The Population of South Africa including Cape Town is 47,850,700. The farther more, South Africa is a most colored dominated country with more than 88% being colored. The other ethnic groups are Caucasian with 9% and Asia with 3%.However, they are all considered South African. The population increased by 0.85% as it decreased by 0.22%in 2008. The death count in South Africa is 599,000 and more than half of them were from the HIV/AIDS virus (345,640 deaths).
Religion is a big part of South Africa culture because all but 14% of the 47,850,700 person population believes in some type of god. What surprised me is how eclectic the religions are in South Africa because the highest amount of people that believe in a certain religion, which is Zion Christian with 11%. Second, is Pentecostal/Charismatic with 8%, after them is catholic with 7%, and Dutch and Methodist with 6%. There is also Christian, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism which rounds off the bottom with under 5% each.
Education is another shocking part of the South African culture. South Africa is a male dominated society, but only 45% of all school aged male attend which leaves the other 55% to be dominated by female. More importantly more than 1.5 million school aged students of both sexes do not attend because of all different reason, but the most common is they cannot because they have to take care of younger sibling.
The housing in South Africa is a serious problem facing them as well because there is not enough people living in homes and the homes are not all formal dwelling. Most are formal, but not all because 5% are tradition dwelling, 17% are informal, and the other 3% are other types of houses such as huts. That is not the only bad part about the housing. In South Africa more than half the houses have 7 or more residents. This is bad because the average square footage of a house is 1,500 feet.
15 October 2009
Summary of findings - Natural Resources
South Africa is a country rich in natural resources and biodiversity, it is the smallest Floral Kingdom on the planet covering an area of 46,000 square kilometers, which is only about 0.5% of the total land area of Africa, but contains 20% of the country’s indigenous plants. There are approximately 9,600 plant species in South Africa, over 6,000 of these occur nowhere else in the world.
Along with great biodiversity, minerals are the most plentiful resource with more than 55 different minerals mined during 2001. Currently, S.A. is the world’s largest producer of platinum, the third largest producer of gold and a significant producer of diamonds, coal and iron ore. Many other minerals such as andalusite (aluminum-silicate), chromium, zinc and uranium are largely produced, mainly for export. Mining operations can greatly affect the land and biodiversity around them. The main environmental impacts of mining are air and water pollution, soil erosion and siltation of wetlands. The mining industry must adhere to strict environmental policies regarding water and land use in an attempt to minimize its environmental impact while maintaining profitability and worker safety.
South African native timber resources are minimal, yet S.A. is a major producer of pulp and paper products. Almost all wood products are produced from managed forests of non-indigenous trees, mainly pine and eucalyptus. Pine trees grow rapidly in S.A., it takes only 14 to 16 years to harvest for pulp, as opposed to almost 100 years in the Northern Hemisphere. Eucalyptus is ready for harvest in 7 to 11 years. These are almost all replanted as soon as they’re cut, allowing for continuous, rapid production. Transportation costs are high for timber, and make up 30 to 40 percent of the delivered cost. Water consumption is also an issue, non-native trees consume larger amounts of water than natives, reducing the downstream water supply. Non-native trees and plantation forestry also disturb natural biodiversity. This has prompted the government to require permits for all managed forestry, with strict water use guidelines in place.
Water is the least abundant resource in South Africa. The annual rainfall is about 17 inches (450mm) with surface runoff making up 80% of the water supply. (The global average rainfall is almost 34 inches.) High evaporation rates and prolonged drought often add to water stress. This water must supply not only the people of S.A., but its industries as well, including forestry and agriculture. S.A. is currently working to improve its water transport infrastructure and sanitation practices to rural areas.
Grass and mud are the two most abundant and inexpensive natural resources in South Africa as far as building materials are concerned. Many areas of S.A. have natural reserves of clay. Mud brick homes are easily constructed and the mud can be strengthened by adding small amounts of Portland cement to the mix, resulting in a stronger, longer lasting structure. Wood or metal is needed only for roofing materials or second storey flooring, reducing building costs.
Attempting to preserve biodiversity and natural beauty, S.A. has developed a Biodiversity Strategy to preserve the natural resources of the Cape, and Cape Town is working on a Spatial Development Plan that will allow for the city’s growth while maintaining the environment and preventing urban sprawl as much as possible. The plan focuses on sustainability and includes everything from development edges to mass transit plans. More detailed information can be found at http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/sdf/Pages/default.aspx.
