1)

2. Quote a statement from the extract about the state of health care in the public sector. (1x2)

3. Explain why the provision of quality health care in urban areas is considered to be a social injustice. (2x2)

4. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, discuss how service delivery in the public health care sector in
urban areas could be improved. (4x2)

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 Activity 15

1. Informal settlements are located in (rural/urban) areas. (1x1)

2. Informal settlements result in (counter-urbanisation/urban sprawl). (1x1)

3. State ONE reason why people settle in informal settlements. (1x1)

4. Describe TWO social injustices that people living in informal settlements, face. (2x1)

5. Describe TWO ways in which shack dwellers often show their growing discontent (unhappiness) in South
Africa. (2x2)

4. Suggest measures government could implement to address the social injustices faced by people living in infor-
mal settlements. (3x2)

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 Activity 16

1. Name the type of public transport system highlighted in the extract. (1x1)

2. Give ONE reason why the poor public transport system named in QUESTION 1 is considered to be an
economic injustice. (1x1)

3. What drastic measure has government taken to solve the taxi crisis. (1x1)

4. What does the taxi industry transport 15 million commuters daily? (2x2)

5. What are taxi drivers against new tax businesses such as Uber and Taxify? (2x2)

6. Discuss TWO possible solutions that government could implement to reduce taxi violence. (2x2)

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