Residential Desegregation Dynamics in the South African City of Bloemfontein

Abstract

The paper revisits the city of Bloemfontein more than a decade and a

A spatial analysis of gating in Bloemfontein, South Africa

“…Towards the end of the 19 th century, legislation was introduced to separate different race groups (Rex, Visser, 2009). Such interventions were expanded over time.…”

“…Separation was reinforced by industrial areas, transport premises, and cemeteries. From 1950 onwards, planning was strategically aimed to enforce the Group Areas Act which led to the establishment of Botshabelo in 1979 (55 km east of Bloemfontein toward Maseru) for accommodating the African population and to resettling the se Sotho speakers in Thaba Nchu after Bophuthatswana gained independence (Rex, Visser, 2009). As illustrated, Bloemfontein has an extensive history of segregation, be it either racial or economic.…”

“…1). Since the abolishment of Apartheid the existing form of race division was mainly replaced by class division, which in essence regulates the spatial mobility of the poor (Rex, Visser, 2009). Table 1 provides some socio-economic insights into the study area's demographic, socio-economic characteristics of upper, middle, and lower class respectively, high stands out as the obvious 'more white' affluent area, ranking the highest in overall income levels.…”

“…The red areas (after 2000) are situated predominantly outward around the high and middle income areas, which illustrates recent additions in gated developments. Another interesting fact is the red area down south which consists of Ehrlich Park and Hamilton (an upcoming black middle income area), as well as Linquinda where recent gated developments are taking place (Rex, Visser, 2009).…”

“…Figure 8 illustrates the marked clusters of gated developments regardless of their relevance to time. Moving sequentially through the identified clusters, Cluster A (Langenhovenpark) is essentially a gated development and less desegregated than any other suburb in Bloemfontein (Rex, Visser, 2009). It represents a neighbourhood that has undergone exceptionally far-reaching change to dense, gated clustered townhouse.…”