Small town revitalisation in Intsika Yethu Municipality: Cofimvaba and Tsomo
- Authors: Koyo, Siyabulela
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Urbanization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31005 , vital:31271
- Description: Bernstein (2000) defines small towns in South Africa as settlements in commercial farming areas as well as former or dense homeland towns. These settlements are usually said to lack higher-level services and facilities, which usually leads to their decline (Donaldson & Marais, 2012). The above is likely due to the experiences of rapid urbanisation, which facilitated the decline of the agricultural sector and rural jobs. The research examined the challenges facing small towns in South Africa and sought possible solutions to address issues relating particularly to infrastructure, public and social amenities as well as institutional arrangements and socio-economic growth through small towns revitalisation. The case study for the purposes of the research focuses on two major towns in the Intsika Yethu Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, namely Cofimvaba and Tsomo. Research questions relate to the policy frameworks, institutional arrangements and funding that are able to guide revitalization efforts in rural municipalities to enhance an environment that fosters socio-economic development. Ultimately the research attempted to establish whether the revitalisation efforts have resulted in discernible improvements across the challenges that have been identified in Cofimvaba and Tsomo, the two principle towns in the Intsika Yethu Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The overall aim of the research is to assess the impacts of efforts by the various spheres of government to revitalize Cofimvaba and Tsomo. Several specific objectives were identified. These include a literature review on challenges facing small towns, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa, and strategies to address their revitalization; an assessment of the socio-economic status of a sample of residents in the two towns; to conduct research in Cofimvaba and Tsomo to review government strategies and interventions to revitalize these towns; an opinion survey among formal businesses and business structures to assess the impacts of the revitalization efforts on the business sector; and, finally, to use the findings of the research to make recommendations to the various stakeholder iv groups in Cofimvaba and Tsomo in order to support the efforts of government to revitalize the towns. The methodology adopted for the purposes of the research, is a mixed approach making use of qualitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data was gathered from the municipal Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and the government departments’ implementation plans. Qualitative data was gathered by focussing on interviews with people living within the towns of Cofimvaba and Tsomo, the business community and municipal officials. Findings related to improved livelihoods show that most interviewed individuals are middle to lower income earners, meaning that there is a high proportion of people who are likely to be dependent on the state for assistance. Challenges that have been noted by municipal officials, range from issues relating to illegal building constructions to invasion of land earmarked for development and funding for development initiatives. It became apparent that there is limited knowledge of small town revitalisation from both the municipal officials and the citizens that were interviewed. In light of the above findings there are a number of recommendations which range from firstly a better application of the Back-to-basics approach, to the idea of better service delivery that has been introduced in all local municipalities. This calls for local government to serve their communities better by being responsive and accountable during the delivery of any service. Secondly, improved institutional collaborations are the key to small town revitalisation, through knowledge sharing and funding provision. Thirdly, by-laws and developmental plans are to be formulated in collaboration with the key role players, as they are paramount in attracting prospective inward investments to the towns. Lastly any revitalisation efforts are to incorporate the town’s culture and diversity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Koyo, Siyabulela
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Urbanization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31005 , vital:31271
- Description: Bernstein (2000) defines small towns in South Africa as settlements in commercial farming areas as well as former or dense homeland towns. These settlements are usually said to lack higher-level services and facilities, which usually leads to their decline (Donaldson & Marais, 2012). The above is likely due to the experiences of rapid urbanisation, which facilitated the decline of the agricultural sector and rural jobs. The research examined the challenges facing small towns in South Africa and sought possible solutions to address issues relating particularly to infrastructure, public and social amenities as well as institutional arrangements and socio-economic growth through small towns revitalisation. The case study for the purposes of the research focuses on two major towns in the Intsika Yethu Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, namely Cofimvaba and Tsomo. Research questions relate to the policy frameworks, institutional arrangements and funding that are able to guide revitalization efforts in rural municipalities to enhance an environment that fosters socio-economic development. Ultimately the research attempted to establish whether the revitalisation efforts have resulted in discernible improvements across the challenges that have been identified in Cofimvaba and Tsomo, the two principle towns in the Intsika Yethu Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The overall aim of the research is to assess the impacts of efforts by the various spheres of government to revitalize Cofimvaba and Tsomo. Several