Magister Artium - MA (Geography, Environmental & Tourism Studies)

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An analysis of crayfish street trading challenges in Paternoster
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Ontong, Ashlin Theo; Dyssel, Michael
Located on South Africa�s West Coast is the small-fishing and tourist village of Paternoster which is defined and characterized by unspoilt white-washed beaches and cottages that are spread out along the coast. This town has a rich culture and marine biodiversity that attracts visitors from all walks of life. Paternoster is popular for its famous crayfish which has created a bustling commercial and restaurant sector which sustains both the local and some aspects of the national restaurant and seafood economy. This picturesque town is plagued by deep class and lucid racial divides cast between the wealthy (primarily white) communities and the poor (black, i.e. mainly coloured) communities.
Assessing sense of place amongst returnees of District Six, Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Burgess, Ashleigh Georgia; Rink, Bradley
District Six was a pre-apartheid community destroyed by racialized forced relocations. Under the Group Areas Act of the apartheid rule, all District Six residents were forcibly relocated and scattered around the city and elsewhere. The area was obliterated and only places of worship were spared destruction. An affluent white inner-city suburb was one of the state's plans, but it was never realized as former residents protested this apartheid development objective. In the wake of the apartheid�s demise, a land restitution programme was enforced as one way of addressing the country's national recovery through the operations of the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights, performed congruently with the Restitution of Land Rights Act (Act 22 of 1994). But this process has been dilatory and intermittent with respect to District Six, characterised as prolonged experiences of disappointment and occasional bursts of increased efficiency. Accordingly, only a handful of claimants have returned to District Six to date. Little is known about how the returnee community have reclaimed a sense of place in the re-settled District Six where only the immaterial memories still remain. This study thus seeks to fill that research gap through assessing sense of place amongst returnees of District Six. The study also recognizes that District Six is part of the corridor of rapid gentrification and seeks to explore how the by-products of gentrification stand to threaten the returnees� reconstituted sense of place. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology approach using the phenomenological/interpretivist approach. The qualitive methods used were semi-structured interviews, photo-elicitation interviews, and fieldnotes. These methods allowed for an in-depth exploration of the returnees� experiences of a sense of place in the re-settled District Six. The findings revealed complex renderings of place in District Six composed of memories and meaning-making from the past and present, contributing to geographical literatures on home, community and place. The findings of this study conclude that the relational geographies of District Six returnees are complex, multiple and ever-evolving while their struggle for home and a new sense of place is incomplete.
Assessing sense of place amongst returnees of District Six, Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Burgess, Ashleigh Georgia; Rink, Bradley
District Six was a pre-apartheid community destroyed by racialized forced relocations. Under the Group Areas Act of the apartheid rule, all District Six residents were forcibly relocated and scattered around the city and elsewhere. The area was obliterated and only places of worship were spared destruction. An affluent white inner-city suburb was one of the state's plans, but it was never realized as former residents protested this apartheid development objective. In the wake of the apartheid�s demise, a land restitution programme was enforced as one way of addressing the country's national recovery through the operations of the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights, performed congruently with the Restitution of Land Rights Act (Act 22 of 1994). But this process has been dilatory and intermittent with respect to District Six, characterised as prolonged experiences of disappointment and occasional bursts of increased efficiency.
The Bakkie Brigade in Cape Town�s urban waste economy: exploring waste mobilities and the precariat
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Goeiman, Johnathan; Rink, Bradley
Solid waste management in South Africa is in a phase of transitioning. This transition entails the valorisation and diversion of recyclable waste away from landfills for the creation of a new secondary recycling economy. However, reclaimers within the Global South have been engaged in valorising waste through market-driven pricing. Localised and �informal� as they are, they remain a significant source of labour for global capital. Their presence runs parallel to the emergence of green models such as the circular economy, coupled with contentious initiatives that aim at formalising and integrating reclaimers. Given the revitalised emphasis on the urban waste economy, inadequate attention has been given to understanding the linkages between the formal processing companies and informal waste reclaimers operating at the level of the street and landfill.
