'n Geografiese ondersoek na die kleinhoewes in die munisipale gebied van Vereeniging

Abstract

The uneconomical subdivision of agricultural land and the resultant changing land usage patterns in the rural-urban fringe are major problems facing many towns in the Republic of South Africa. Against this background the objectives of this study are to analyse the land use and socio-economic character of the small holdings in Vereeniging, which form the biggest part of the rural-urban, fringe of the town. The following aspects are considered : 1. The notion of the small holdings as an area which is partly assimilated into the growing urban complex, which is still partly rural and where many of the residents live in the country but are not socially and economically of it. 2. The notion of the small holdings as the home of a predominantly mobile population which uses it mainly for residential purposes and which has a close orientation towards the city. 3. The notion that settlement on small holdings in South Africa is mainly the result of the population's inherent love for the land . 4. The notion that the small holding area is a zone in transition as urbanization increasingly impinges on reality. The method of research consists of four phases: * Literature study. During this phase the most applicable sources of information on the subject were consulted. * Survey phase. In the first instance a questionnaire was circulated and completed by 54 present of the households in the area under study. Secondly, personal interviews were conducted with respondents and with town planners of the local municipality. Thirdly, information on land use was compiled through a field survey. Fourthly, information was compiled from maps, aerial photographs and orthophotomaps. * Statistical assimilation and analytical and representation phase. * Synthesis. The relevant conclusions were arrived at by a synthesis of all the acquired information which completed the study. Summary and conclusions. The small holdings of Vereeniging have developed due to a shortage of housing i n t he thirties. Between 1934 and 1957 farms were subdivided into small holdings to relieve the housing shortage. After 1957 subdivision of farms into small holdings was forbidden by law. The small holdings form part of the rural-urban fringe and are situated to the west, north and east of the urban area. The activities of the small holdings are interwoven with urban activities to such an extent that the small holding area can be seen as an extension of the urban area. The small holdings are largely used for residential purposes by people who daily commute to town to work, shop ; obtain professional services, go to school or seek entertainment. Agriculture occupies a secondary position in the economic activities of the population. The main reasons for the occupancy of the small holdings are the rural atmosphere, the possibility of an extra income, more personal freedom, fewer laws and regulations, larger stands and a better environment for growing children. The small holding area s of Vereeniging are absorbing most of the urban expansion, and are , therefore, in a gradual state of transition.