specific objectives were identified. These include a literature review on challenges facing small towns, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa, and strategies to address their revitalization; an assessment of the socio-economic status of a sample of residents in the two towns; to conduct research in Cofimvaba and Tsomo to review government strategies and interventions to revitalize these towns; an opinion survey among formal businesses and business structures to assess the impacts of the revitalization efforts on the business sector; and, finally, to use the findings of the research to make recommendations to the various stakeholder iv groups in Cofimvaba and Tsomo in order to support the efforts of government to revitalize the towns. The methodology adopted for the purposes of the research, is a mixed approach making use of qualitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data was gathered from the municipal Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and the government departments’ implementation plans. Qualitative data was gathered by focussing on interviews with people living within the towns of Cofimvaba and Tsomo, the business community and municipal officials. Findings related to improved livelihoods show that most interviewed individuals are middle to lower income earners, meaning that there is a high proportion of people who are likely to be dependent on the state for assistance. Challenges that have been noted by municipal officials, range from issues relating to illegal building constructions to invasion of land earmarked for development and funding for development initiatives. It became apparent that there is limited knowledge of small town revitalisation from both the municipal officials and the citizens that were interviewed. In light of the above findings there are a number of recommendations which range from firstly a better application of the Back-to-basics approach, to the idea of better service delivery that has been introduced in all local municipalities. This calls for local government to serve their communities better by being responsive and accountable during the delivery of any service. Secondly, improved institutional collaborations are the key to small town revitalisation, through knowledge sharing and funding provision. Thirdly, by-laws and developmental plans are to be formulated in collaboration with the key role players, as they are paramount in attracting prospective inward investments to the towns. Lastly any revitalisation efforts are to incorporate the town’s culture and diversity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Street tree composition, distribution and urban residents’ perceptions within and between Eastern Cape towns
- Authors: Gwedla, Nanamhla
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Urbanization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Urban ecology (Sociology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tree planting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trees in cities -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Urban forestry -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4702 , vital:20714
- Description: Promoting urban sustainability is vital in the face of rapid human and urban population growth. A core tenet of urban sustainability, urban forestry, is poised to “go global” with the intent of mitigating the negative environmental and social effects of urbanisation through green infrastructure, spaces and trees. Amongst these, the planting of street trees has become a major strategy. The public functions of street trees as demonstrated through the provision of ecosystem services are highly dependent on the structure, composition and diversity of tree species within the urban forest. The bulk of available literature on the composition, diversity and perceptions of residents regarding street trees has largely focused on the developed world, while the few in the developing world have been conducted at only one or two sites. The aim of this study was to investigate the composition, diversity and density of urban street trees in relation to the perceptions of local residents and horticulturists, across a range of ecological and social contexts. To do this, the species composition, diversity and dominance of street trees planted in 10 randomly selected Eastern Cape towns was assessed. Within each town ten replicate 200 m transects were located in three different suburbs. Perceptions and appreciation of street trees were assessed by 1 200 household questionnaires, as well as key informant interviews with personnel responsible for street tree planting and maintenance. Sixty-nine out of 300 sampled transects had street trees, with 888 trees enumerated, spanning ninety-seven species. Alien tree species accounted for 71 % of all the enumerated trees while indigenous trees species accounted for 12 %. The non-former homeland towns had a significantly higher (5.8±1.6 trees) mean street tree density per transect than the former homeland towns (0.6±03). There were no significant relationships between street tree density or richness to mean annual rainfall or the background biome in which the town was situated. However, density strongly was related to size of the town. RDP and township suburbs had fewer street trees and low species richness relative to the affluent suburbs. In selecting street trees, root system of the prospective tree, the eventual size or shape of the species, whether an alien or indigenous species, and the species’ adaptability to the climate of the respective town are considered before planting. The biggest identified threats to street trees were the deliberate vandalism of trees by people and animals, and lack of education and awareness regarding the importance of street trees among urban residents and municipal officials. More than half of the respondents prefer that trees be planted both on the street and in their yards while a few do not want trees at all. The majority of respondents with this preference do so because they want shade and abundant fruit, and to have beautiful yards and streets. Those who do not want trees