Biting the hand that feeds you: Visitor perceptions of visitor-baboon interaction in the Cape Peninsula
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Sefela, Farren; Boekstein, Mark
The rapid increase in urbanisation and tourism in the Cape Peninsula has increased the rate of human-wildlife interaction. The Cape Peninsula is unique in terms of placing urban areas next to protected natural areas with no physical barriers, thus allowing animals, especially baboons, to travel between the two areas, occasionally leading to conflict between humans and wildlife. Visitors to popular tourist sites may also actively participate in feeding baboons or through negligence by leaving food items in the open. As a result, changing the habits of the baboons as human food and food waste are seen as the preferred option in terms of dietary habits. The main aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions and social construction of visitors in the Cape Peninsula towards baboons at tourist sites. Social constructionist theory was used as the theoretical framework for the study, which looks at the way people perceive nature and wildlife, which is unique to each person. The study uses an exploratory sequential mixed methods design, with a qualitative section that includes three semi-structured interviews, followed by a quantitative section consisting of a questionnaire survey, with 201 questionnaires being completed. The survey was conducted at key tourist sites around the Cape Peninsula that are well known for baboon sightings, including Bordjiesrif Picnic Site, Buffels Bay viewpoint, Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point and Dias Beach. The study used discourse analyses and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyse the data, which allowed for ideas to be labelled and linked to opinions in the literature, and patterns identified during the data collection. Visitors viewed tourism spaces as anthropocentric areas, and thus perceived baboon-visitor interactions through conditional acceptance. Visitor perceptions and social construction of baboon-visitor interactions may be positive when conditional acceptance is adhered to, and negative when conditional acceptance is broken. Recommendations for further research includes more research on non-consumptive tourism activities and its impact on human-wildlife interactions, with a need for more literature on the influence of education on people�s attitudes towards wildlife, and finally, more research that focuses on the changing behavioural ecology of baboons, due to an increase in tourism/visitation.
The breadbasket of Cape Town: Exploring the links between urban agriculture, land use and food security in the Philippi Horticultural Area (PHA)
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Donn-Arnold, Natasha; Tevera, Dan
Hunger is more than just a feeling, it is the lack of access to safe nutritious food, which in turn may result in anger towards government, low performance, sadness and a limited will to survive. Urban agriculture has been identified as a source of livelihood for many urban residents and could fundamentally change food insecure cities like Cape Town. The Philippi Horticultural Area (PHA) is one such place with an enormous amount of potential to assist the City of Cape Town (CCT) to overcome food insecurity challenges. The PHA is the focus of this thesis that aims to determine the impacts that housing and industrial developments in the PHA have had, and might have in the future, on food security in the Greater Cape Town Area (GCTA). The specific objectives of the study are as follows: (1) To investigate the urban agricultural distribution of the PHA; (2) to investigate agricultural facilitation, people empowerment and the use of land for agricultural purposes; (3) To determine the level of access to food for people within and around the PHA; and (4) To examine the links between the urban agricultural food sector and food production.
Church and rural development: A geographical analysis of Elim
(University of the Western Cape, 1992) Engel, Brian Patrick; Redlinghuis, A.C.
The pivotal role of the Moravian Church in development in Elim, a mission station situated approximately 170 kilometres southeast of Cape Town, is the central theme of this geographical analysis. The broader debate around Church and rural development serves as a background for this analysis. It is the contention of this thesis that the distinctiveness in the administrative structure of Elim had and will continue to have a profound influence on the development of the settlement. The theory of State, with specific reference to the role of the State in social transformation, is used as a theoretical framework. Acknowledging the vastness of the broader theory of State this thesis focuses on the structure of the State and its capacity to intervene in development. Max Weber's contention of the importance of an efficient bureaucratic structure is used as analytical tool. People are deemed as central to the continuous process of development. The empirical study undertaken expresses the perceptions of the people involved with development in Elim. Both quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative methods (structured interviews) were used to obtain the relevant data, thus overcoming their respective limitations. The socio-economic context in EIim serves as the background against which the bureaucratic structure operates. This bureaucratic structure distinguishes two levels of government. These are the local government in Eiim and the central government of the Moravian Church in Southern Africa respectively. The inter-relationship between these levels of government is explored Given the theoretical framework within which this study was undertaken, a restructuring of the bureaucratic structure is deemed as the core around which transformation and development in EIim must be undertaken. This should in turn enhance the socio-economic development of the settlement. The question of a reform of land use on the local level is of great importance to future development in Elim. Finally, participation by the people remains the core around which development in Elim should revolve.
