The effects of population growth and change on the lives of people  (Page 3/5)

Experts assume that the Gauteng Education Department is probably experiencing similar problems. “Urbanisation is a worldwide phenomenon. Learners go where they expect to find the best tuition. It is the same everywhere, from Riversdale, Saldanha and Delft to Stellenbosch. As soon as people get to hear about possible job opportunities, they simply migrate in that direction,” it is said.

At the Bloekombos Primary School, the only school in the rapidly expanding Kraaifontein, up to 150 children are crowded into a single classroom, with three teachers teaching different subjects at the same time.

Translated from Die Burger , 21 February 2001

WESTERN CAPE BRACES ITSELF FOR 48 000 NEW RESIDENTS

Theuns van der Westhuizen

CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Government and municipalities will have to build at least 12 000 new homes, 12 primary schools, 6 high schools and 2 or 3 new clinics per year to satisfy the needs of people who move in from other provinces.

And this situation is not likely to change in the near future. It would therefore be better to act proactively, the minister of the environment, development and planning has said.

He referred to the findings of a survey on migration patterns which had been conducted for the Western Cape government in 2001, and which was mentioned by the prime minister in his opening address in the provincial parliament.

The study showed that about 48 000 people annually relocate to the Western Cape from other provinces – mainly from the Eastern and Northern Cape.

Translated from Die Burger , 27 February 2003

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES EMERGENCY PLAN AFTER CAPE FLOODS

Anesca Smith

CAPE TOWN - With almost 15 000 Capetonians left homeless since Thursday due to the flooding rains, the provincial government will today launch a three day emergency plan in the Cape metropole.

This was announced yesterday by the Western Cape minister of local government and housing, Mr Marius Fransman. At least 2 796 squatters’ shacks in 28 informal settlement areas have been flooded between last Thursday and this Monday. About 155 mm of rain fell during that period.

Fransman and the prime minister, Mr Ebrahim Rasool, the national minister of housing, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, and the mayor of the unicity, Mrs Nomaindia Mfeketo, will today visit one of the areas, Wallacedene near Kraaifontein.

Food and clothing will be distributed to the residents. At 13:00 they will also address a meeting in the Oliver Tambo hall in Khayelitsha to listen to residents’ grievances regarding housing.

Fransman also called upon the public to donate warm clothes, blankets and food to non-government and welfare organisations such as the Red Cross, who will then distribute the donations to the flood victims.

About 320 000 people in the Western Cape are presently waiting for houses, Fransman said. It is estimated that 48 000 people migrate from mainly the Eastern Cape annually.

According to Fransman there are hundreds of people living in low-lying, “high risk” areas who will eventually have to move. “We must make sure that no houses are built here,” he said.