View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

uzspace.uzulu.ac.za
from uzspace.uzulu.ac.za More from this publisher
08.08.2013 Views

ought and sold, have all mitigated against the emergence of housing zones of the type indicated in the classic models [www.sarpn.org.za/rop/land.php. (2008)]. It appears therefore that the South African city as a whole does not match the patterns associated with the so-called classic urban models. Furthermore, if it were argued that the White cities and the Black townships must be seen as separate entities, then the Black townships do not at present, and appear unlikely even in the future to match the classic models (Rix et aI., 1987). The current government's policies on improving the quality of life of the majority of the people in South Africa through urban renewal and rural development projects seek to confront the existing urban blight, dilapidation and degeneration as well as rural poverty which remain indelible vestiges ofapartheid. The prevailing macroeconomic policies pursued by the South African government, contrary to those ofthe apartheid era, have resulted in the emergence of a settlement pattern demonstrated in the classic models especially the multiple nuclei model. This study acknowledges that Ulundi is predominantly inhabited by Zulus with little or no significant representation by other race groups or tribes. Residential segregation as postulated by the classical models may not be applicable. However, the research methodology applied, divides Ulundi into five formal and serviced residential areas (that is, used as spatial units of this study) with relatively subtle socio-economic differences between their household heads. This study also notes that Ulundi also has its CBD and industrial areas, however, the latter is not in its operational maximum. This may be attributed to the fact that, Ulundi is still on the path of growth and therefore has prospects of displaying all the features of the various land use zones as described by the classical models in future [www.africanstudies.uct.ac.za/ sdlVol7nol.htm, (2008)]. Following the weaknesses displayed in the classical land use model, this study concludes with a comparative view of Von Thunen model of land-use. The Von Thunen model of land-use shows how market processes could determine the use of land in different locations. It is an equilibrium model and if any of the parameters are changed the system will move to a different equilibrium [www.sjsu.edu/facultv/watkins/watkins.htm.(2007)].This land use 43

model is significant in this study as it is better explained in terms ofagricultural land use, but it is not limited to that land use. Although most Zululand area has poor soils, agriculture remains one ofthe pillars ofpotential growth and development in Ulundi. 2.5 RESTRUCTURING LOCAL GOVERNMENT This portion of the theoretical framework outlines the conceptual issues underlying political fragmentation and regionalism in general. It also highlights some policy propositions and alternatives to regionalism such as inter-municipal cooperation. The section also discusses some ofthe concerns raised by these approaches. Exploring the developmental relevance of regionalism and the alternative approaches in this study is important as it offers basis for best developmental practices for the growth ofUlundi. 2.5.1 Regionalism Tiebout (I956; www.government.cce.comell.eduldoc/summarv.asp?id=tieboutI956, 2008) in his classic public choice theory puts forward a model for determining the optimum expenditure level for public entities and goods. The theory suggests that there is a market of local governments where mobile 'consumer citizens' 'shop around' for communities that best fits their preferences. The competition among communities forces these communities to choose public goods at the most efficient level. Although regionalism is a way to combat urban inequality, Bollens (I997) criticizes current models of regionalism, citing the difference between 'things regionalism' and 'people regionalism'. Things regionalism is based on systems (transportation, water, etc.) and may exacerbate inequality, while people regionalism is focused on community development in place. Furthermore, Bollens (I997) advocates that alternative equity strategies to alleviate inner city poverty and metropolitan segregation by way of people regionalism should be advanced for improved life quality. This research envisages more relevance in 'people regionalism' as a more suitable approach to the development of Ulundi in the short run. This approach takes immediate cognisance of 44

ought and sold, have all mitigated against the emergence <strong>of</strong> housing zones <strong>of</strong> the type<br />

indicated in the classic models [www.sarpn.org.za/rop/land.php. (2008)].<br />

It appears therefore that the South African city as a whole does not match the patterns<br />

associated with the so-called classic urban models. Furthermore, if it were argued that the<br />

White cities and the Black townships must be seen as separate entities, then the Black<br />

townships do not at present, and appear unlikely even in the future to match the classic<br />

models (Rix et aI., 1987).<br />

The current government's policies on improving the quality <strong>of</strong> life <strong>of</strong> the majority <strong>of</strong> the<br />

people in South Africa through urban renewal and rural development projects seek to confront<br />

the existing urban blight, dilapidation and degeneration as well as rural poverty which remain<br />

indelible vestiges <strong>of</strong>apartheid. The prevailing macroeconomic policies pursued by the South<br />

African government, contrary to those <strong>of</strong>the apartheid era, have resulted in the emergence <strong>of</strong><br />

a settlement pattern demonstrated in the classic models especially the multiple nuclei model.<br />

This study acknowledges that Ulundi is predominantly inhabited by Zulus with little or no<br />

significant representation by other race groups or tribes. Residential segregation as postulated<br />

by the classical models may not be applicable. However, the research methodology applied,<br />

divides Ulundi into five formal and serviced residential areas (that is, used as spatial units <strong>of</strong><br />

this study) with relatively subtle socio-economic differences between their household heads.<br />

This study also notes that Ulundi also has its CBD and industrial areas, however, the latter is<br />

not in its operational maximum. This may be attributed to the fact that, Ulundi is still on the<br />

path <strong>of</strong> growth and therefore has prospects <strong>of</strong> displaying all the features <strong>of</strong> the various land<br />

use zones as described by the classical models in future [www.africanstudies.uct.ac.za/<br />

sdlVol7nol.htm, (2008)].<br />

Following the weaknesses displayed in the classical land use model, this study concludes with<br />

a comparative view <strong>of</strong> Von Thunen model <strong>of</strong> land-use. The Von Thunen model <strong>of</strong> land-use<br />

shows how market processes could determine the use <strong>of</strong> land in different locations. It is an<br />

equilibrium model and if any <strong>of</strong> the parameters are changed the system will move to a<br />

different equilibrium [www.sjsu.edu/facultv/watkins/watkins.htm.(2007)].This land use<br />

43

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!