Climate variability: Human management response to environmental changes in Touws River valley and Makolokwe
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Llale, Semakaleng; Grenfell, Suzanne; Brooks, Shirley
Climate has been changing significantly around the globe; hence climate variability is of great interest to researchers. The changes in climate have caused variances in rainfall and temperature, both elements of paramount importance in farming, whether commercial or communal farming. As these fluctuations in temperature and rainfall occur, they cause direct impacts on different livelihoods, fauna and flora. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the human management responses of farmers in two different contexts of communal farming (Makolokwe) and commercial farming (Touws River valley), with a focus investigation on the adaptation and coping strategies of the farmers, as well as spatial analysis of the vegetation and rainfall variability. Farmers were asked to discuss climate and adaptation based on the rainfall data available as well as far as they could remember the occurrence of changes. Rainfall data was available between 1988 and 2017 for Touws River, while the data utilised for Makolokwe was available between 1928 and 2016. The link between the local knowledge of the farmers and scientific knowledge is an important aspect of this research. The Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used to analyse the vegetation changes on a temporal and spatial scale in the context of Makolokwe and Touws River valley respectively. The differing variations in climate variability and change experienced by the two farming communities are placed alongside an exploration of the adaptation and coping measures which are put in place by farmers as a response to the changes evident in climate, as it allows for better and thorough understanding of the occurring changes in the two communities. The study found that perceptions about climate variability vary in the two communities although there are some common factors. Farmers� perceptions about climate variability are drawn from their own observations at a local level as well as knowledge from the media regarding terms such as El Ni�o and drought. Farmers in both communities indicated that they experienced insufficient rain in the winter months which had an impact on the grazing areas and the management of the livestock. These months also threatened livelihoods, especially for farmers who depend on their livestock for their livelihood, in particular communal farmers. Perceptions of factors such as decreasing grazing and vegetation in their environments have led to the adoption of adaptation and coping strategies on the part of farmers. Commercial farmers have more choices in this regard than communal farmers, such as converting to game farming. Common coping strategies include: (1) farmers have had to subsidise and use alternative food sources for the livestock, (2) livestock numbers have been reduced in order to adapt to climate variability, with an impact on livelihoods (3) farmers have had to rely on their hope and faith that things will get better. Planning for climate variability is challenging for land managers. Knowledge and access to resources is therefore essential in ensuring that farmers are kept on track with the changing environment.
A comparative study of municipal waste disposal practices and management in the Breede River District Council and the Cape Metropolitan Area
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Frantz, Amanda; Pirie, Gordon; Dept. of Geography and Environmental Studies; Faculty of Arts
Solid waste management is a phenomenon that has been researched for many years. With the development of industries and commerce, waste inputs into waste management programs are crucial, since these are the sectors responsible for the generation of waste and thus the inputs are invaluable when programs are formulated. In order to develop effective waste management strategies, it is important to identify the source of waste generation and the processes that must be followed to minimize waste. The objective of this research was to follow waste from generation to ultimate disposal and to case study why and how differences in waste disposal practices occur in the Breede River District (BRD) and the Cape Metropolitan Area (CMA).
Coping with Weather in Cape Town: use, adaptation & challenges in an informal settlement
(2013) Tabi, Kris Agbor; Peberdy, Sally; Carolissen, Mandy
The concern that weather variability and climate change has raised nowadays puts every society or community on the alert. This is arguably the most persistent environmental threat to global stability in vulnerable communities in recent times. City dwellers are now experiencing increased variable weather episodes such as frequent flooding, heat waves and drought with increased wind and storm activities. Unfortunately, the aftermath of these weather irregularities are felt most severely by vulnerable urban poor residents with the least mechanisms to cope. This study focused on the residents of Enkanini in Makhaza, an informal settlement in the greater Khayelitsha Township of Cape Town, South Africa. It documented the challenges they encounter with respect to weather, seeking to understand their adaptive strategies. Emphasis was also placed on the vulnerable nature of their dwellings and their ingenuity in coping with the variable weather pattern in Cape Town. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyse field data, using codes derived from themes and SPSS respectively. Ethnographic methodology guided the researcher to participate overtly in the activities of the community over an extended period, watching what happened, listening to what was said and asking questions pertaining to their vulnerability to the vicissitudes of the prevailing weather in the informal settlement. Findings from the study revealed that over 62% of the dwellings do not conform to the City?s Disaster Risk Management Centre and Fire & Rescue safety regulations and that over 80% of the residents do not adapt very well to weather-related episodes. It also identifies the most challenging weather episodes to be floods during winter and shack fires during summer; amidst other health concerns that occur all year round.
