2.2 Urbanisation and informal settlements

Geography

Grade 4

The place where we live

(settlement characteristics)

Module 10

Urbanisation and informal settlements

Urbanisation

• When our grandparents were children (circa 1950), approximately six out of ten people (60%) lived in rural settlements, while the other four (40%) lived mainly in cities. Today the situation has reversed. Approximately 60% of all the people in South Africa live in cities while the other 40% live in rural areas.

• The migration of people from rural areas to urban areas is called URBANISATION.
• The above-mentioned statistics show that a large number of people have urbanized between 1950 and 2004.

Activity 1

To give reasons for urbanisation [lo 2.2]

Supply possible reasons why people move from rural settlements to urban settlements.

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Informal settlements

• When large numbers of people move to cities to find jobs or a place to live, it often happens that there are not jobs or a place to settle for everybody. A settlement then becomes overpopulated. (There are more people that can be accommodated.) These people then use various materials to erect a temporary shelter to protect them against cold, rain or danger. Typical examples of the materials used, are cardboard, plastic, wood and sheets of corrugated iron. These areas are called informal settlements.

Activity 2

To depict a scene in an informal settlement and make a list of the services that are not available [lo 3.1]

Make a simple sketch of a scene from an informal settlement, and then compile a list of services that are not available in the settlement.

Services and facilities that are not available in informal settlements

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People who live in these settlements often incur damages and loss of life as a result of fire.

Activity 3

To conduct a group discussion during which suggestions are made on how to prevent such disasters [lo 3.2, 3.3]

Discuss in your groups what can be done to prevent such disasters. Make a list of your suggestions.

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Assessment

Learning outcome 2: geographical knowledge and understanding

The learner will be able to demonstrate geographical and environmental knowledge and understanding.

Assessment standard

We know this when the learner:

• describes the importance of access to resources and services for people living in settlements.

Learning outcome 3: exploring issues

The learner will be able to make informed decisions about social and environmental issues and problems.

Assessment standard

We know this when the learner:

3.1 identifies issues associated with resources and services in a particular context;

3.2 identifies the factors that influence why some people have better access to resources compared to others in a particular context;

• suggests ways to improve access to resources in a particular context.

Memorandum

Reasons for urbanisation

• Employment
• Facilities/services
• Higher income
• Family