Growth and development cannot be avoided, with proper land management, urban densification and sustainable building practices, many of the natural resources and biodiversity of the Cape can be maintained and preserved for future generations, while providing an environment where its residents can continue grow and prosper.
Along with great biodiversity, minerals are the most plentiful resource with more than 55 different minerals mined during 2001. Currently, S.A. is the world’s largest producer of platinum, the third largest producer of gold and a significant producer of diamonds, coal and iron ore. Many other minerals such as andalusite (aluminum-silicate), chromium, zinc and uranium are largely produced, mainly for export. Mining operations can greatly affect the land and biodiversity around them. The main environmental impacts of mining are air and water pollution, soil erosion and siltation of wetlands. The mining industry must adhere to strict environmental policies regarding water and land use in an attempt to minimize its environmental impact while maintaining profitability and worker safety.
South African native timber resources are minimal, yet S.A. is a major producer of pulp and paper products. Almost all wood products are produced from managed forests of non-indigenous trees, mainly pine and eucalyptus. Pine trees grow rapidly in S.A., it takes only 14 to 16 years to harvest for pulp, as opposed to almost 100 years in the Northern Hemisphere. Eucalyptus is ready for harvest in 7 to 11 years. These are almost all replanted as soon as they’re cut, allowing for continuous, rapid production. Transportation costs are high for timber, and make up 30 to 40 percent of the delivered cost. Water consumption is also an issue, non-native trees consume larger amounts of water than natives, reducing the downstream water supply. Non-native trees and plantation forestry also disturb natural biodiversity. This has prompted the government to require permits for all managed forestry, with strict water use guidelines in place.
Water is the least abundant resource in South Africa. The annual rainfall is about 17 inches (450mm) with surface runoff making up 80% of the water supply. (The global average rainfall is almost 34 inches.) High evaporation rates and prolonged drought often add to water stress. This water must supply not only the people of S.A., but its industries as well, including forestry and agriculture. S.A. is currently working to improve its water transport infrastructure and sanitation practices to rural areas.
Grass and mud are the two most abundant and inexpensive natural resources in South Africa as far as building materials are concerned. Many areas of S.A. have natural reserves of clay. Mud brick homes are easily constructed and the mud can be strengthened by adding small amounts of Portland cement to the mix, resulting in a stronger, longer lasting structure. Wood or metal is needed only for roofing materials or second storey flooring, reducing building costs.
Attempting to preserve biodiversity and natural beauty, S.A. has developed a Biodiversity Strategy to preserve the natural resources of the Cape, and Cape Town is working on a Spatial Development Plan that will allow for the city’s growth while maintaining the environment and preventing urban sprawl as much as possible. The plan focuses on sustainability and includes everything from development edges to mass transit plans. More detailed information can be found at http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/sdf/Pages/default.aspx.
Growth and development cannot be avoided, with proper land management, urban densification and sustainable building practices, many of the natural resources and biodiversity of the Cape can be maintained and preserved for future generations, while providing an environment where its residents can continue grow and prosper.
South Africa Geography
South Africa is actually a rather large country covering over 471,011 square mile of land making it about one fourth the size of The United States. Countries that border South Africa include Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and Mozambique. Lesotho a small country is also located near the center of South Africa and is completely surrounded by South African borders.
The country is also divided into individual territories. South Africa contains 9 separate provinces, Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Limpopo, North West, and Mpumalanga. These provinces also contain 52 districts with their own local governments. Large cities can also be found in South Africa, many with over 1 million people living in them. Just a few major ones are Johannesburg, Capetown, and eThekwini. Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa coming in with over 3,888,180 people.
South Africa’s geography is very unique. One feature that makes it unique is that most of the country is surrounded by ocean. Not just one ocean but the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. With over 1,500 miles of coastline going to the beach is definitely an option when in South Africa. Some other interesting geographical attractions in South Africa include Table Mountain a 2 mile wide plateau, and The Limpopo Highlands a small mountain range.
Since it is classified as a semi-arid country, droughts can be a very serious issue associated with South Africa, especially since the country only has two major rivers, The Limpopo, and the Orange River. With such a small amount of water, farming is not very popular in the country, with only about 12.1 percent of the land being arable and only about .79% of the land holding permanent crops.
Based upon its geography, South Africa seems like an interesting place not only to live but also to visit. Many natural attractions including beaches, mountain ranges, and national parks provide points of interest not only for residents but also for tourists. Based upon its geography I would say that South Africa is a unique country.