The Development of Higher-Density Low-income Housing ln The Cape Metropolitan Area: A Case Study of Philippi East
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Willoughby, Selwyn Walter; McPherson, E A
Cape Town, like other South African cities, experiences phenomenal population growth as a result of natural increase, rural-urban and intra-urban migration. The population growth is exceeding the ability of all spheres of government to provide adequate housing. ln an attempt to rapidly respond to this crisis, subsidies are provided to qualifying beneficiaries to build free-standing dwellings. Simultaneously the Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework (MSDF) proposes a vision of an integrated functional city by prosing to increase residential densities in areas with the potential to improve the quality of life of the populations. The current low-income housing delivery programme is thus conflicting with the vision of the MSDF. The aim of this research is to assess the feasibility, and to identify enabling mechanisms of building low-rise, higher-density low-income residential dwellings in Philippi East, a developing metropolitan node. Philippi East is the only node in the metropolitan area that is underdeveloped and located centrally within the poorest section of Cape Town. There are various concerns relating to housing within this area, however, the research focuses on three inter-related areas of concern, namely, access to appropriate urban land, appropriate housing density and access to finance. Central to the research is the identification of vacant land and the classification of the identified land in terms of its strategic value. The identification of strategic land determines the type of density that is appropriate and this in turn will establish the financial parameters for such a project. The research has found that in Philippi East, most of the appropriate land for higher-density low-income land is privately owned, and that current legalisation is focused on accelerating the release of publicly owned land. Thus, the legalisation will have little effect on the study area, where land is urgently needed for housing. Non Legislative measures have been identified as alternative mechanisms to secure private land for housing. Philippi East as a study area, is strategic in terms of the MSDF criteria, and therefore its residential densities could be developed to maximum recommendations. However, the contextual situating does not allow for high-rise developments, but rather a low-rise higher-density built form with a net dwelling density of approximately 100 d/ha. The research concludes that the short-term benefit of the subsidy is not complimenting the long term vision of the city, i.e. the subsidy amount by itself allows for the construction of a small freestanding dwellings that is perpetuating sprawl within Philippi East. To construct low-rise higher-density dwellings larger than the current 10mz freestanding dwelling, additional finance is required. The research identifies that all spheres of government must play a pivotal role in mobilising additional public and private funding to ensure that the metropolitan node develops as intended by the city vision.
Die sosio-ekonomiese implikasies van seisoenarbeid in Ceres: �n geografiese perspektief
(University of the Western Cape, 1994) Brown, Sarel William Immanuel; Redlinghuis, A.C.
