Contemporary South African Urbanization Dynamics

Abstract

The paper provides an overview of urbanization patterns and trends in the current era in South Africa, focusing in particular on the key dynamics and driving forces underlying migration and urbanization. It considers overall demographic trends with regard to migration and urbanization, and points to some of the difficulties with data, and with the analysis of trends and patterns. The paper explores the changing rural context and dynamics, and some of the significant processes in this context: large-scale displacement of black people off farms, the impact of land reform, and conditions in the former homeland areas. Circular migration continues to be an important way in which households in rural areas survive, but some are unable to move, and are falling out of these networks. International migration-the consequence of both conditions in the home country and the draw of the South African economyis another significant process fuelling mainly urban growth. The paper demonstrates the importance of cities in terms of economic growth and employment, and thus their attractiveness to migrants. Continuing migration to cities is of course a challenge for Urban Forum (2010)

(Re)constructing rural–urban spaces: gendered livelihoods, migration, and natural resources in South Africa

“…Thus expanded agricultural production under a neoliberal approach represents one of the many contradictions of capitalism's failure to support impoverished rural populations (Lipton 1977). Moreover, the emphasis on urbanization in mainstream development approaches also contributes to increased pressure on infrastructure and social services, as well as a deterioration of the overall livability of urban areas (Todes et al 2010). In sum, this section outlines the framework for an alternative approach to development that recognizes these rural-urban processes and promotes economically viable and sustainable growth in diverse contexts.…”

“…For example, in many rural areas, households have members who do not permanently reside in the primary household, but are part of a circular migrant labour system (Collinson et al 2009). In this system, migrants often participate in economic activities in regional or national cities and send remittances to rural households (Todes et al 2010). They are not necessarily permanent migrant labourers, but maintain economic and familial connections to rural households.…”

“…In particular, gender identities and power relations have laid the foundation for household livelihood strategies that are linked to circular migratory systems and access to resources in rural areas (Walker 2009). According to Todes et al (2010), gender patterns have shifted in recent decades from predominantly male migration to the mining, industrial, and agricultural sectors to an increase in women migrating to urban areas. Many of the jobs women seek in urban areas are in domestic labour, informal markets, and other services that tend to be poorly paid and insecure.…”

“…Conventional development discourses that stem from these hierarchical constructions of rural and urban spaces tend to ignore the dynamic intersections of socio-economic processes that are embedded in these areas (Hart 2002;Todes et al 2010 ). Moreover, conventional approaches are based on neoliberal notions of development that urban growth trickles down to rural areas.…”

Reviews on land use change induced effects on regional hydrological ecosystem services for integrated water resources management

“…In African, urbanization has reduced rainfall and the degree of harmony between ecosystem and urbanization (Annez et al, 2010). The development of urbanization is related to population migration, and large-scale agricultural population migration and land reform lead to hydrological ecosystem changes (Todes et al, 2010). However, some research shows that urbanization also has a positive impact on hydrological ecosystem services.…”