The country is also divided into individual territories. South Africa contains 9 separate provinces, Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Limpopo, North West, and Mpumalanga. These provinces also contain 52 districts with their own local governments. Large cities can also be found in South Africa, many with over 1 million people living in them. Just a few major ones are Johannesburg, Capetown, and eThekwini. Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa coming in with over 3,888,180 people.
South Africa’s geography is very unique. One feature that makes it unique is that most of the country is surrounded by ocean. Not just one ocean but the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. With over 1,500 miles of coastline going to the beach is definitely an option when in South Africa. Some other interesting geographical attractions in South Africa include Table Mountain a 2 mile wide plateau, and The Limpopo Highlands a small mountain range.
Since it is classified as a semi-arid country, droughts can be a very serious issue associated with South Africa, especially since the country only has two major rivers, The Limpopo, and the Orange River. With such a small amount of water, farming is not very popular in the country, with only about 12.1 percent of the land being arable and only about .79% of the land holding permanent crops.
Based upon its geography, South Africa seems like an interesting place not only to live but also to visit. Many natural attractions including beaches, mountain ranges, and national parks provide points of interest not only for residents but also for tourists. Based upon its geography I would say that South Africa is a unique country.
Economy In South Africa
Entertainment, tourism, automotive, and mining are the top industries in South Africa. The tourism industry constitutes approximately seven percent of employment in South Africa. Tourism also contributes to the country’s GDP (gross domestic product) increasing it from about five percent in 1993, to about eight percent in 2006. In 2007 six to seven percent of South Africa’s foreign visitors were business tourists. There were an estimated total of 550,000 business tourists in 2007 compared to 470,000 business tourists in 2006. Total foreign direct spent by business tourists in the country amounted to R2.1 billion in 2005 and increased to R2.4 billion in 2006.
In 2010 the world cup is coming to the Cape Town area, which is expected to boost the economy by attracting tourists. To prepare for the world cup Cape Town and the Western Cape areas are building new hotels to accommodate the tourists. Cape Town and Western Cape will be hosting at least eleven conferences and conventions in 2010. The conference and conventions are expected to attract 19,000 and up business tourists, resulting in an injection of about R 2000, 8 million into the economy.
Seventy percent of delegates attending conventions, congresses, and exhibitions in Cape Town return to the city within five years. Thirty five percent of delegates to an international conference return to the destination as leisure tourists. South Africa has one thousand seven hundred conference centers, and it hosts about eight hundred and sixty international conferences a year.
The automotive industry account for about ten percent of South Africa’s manufacturing exports. The automotive sector contributes about eight percent to the country’s GDP (gross domestic product.) It employs around 36,000 people. But the mining industry is South Africa’s biggest employer with 460,000 employees. Another 400,000 are employed by the supplier of goods and services to the industry. Precious metals contribute sixty-five percent to the country’s mineral export of goods in 2006.
Roughly forty-five percent of South Africa’s 47 million people, vastly black, are impoverished. Unemployment stands at nearly forty percent, and one fourth of the labor force is unemployed. About forty percent of the population lives below the poverty line. The number of poor South Africans has expanded from 2.5 million in 1994 to over 12.7 million in 2008. In order to halve unemployment by 2014, an average of 500,000 new jobs a year, and 4.5 million 100 day work opportunities are needed.
Statistics show that most of the population that lives above the poverty line is White. There are a significant number of Asian and African households who live above the poverty line, but Blacks have a higher number of households that live below the poverty line. I was able to find charts that show each ethnic group, the income those groups make, and the amount of households that are in each category of income. Most of the statistics I found on the average household income of different ethnic groups came from the South African census, which can be found at: http://www.statssa.gov.za/census2011/documents/Working%20paper-ContentResearch-EmploymentStatus14Nov06.pdf
The skills needed to survive in a modern economy are out of reach for most black South Africans. The key to addressing the situation is to develop the skills people need to become economically active, which will help grow the economy. A new policy for schools focus on performance and performance related pay. Within fifteen years all children will emerge from school literate and numerate. Incentives are given to schools that consistently produce outstanding results, and 25,000 teachers will be employed each year over the next five years.
In 2010 the world cup is coming to the Cape Town area, which is expected to boost the economy by attracting tourists. To prepare for the world cup Cape Town and the Western Cape areas are building new hotels to accommodate the tourists. Cape Town and Western Cape will be hosting at least eleven conferences and conventions in 2010. The conference and conventions are expected to attract 19,000 and up business tourists, resulting in an injection of about R 2000, 8 million into the economy.