Ceres, soos taIle ander plaEE,elandse dorpe, beleef 'n sigbare chroniese armoedeEoesE,and. Dit is die prim6re oogmerk van hierdie navorsingsprojek om te bepaal wat die kousale verband tussen seisoenarbeid en 'n armoedebestaan is. Spesifieke aandag word geskenk aan die ekonomiese bestaan van seisoenwerkers gedurende die werk- en afseisoen en word dit, t,elkens geplaas binne die konteks van die grot.er huishouding. OmdaE huishoudings gedurende die afseisoen gekenmerk word deur 'n verlaagde inkomste en werkloosheid, hou dit verreikende implikasies in vir die ekonomiese bestaan vir sodanige huishoudings. Dit is in hierdie konteks dat die navorsingsprojek gelei word deur die sentrale Eesis dat seisoenarbeid' n armoedebesEaan perpetueer. Die navorsingsprojek word binne 'n politiek-ekonomiese raamwerk geplaas. Hierdie holist,iese raamwerk word as ideaal beskou om die voortgeset,t,e en st,eeds groeiende seisoenarbeidsmag te verklaar, asook die nodige insigte verleen ten opsigte van die perpetuering van armoede in Ceres. Alhoewel die studie binne die veld van ekonomiese geografie vaI, het dit 'n sterk sosiaal geografiese dimensie. Wat die navorsingsmetodologie betref, is van beide kwantitatiewe en kwalit.at,iewe tegnieke gebruik gemaak deurdae ,n gestrukt,ureerde vraelysopname opgevolg is met, onderhoude. Die navorsingspopulasie sluit. slegs fabriekwerkers in van Ceres-dorp, fokus dus nie op seisoenwerkers en trekarbeiders in die primore sektor en omliggende landelike gebiede nie. Die volgende is van die belangrikste bevindinge wat, uit die navorsing na vore gekom het: (i) Die daarstetling van 'n reserwe-goedkoop, ongeskoolde arbeidsmag moet in die lig van dieperliggende politiekekonomiese sErrrkEure gesien word; (ii) gegee die reprodusering van 'n seisoenarbeidsmag en beperkte ekonomiese basis, is seisoenarbeid die enigste uitweg vir die werkersklasgemeenskap van Ceres; (iii) in die meeste gevalle word die seisoeninkomste aangewend om in die basiese behoeftes van huishoudings te voorsien en lei dit nie tot materiele vooruitgang nie; (iv) omdat kapitaal nie geakkumuleer word in die seisoentyd nie, verdiep die armoedebesEaan in die afseisoen sodaE die meeste seisoenwerkers in 'n skuldsiklus beland; (v) die seisoenwerkers is in staat om die afseisoen te oorleef omdat hy/sy funksioneer binne die netwerk van die uitgebreide gesin.
The effects of fluoride levels in potable water: case studies in the Northern Cape and Mitchell's Plain
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Rayner, Chrisleen Ann; Moola; McPherson; Dept. of Geography and Environmental Studies; Faculty of Science
Dental caries is a multi-factorial disease that affects everyone irrespective of race, class or gender, however, the burden of the disease is often found in children from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The nature of the disease is such that it can be prevented. Various international studies on fluoride have shown a reduction in the prevalence of dental caries. By using geographical information systems, oral health data can be linked to the fluoride levels and further analysis could be done to identify areas at risk of dental caries as well as show patterns in the distribution of dental caries. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the effects of different levels of fluoride on the prevalence of dental caries in selected towns in the Northern Cape and Westen Cape. It also examined the application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to oral health data.
The environmental health impacts associated with flooding and pollution of Riverine environments: A case study of the Kuils and Eerste river
(University of the Western Cape, 2003) Hendricks, Yumna; Taylor, V
The aim of this study was to analyse the interrelationship among hazardous environmental exposures - namely flooding and pollution of the Kuils and Eerste Rivers, and the potential health risks to the natural setting and people, alike. Today, hazards related to exposures within the environment are gaining increased attention. The realisation that human development and structural expansion impacts negatively on the natural setting, has led to the concept of 'environmental health.' Populations of differing standards of living have experienced hazards in varying dimensions. As illustrated by the three communities investigated in the study, it was primarily the disadvantaged socio-economic profiles which suggested that residents were exposed to wide-ranging and occasionally severe threats to health emanating from local environmental exposures. The environmental health impacts under scrutiny highlighted one of South Africa's scarce and endangered natural resources - urban river systems. The rivers are predominantly small by world standards; however, this does not exempt them from the peril of flooding. Human habitation and urban sprawl impact further on the state of inland water bodies by developing in flood-prone regions. Such activity acts as a stimulus for the augmentation of water pollution. Sadly, although expansive documentation exists regarding the risks inherently associated with both flooding and pollution, individuals tend to display dispositions of disregard. The study revealed that although the majority have displayed interest in potential environmental health hazard, they were not likely to implement habits which prevent this. The results exemplify that the prevalence of flooding and pollution are frequently viewed in isolation of each other. In the study area this was evidently infeasible to do, as surveys and visual observation proved that habitually, one environmental exposure impacts upon, and even worsens the other. The primary goal of the research was to detect a correlation between the quality of river water, the frequency of flooding, and the prevailing health indices of the investigated communities. The outcome suggested that although the association detected amongst the variables was small (14 o ), numerous elements in the environment exist which levitate the risk of disease and structural destruction experienced, as a result of flood hazard and river contamination. The study concludes that if environmental health benefits are to be optimised, then it is connoted that community planning and upgrading efforts - particularly in informal settlements, acquires holistic approaches and integrated input from a wide range of sectors as well as community compliance. Therefore, health impacts emanating from risks associated with the river body should be restrained by activities and behaviours of the communities themselves. Moreover, controlling negative impacts should also be a key initiative in the operation of municipal bodies.