at all do so because they just do not like trees, there is no space for trees, or they fear that criminals hide behind trees. The presence of trees in peoples’ yards correlated with a positive preference for trees in the street. The majority of respondents were neither satisfied with the general appearance of their street nor with the number of trees on their street. Residents from the RDP suburbs were the least satisfied with both the appearance and number of trees on their streets, while those from the affluent suburbs were the most satisfied. Street trees were seen as greatly important to have by the majority of people. The more educated people were more appreciative of the importance of street trees. Local municipalities were identified by the majority of respondents as the stakeholders responsible for the planting and maintenance of street trees, although a considerable proportion of respondents reported a willingness to volunteer to help plant and maintain trees on their streets. Municipalities were seen as doing very little to provide and maintain trees in the various suburbs by the majority of respondents. The majority of respondents also reported that they had never been consulted about tree planting activities in their suburbs before, and would like to have been consulted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gwedla, Nanamhla
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Urbanization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Urban ecology (Sociology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tree planting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trees in cities -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Urban forestry -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4702 , vital:20714
- Description: Promoting urban sustainability is vital in the face of rapid human and urban population growth. A core tenet of urban sustainability, urban forestry, is poised to “go global” with the intent of mitigating the negative environmental and social effects of urbanisation through green infrastructure, spaces and trees. Amongst these, the planting of street trees has become a major strategy. The public functions of street trees as demonstrated through the provision of ecosystem services are highly dependent on the structure, composition and diversity of tree species within the urban forest. The bulk of available literature on the composition, diversity and perceptions of residents regarding street trees has largely focused on the developed world, while the few in the developing world have been conducted at only one or two sites. The aim of this study was to investigate the composition, diversity and density of urban street trees in relation to the perceptions of local residents and horticulturists, across a range of ecological and social contexts. To do this, the species composition, diversity and dominance of street trees planted in 10 randomly selected Eastern Cape towns was assessed. Within each town ten replicate 200 m transects were located in three different suburbs. Perceptions and appreciation of street trees were assessed by 1 200 household questionnaires, as well as key informant interviews with personnel responsible for street tree planting and maintenance. Sixty-nine out of 300 sampled transects had street trees, with 888 trees enumerated, spanning ninety-seven species. Alien tree species accounted for 71 % of all the enumerated trees while indigenous trees species accounted for 12 %. The non-former homeland towns had a significantly higher (5.8±1.6 trees) mean street tree density per transect than the former homeland towns (0.6±03). There were no significant relationships between street tree density or richness to mean annual rainfall or the background biome in which the town was situated. However, density strongly was related to size of the town. RDP and township suburbs had fewer street trees and low species richness relative to the affluent suburbs. In selecting street trees, root system of the prospective tree, the eventual size or shape of the species, whether an alien or indigenous species, and the species’ adaptability to the climate of the respective town are considered before planting. The biggest identified threats to street trees were the deliberate vandalism of trees by people and animals, and lack of education and awareness regarding the importance of street trees among urban residents and municipal officials. More than half of the respondents prefer that trees be planted both on the street and in their yards while a few do not want trees at all. The majority of respondents with this preference do so because they want shade and abundant fruit, and to have beautiful yards and streets. Those who do not want trees at all do so because they just do not like trees, there is no space for trees, or they fear that criminals hide behind trees. The presence of trees in peoples’ yards correlated with a positive preference for trees in the street. The majority of respondents were neither satisfied with the general appearance of their street nor with the number of trees on their street. Residents from the RDP suburbs were the least satisfied with both the appearance and number of trees on their streets, while those from the affluent suburbs were the most satisfied. Street trees were seen as greatly important to have by the majority of people. The more educated people were more appreciative of the importance of street trees. Local municipalities were identified by the majority of respondents as the stakeholders responsible for the planting and maintenance of street trees, although a considerable proportion of respondents reported a willingness to volunteer to help plant and maintain trees on their streets. Municipalities were seen as doing very little to provide and maintain trees in the various suburbs by the majority of respondents. The majority of respondents also reported that they had never been consulted about tree planting activities in their suburbs before, and would like to have been consulted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
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