Seventy percent of delegates attending conventions, congresses, and exhibitions in Cape Town return to the city within five years. Thirty five percent of delegates to an international conference return to the destination as leisure tourists. South Africa has one thousand seven hundred conference centers, and it hosts about eight hundred and sixty international conferences a year.
The automotive industry account for about ten percent of South Africa’s manufacturing exports. The automotive sector contributes about eight percent to the country’s GDP (gross domestic product.) It employs around 36,000 people. But the mining industry is South Africa’s biggest employer with 460,000 employees. Another 400,000 are employed by the supplier of goods and services to the industry. Precious metals contribute sixty-five percent to the country’s mineral export of goods in 2006.
Roughly forty-five percent of South Africa’s 47 million people, vastly black, are impoverished. Unemployment stands at nearly forty percent, and one fourth of the labor force is unemployed. About forty percent of the population lives below the poverty line. The number of poor South Africans has expanded from 2.5 million in 1994 to over 12.7 million in 2008. In order to halve unemployment by 2014, an average of 500,000 new jobs a year, and 4.5 million 100 day work opportunities are needed.
Statistics show that most of the population that lives above the poverty line is White. There are a significant number of Asian and African households who live above the poverty line, but Blacks have a higher number of households that live below the poverty line. I was able to find charts that show each ethnic group, the income those groups make, and the amount of households that are in each category of income. Most of the statistics I found on the average household income of different ethnic groups came from the South African census, which can be found at: http://www.statssa.gov.za/census2011/documents/Working%20paper-ContentResearch-EmploymentStatus14Nov06.pdf
The skills needed to survive in a modern economy are out of reach for most black South Africans. The key to addressing the situation is to develop the skills people need to become economically active, which will help grow the economy. A new policy for schools focus on performance and performance related pay. Within fifteen years all children will emerge from school literate and numerate. Incentives are given to schools that consistently produce outstanding results, and 25,000 teachers will be employed each year over the next five years.
Summary research for Community development
During my research on the community development of South Africa I came across a lot of information on policies, energy saving development, things that could affect development, some numbers on the amount of houses being developed and what the government is doing to provide the ability to achieve a well developed community. I got my sources from the sites provided by the teacher and ebscohost and a few outside sites such as Wikipedia and Google. (i.e.…. http://www.southafrica.info/about/, and http://www.statssa.gov.za/) which was provided by the teacher. During my research it was hard to find information on the problems that South Africa is having with the community development. .
One of the first things that I found was the new breaking ground policy that has been started to help and ensure the success of the development of South Africa. The breaking new ground policy is a comprehensive plan for efficient housing delivery. The reason why it was established was to help stabilize the environment’s complexity, stabilize financial issues, and create a system to build houses. When it was established, the vision that the government saw was the acceleration of the delivery of housing as a key strategy for poverty alleviation, Job creation, and access by all as an asset for wealth creation and empowerment, growth in the economy, Combating crime, promoting social cohesion and improving quality of life for the poor. They also saw the support of the entire single residential property market to reduce duality within the sector by breaking the barriers between the first economy residential property boom and the second economy slump and the utilization of housing as an instrument for the development of sustainable human settlement.
South Africa has also taken sustainability into account when designing all these new houses. Sustainable design has taken an impact all over the world because of its cost and energy efficiency. Within the sustainable design concept, it’s also enhancing the entire house. The settlement, quality and whole look of the house is being transitioned into an overall better product. Professional designers are coming in to change the whole look of the “RDP” houses which are low costing homes in South Africa and make them more efficient. With the design concept in mind this will provide more transportation routes, better use of the land, a more urban settlement, and an overall technology and culture change.
The things that are taken into affect when beginning to plan these new houses and beginning the development South Africa are mainly nearby natural resources, human resources and transportation services. The available resources available are things such as minerals, trees, grass, mud and an abundant amount of species. The human resources include the size and quality of the labor force. Is there a high labor rate in the area and will it last? Are public transportation routes available and how good is the accessibility? These are some of the questions that are asked when considering development.
Here is some statistics on the progress of the community development in South Africa. South Africa’s housing development agency is seeking to double the housing delivery in South Africa from 250,000 houses to 500,000 and eradicate all informal settlements by the year of 2014. Since 1994, South Africa has built over 2.8 million houses and have provide shelter to over 13.5 million people. 1.2 million of those houses were built in 2004 to present. In order to provide all these homes to all these people the government has spent over 100 billion dollars in the past 14 years to provide a land and top structure. This is considered to be the biggest economic development in the construction sector.