Estimating the potential for natural ecosystem recovery at the Pietersielieskloof palmiet wetland, Western Cape.
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Mamphoka, Monkgane Faith; Grenfell, S
Recent research has highlighted the importance of cut-and-fill cycles in valley-bottom wetlands. This study considers the impact of longitudinal and lateral sediment connectivity on the natural recovery potential of valley-bottom wetlands. Pietersielieskloof is a Prionium serratum (commonly known as palmiet) dominated discontinuous valley-bottom wetland. P. serratum is considered to be a peat-forming ecosystem engineer that enhances sediment infill in valleybottom wetlands. Due to its ecological importance and potential as a carbon store, this wetland has been earmarked for rehabilitation by Working for Wetlands. The study ascertains the importance of including sedimentological and geomorphological input in wetland rehabilitation and management strategies. A study of wetland geomorphology was conducted to develop an understanding of the natural dynamic of cut-and-fill processes as context for recent erosion and deposition events. Sediment samples from gully walls and cores were collected for organic content and particle size analysis and five sediment samples predating the current phase of erosion were radiocarbon dated. The valley form was surveyed using cross-sections and long profiles, and historical change was digitised using 30 m � 5 to 30 mm resolution aerial imagery from 1938-2016 in ArcMap.
Experiences of social vulnerability in indigent households related to water service delivery in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch
(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Harris, Winston J.; Peberdy, Sally
The extent of a community experiencing social vulnerability depends on the community�s ability to access resources that may contribute to coping mechanisms (either within the household or provided externally by a responsible authority) that decrease the impacts and effects of a disaster. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to identify the existence of social and institutional mechanisms that aim to reduce experiences of water inaccessibility and the causes of social vulnerability, and increase coping mechanisms within Kayamandi. Kayamandi is a low income residential community on the north-westerly periphery of the greater Stellenbosch town in the Western Cape. The research attained responses through questionnaires and surveys from residents,community organisations and responsible personnel. These surveys allowed the researcher to produce raw attribute data for each household that assisted in spatially representing vulnerable households and informing the five priority areas of the Hyogo Framework for Action. Contributing to this method of attaining information, secondary geographic data collection was obtained through the Stellenbosch Local Municipality, the National Geospatial Information Directorate and the National Demarcation Board. The findings of this thesis established that household and public water infrastructure contribute to the risk of experiencing social vulnerability that affects economic standings and quality of health within the community. Contributing to this and due to Kayamandi�s politically sensitive and historically fractioned community, social cohesion has also been noted as an area of vulnerability. Although these vulnerabilities are experienced, residents are able to implement technical, social and municipal reliant coping mechanisms. However, although efforts from Stellenbosch Local Municipality do respond to most of the key indicators within the Hyogo Framework for Action, the study found no concrete efforts within the Stellenbosch Local Municipality that illustrate integrated mechanisms to reduce the impacts of disasters and compound effects.
