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Table L14: A spatial typology of infonnal settlement patterns in NatallKwaZulu. with
special reference to the Durban Functional Region (continued).
Category
5. Incipient urban informal
settlements
6. Urban informal
settlements (known locally
as 'mjondola' settlements)
Source:
Description
In these settlements, both modernised kraals and informal
dwellings are found. Over 50% of dwellings are of the
informal type. with an increasing proportion of informal
housing evident with the passage of time. Land used for
agricultural production (subsistence and commercial)
tends to be replaced by informal residential uses. The
settlements are located within 30 km of the centres of
major metropolitan areas. The settlements have a gross
density of 4 - 6 dwellings ha-'. and represent an early
stage in the development of urban informal settlements on
the peri-urban fringes of metropolitan areas. Most such
areas are in KwaZulu where customary methods of land
allocation still operate, thereby influencing the spatial
organization of dwellings. Land in close proximity to bus
routes is developed to a greater extent than more remote
land. Economic activity is predominantly urban-orientated
In these settlements, nearly all dwellings 175%) are of the
informal type. They are generally referred to as squatter
settlements. The gross density of the settlements exceeds
6 dwellings ha-'. The settlements are situated in close
proximity to the metropolitan areas, and are characterized
by problems of inadequate water supplies and sanitation as
well as solid waste accumulation. Given the effects of
drought and violence, plus the 'bright lights' factor (the
lure of urban life and potential economic advancementl,
such settlements are subject to rapid population increases
especially in the Durban Functional Region. The lodging of
tenants or members of the family is common
After Haarhoff, E.J., 1984. A spatial analysis of African urbanization and
informal settlement in NatallKwaZulu, Ph.D. Thesis, Department of Town
and Regional Planning, University of Natal. Durban. 312 p. + app.
Note: (i) Occupancy rates of the settlement categories are influenced by
various socio-economic factors, dwelling type and geographical
locality. The settlement densities (dwellings ha· 1 ) data may not
reflect current trends in the Durban Functional Region. in view of
high in-migration patterns as well as land invasions. It has been
found, for example. that many informal households live in high
density zones (up to 86 shacks or families ha· 1 ). As many as 18
people have been observed living in shacks the size of a single
garage. Shacks built in very rugged terrain (land steeper than 1 : 2).
are also evident in the Durban Functional Region (Stewart. 1994)*.
* See Stewart, P.. 1994. DIY housing, Developer, VOl 9, November 1994, p. 20 - 22.