Some of the issues that South Africa is having with the development of the community are socio-economic, health, and environment issues. Even though South Africa has come to be one of the biggest developments they still face issues with the high unemployment, poverty and large wealth disparities. Health issues have also taken an effect on the development of South Africa mainly due to the high incidence of HIV/AIDS. Approximately 19 % of South African people from ages 15 to 49 have HIV or AIDS. It’s estimated that about 5.5 million people have HIV or AIDS and there are about 1.2 million orphans due to the high rate of HIV/AIDS. The life expectancy and diminished productivity have affected South Africa’s development. Problems with the environment include deforestation, rapid population growth and the scarce amount of water which stresses nearby lakes and rivers. This scarce amount of water is being polluted by agriculture runoff, urban discharge and leaks at refineries and synthetic fuel plants. There are many problems that South Africa is having with community development due to many other things as well.
South Africa may have many problems with their development but statistics show that things are still being done and development is on the uprising. It takes time and trust from investors and organizations to provide a successful development.
One of the first things that I found was the new breaking ground policy that has been started to help and ensure the success of the development of South Africa. The breaking new ground policy is a comprehensive plan for efficient housing delivery. The reason why it was established was to help stabilize the environment’s complexity, stabilize financial issues, and create a system to build houses. When it was established, the vision that the government saw was the acceleration of the delivery of housing as a key strategy for poverty alleviation, Job creation, and access by all as an asset for wealth creation and empowerment, growth in the economy, Combating crime, promoting social cohesion and improving quality of life for the poor. They also saw the support of the entire single residential property market to reduce duality within the sector by breaking the barriers between the first economy residential property boom and the second economy slump and the utilization of housing as an instrument for the development of sustainable human settlement.
South Africa has also taken sustainability into account when designing all these new houses. Sustainable design has taken an impact all over the world because of its cost and energy efficiency. Within the sustainable design concept, it’s also enhancing the entire house. The settlement, quality and whole look of the house is being transitioned into an overall better product. Professional designers are coming in to change the whole look of the “RDP” houses which are low costing homes in South Africa and make them more efficient. With the design concept in mind this will provide more transportation routes, better use of the land, a more urban settlement, and an overall technology and culture change.
The things that are taken into affect when beginning to plan these new houses and beginning the development South Africa are mainly nearby natural resources, human resources and transportation services. The available resources available are things such as minerals, trees, grass, mud and an abundant amount of species. The human resources include the size and quality of the labor force. Is there a high labor rate in the area and will it last? Are public transportation routes available and how good is the accessibility? These are some of the questions that are asked when considering development.
Here is some statistics on the progress of the community development in South Africa. South Africa’s housing development agency is seeking to double the housing delivery in South Africa from 250,000 houses to 500,000 and eradicate all informal settlements by the year of 2014. Since 1994, South Africa has built over 2.8 million houses and have provide shelter to over 13.5 million people. 1.2 million of those houses were built in 2004 to present. In order to provide all these homes to all these people the government has spent over 100 billion dollars in the past 14 years to provide a land and top structure. This is considered to be the biggest economic development in the construction sector.
Some of the issues that South Africa is having with the development of the community are socio-economic, health, and environment issues. Even though South Africa has come to be one of the biggest developments they still face issues with the high unemployment, poverty and large wealth disparities. Health issues have also taken an effect on the development of South Africa mainly due to the high incidence of HIV/AIDS. Approximately 19 % of South African people from ages 15 to 49 have HIV or AIDS. It’s estimated that about 5.5 million people have HIV or AIDS and there are about 1.2 million orphans due to the high rate of HIV/AIDS. The life expectancy and diminished productivity have affected South Africa’s development. Problems with the environment include deforestation, rapid population growth and the scarce amount of water which stresses nearby lakes and rivers. This scarce amount of water is being polluted by agriculture runoff, urban discharge and leaks at refineries and synthetic fuel plants. There are many problems that South Africa is having with community development due to many other things as well.
South Africa may have many problems with their development but statistics show that things are still being done and development is on the uprising. It takes time and trust from investors and organizations to provide a successful development.
03 September 2009
initail questions on community development
What are the plans for the community development?
What have they already done for the development?
What are the problems that are occuring with the development?
What have they already done for the development?
What are the problems that are occuring with the development?
Welcome to our Project Blog -!!!
This is the second term we have been collaborating with Uthango Social Investments for our first-semester architectural sustainable design building project. I am looking forward to the discovery we will make together.
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