Exploring the links between urban agriculture, land use and food security in the Philippi Horticultural Area (PHA)
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Donn-Arnold, Natasha; Tevera, Daniel
Hunger is more than just a feeling, it is the lack of access to safe nutritious food, which in turn may result in anger towards government, low performance, sadness and a limited will to survive. Urban agriculture has been identified as a source of livelihood for many urban residents and could fundamentally change food insecure cities like Cape Town. The Philippi Horticultural Area (PHA) is one such place with an enormous amount of potential to assist the City of Cape Town (CCT) to overcome food insecurity challenges. The PHA is the focus of this thesis that aims to determine the impacts that housing and industrial developments in the PHA have had, and might have in the future, on food security in the Greater Cape Town Area (GCTA). The specific objectives of the study are as follows: (1) To investigate the urban agricultural distribution of the PHA; (2) to investigate agricultural facilitation, people empowerment and the use of land for agricultural purposes; (3) To determine the level of access to food for people within and around the PHA; and (4) To examine the links between the urban agricultural food sector and food production. Mixed method research was employed, hinging on the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) as the conceptual framework. Snowball sampling was used to select 68 participants who were interviewed. One key finding of the study showed that the PHA had a significant value to the participants, many of whom called the place �home�. Another finding is that urban agriculture provides fresh food produce to many local residents. In-depth discussions with officials and farmers, both commercial and small-scale farmers in the PHA, revealed that the PHA is a valuable portion of farmland, and contributes significantly towards food security in and around the PHA. With the use of the SLA as the conceptual framework, the study contributes towards other livelihood outcomes dependant on urban agriculture to improve access, availability and stability of food security within the PHA. Although urban agriculture is a minimal contributor to food security in the PHA, there are other benefits enjoyed by low-income communities such as food aid given by farmers to assist low-income housing communities, educational opportunities to enhance small growers in the PHA, small-scale community garden outreach and employment.
Facilitating the Cape's metropolitan spatial development framework by using Gis to investigate vacant land
(University of Western Cape, 1998) Tuck, Jeremy Dean; McPherson, E.A.; Myburgh, D.W.
The trend in metropolitan planning is to provide overarching objectives for development, leaving detailed interpretation at the local level. The unspecific nature of these guidelines, however, coupled by the parochial interests of constituent local municipalities, can result in development that is unfavourable in terms of the metropolitan vision. The aim of this research was to consider a more detailed basis according to which the metropolitan plan for the Cape Metropolitan Area, the Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework (MSDF), could possibly be promoted. The approach was to focus on vacant land since this will be the target of future development.
Flood risk reduction in Botswana analysis and recommendations
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Moetsabatho-Moipisi, Keofitlhetse; Pirie, Gordon H
The turn-of the-century floods in Botswana resulted primarily from prolonged heavy rainfall which started in December 1999 and extended into January 2000. The floods covered almost the whole of Botswana- They caused devastating economic losses to the value of US$ 214 million (Mogwe, 2001), afflicted 80,000 people and caused l3 fatalities (Thedi, 2003). Although the extent of damage caused by the 2000 floods was unexpected, paradoxically, the occurrence of the floods was likely. Botswana's past rainfall records indicate that drought is interspersed by high rains and floods. This being the case, the 2000 floods were not an anomaly but a matter of course. The impacts of the floods were however exacerbated by a number of factors. The geological foundation of the areas of acute flooding consists mainly of hard impermeable rocks overlain by loose mobile soils with minimal infiltration capacities. In addition the country's physiography comprises flat terrain which also had a significant bearing on the infiltration of rainfall run-off. The other factor relate to anthropogenic influences. Human interference with the natural environment has changed the landscape. [n Botswana, there is acute deforestation in and around settlements coupled with the creation of impervious roads, pavements and roofs; this affected percolation and infiltration, increasing rainfall run-off and exacerbating flooding. Arising from these factors, the research argues that flood risk disasters are as important as drought and animal disease and must be included in state policy.
Gated communities for the working class: A Cape Flats case study
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Majiet, Musfiqah; Rink, Bradley
Gated developments are proliferating across cities globally, in different forms and contexts. While they have emerged in cities in both the global North and South, the number of gated developments has increased recently in cities in the global South. Uniformly defined on the basis of their physical features, security artefacts and codes of conduct, gated developments have received criticism across a number of disciplines yet are seen as a rational response to increasing crime rates and considered as a safe haven for their residents. In the global South, more than simply safe havens, gated developments are typically perceived as islands of wealth and privilege in a sea of urban inequality. There is a pressing need to understand the gated development model in the context of the global South. In South Africa, the increase in gated developments situated in lower income areas has been scarcely explored. It is on this basis that this study examines an underexplored and recent category of gated development in the South African context: Gated developments in low-income residential areas.

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