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a) What basic services are lacking in this informal settlement?

b) Would you say that the inhabitants of these settlements are living under healthy conditions? Give a reason for your answer.

c) What would the consequences be for the inhabitants of these informal settlements if a fire should break out?

4. Deterioration of capacity in institutions such as councils, organisations and services

Due to the large influx of people from rural to urban areas, the provision of services for all inhabitants or their needs invariably suffer. Initially only the supply of basic needs in the neighbourhood is affected, but in the long run the shortage of services gets out of hand. Can you name a few examples?

Consequently some inhabitants become dissatisfied with the influx of people from other areas. Eventually this leads to conflict. Certain groups distance themselves from others, and protect only their own interests. This creates an atmosphere of distrust amongst the population.

People do not migrate only within the borders of the country. Inhabitants from other African countries also stream to South African cities. This gives rise to conflict with the local inhabitants. These people put pressure on our already limited resources. This leads to xenophobia (hate of foreigners), where all people from outside the country’s borders are viewed with suspicion. Immigrants, especially from Nigeria, come to South Africa to earn money in the informal sector. Some get involved in illegal activities such as drug dealing. This causes an increase in crime. Do you have any knowledge about immigrants and their activities? What is your opinion? Talk to people who know about these issues, and think of possible solutions.

Activity 1:

To find information on social and environmental conflict in african countries

[lo 3.1]

In groups

Find information in the library about the role that social and environmental conflict plays in ONE of the following African countries:

1. Zimbabwe

2. Angola

3. Burundi

4. Congo

5. Mozambique

Activity 2:

To develop an awareness and understanding of social and environmental conflicts in south africa, more specifically the role of government policy in this regard

[lo 3.1, 3.3]

Discuss and answer the following questions in groups:

a) Describe the difference in landownership between blacks and whites in South Africa.

b) What did the black people in the Bantu homelands do to survive?

c) In the 1960s black people lived mainly in the homelands and in “townships” near the cities. List all the negative experiences they had to endure because of this.

d) Name and discuss FIVE reasons why you think that black people were unhappy with the National Party government.

e) Why did violence escalate after Nelson Mandela was freed?

f) Why did the SA economy stagnate between 1980 and 1990?

g) What was the RDP?

h) Refer to your answers on questions a – g and then give FIVE good reasons for the urbanisation of black people (first write down your own ideas, then share it with the group, and let the group choose the FIVE most important ones).

Assessment

Learning outcomes (LO)
LO 2
GEOGRAPHICAL KNOWLEDGE AND COMPREHENSION The learner can demonstrate geographical and environmental knowledge and comprehension.
Assessment standards(AS)
This is clear when the learner:
2.1 presents a well-argued explanation of some approaches to development [people and places].
LO 3
INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEMS The learner can take informed decisions on social and environmental issues and problems.
This is clear when the learner:
3.1 identifies social and environmental conflicts in South Africa and compares it with other contexts [identifies the problem];
3.3 analyses the reason for differences or conflicts [makes choices].

Memorandum

ACTIVITY1:

Find own answers as a group.

ACTIVITY 2:

a) White people own more land than black people.

Most of the land in white ownership is privately owned while land in black ownership is owned by communities.

Land owned by black people is of inferior quality compared to land owned by white people.

Land owned by black people is situated in unfavourable areas.

b) They were subsistence farmers who produced enough for their own use only.

Created local service industries where they manufactured utility items.

Migratory labourers: Worked in urban areas in mines and factories.

c) Men were removed from their land and families and lived in hostels.

Too many inhabitants – unemployment.

Poor living conditions: social and health problems arose.

d) 1. Policy of apartheid – discuss.

2. Did not receive enough land.

3. Uneven division of land and other resources.

4. Absence of the right to vote.

5. Lack of democracy.

6. Lack of private ownership.

7. Inadequate access to medical and educational services.

e) - An awareness of equality, freedom and human dignity came into being.

- People wanted to shed the yoke of apartheid.

- People wanted land, jobs and basic services.

- People wanted job opportunities and higher wages.

- Education and other services.

- Equal treatment with white people on all levels.

- Power struggle: ANC versus the Inkatha Freedom Party.

f) As a result of the policy of apartheid. The economically developed countries of the world applied sanctions to South Africa. It meant that they had no trade relations with this country and did not invest in the country. Some of the largest brand names in the world withdrew from South Africa in an effort to pressurise the government to terminate the policy of apartheid.

g) The Reconstruction and Development Program. An initiative to present all people with equal opportunities. An initiative of the newly democratically elected government to give previously disadvantaged people access to houses, job opportunities, health care, education, etc.

h) CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

1. Land ownership

2. Policy of Homelands

3. Job opportunities

4. Housing

5. Lack of basic needs and services

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Source:  OpenStax, Geography grade 9. OpenStax CNX. Sep 14, 2009 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col11057/1.1
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