Crime will increase, etc.
Activity 5:
1. increase
2. death rate
3. high
4. smaller
5. grow
6. life expectancy
Activity 6:
a) This figure was determined when the preferences of a group of women were added together and the average was determined.
b) Two children per family results in a population that does not grow (remains static), because the births cancel the two parents when they eventually die.
c) Who will do the work (many kinds) one day? (Workers from elsewhere is not the ideal
solution!) Houses, schools, etc. will fall into a state of disrepair because they will not be occupied.
d) The Germans are concerned about the future. A lack of a partner or a stable relationship was stated as reasons.
aThis pyramid will closely resemble the one in figure 3(d)bThis pyramid will closely resemble the one in figure 3(d), but the learners will demonstrate insight if the bottom depicts a marked smaller proportion (thinner).e)
Solutions
Chapter 3. Term 3
3.1. The effects of population growth and change on the
lives of people*
SOCIAL SCIENCES: Geography
Grade 7
POPULATION GROWTH AND CHANGES
Module 7
The effects of population growth and changeon the everyday lives
of citizens
In the previous learning unit you became acquainted with concepts such as a young population, the ageing of the population, life expectancy, population structures, etc. All of these are linked to the change and growth in any population. Another two concepts which are closely associated with this matter, include urbanisation and population movement – two types of change taking place in South Africa and the rest of the world at this very moment, both of which you should be able to observe quite easily. Population movement is commonly known as migration.
1. Why do people migrate?
Since the beginning of time, mankind had been wanderers, abandoning their home environment in search of places where they hoped to find more favourable living conditions; only in the event of forced removals, they had no choice.
Permanent migration is mainly influenced by the following:
climate: (pleasant temperatures – between 10ºC and 30ºC – and a comfortable humidity factor); economics: (people move to places where they can earn good money, irrespective of the climate); political reasons: (government decisions might cause people to move to or from a specific area).
But a further choice remains: city or country life?
Most of you are living in a city or a big town. It is a fact because more than half of our country has become URBANISED. This means that more than 50% of our country’s inhabitants are presently living in big towns or cities.
[These figures are established by means of census surveys.]
Population distribution maps show that people are more attracted to some areas than others. This is also true of our own country. Only since 50 years ago the biggest part of our population was concentrated in and around the cities and big towns. In South Africa the migration from rural to urban areas is still an ongoing process.
Activity 1:
To discuss questions on population density and urbanisation
[LO 1.2]
Table 3.1.
Study the maps in your atlas that indicate population density distribution in urban areas before you attempt to answer the following questions:
Name the area in South Africa where the population is particularly sparse:
Which province is the most urbanised?
Other relevant questions to be added by teachers and learners:
Activity 2:
To answer questions on migration in small groups
[LO 1.5]
Table 3.2.
Section A (This section is intended for learners in adjacent desks, or for small groups.) In the South African context, think of reasons why people
a) MIGRATEwithin the country itself:b) EMIGRATEfrom our country:c) IMMIGRATEto our country:Section B (In this section the answers of each group are written on the board – all answers given by the first group, followed by any new answers from the other groups.
Now have a short class discussion and see if you can agree on the (three to five) most
important reasons for interior migration (within the country itself) in South Africa. List them below:
2. Why do so many people prefer to live in cities?
You already know that urbanisation is a world-wide phenomenon. As the world’s population
continues to increase, the demand for housing keeps growing. Housing needs are particularly high in urban areas, because most people want to live there. Cities and major towns are getting bigger and bigger, while smaller towns become deserted.
Some states and island states such as Singapore and Bermuda have become 100% urbanised.
Monaco, a small state bordering on the Mediterranean Ocean, is also 100% urbanised. In fact this state is a city in itself!
Activity 3:
To establish where people prefer to live – in cities or in rural areas
[LO 3.3]
Table 3.3.
The phrases below are listed in alphabetical order – some of them indicating a preference
for not living in rural areas, others pointing towards the attractions of urban life. The migration to big towns and cities brings about two processes at the same time: a
depopulation of rural areas and an increased population of the urban areas
(urbanisation).
Assignment:
Write a D next to phrases referring to the depopulation of rural areas, and U in the squares next to the phrases highlighting the attractions of city life.
Table 3.4.
(a)
Factories offer many work opportunities
(b) Shortage of hospitals
(c)
Enough good schools and short distances to and from school
(d) Higher salaries and wages in general
(e)
Big variety of entertainment and recreation available
(f)
Big variety of job opportunities available
(g) Easy to change jobs
(h) Children mostly far from schools
(i)
Mechanisation leads to fewer job opportunities
(j)
Problems with travelling due to a lack of public transport
(k) Ample choice of public transport
(l)
Wages too low in some cases
(m) Too quiet for those who prefer company
(n) Sufficient health services and hospitals
(o) Limited job opportunities in small towns
3. Causes and effects of the widespread interior migration in S.A.
Study the four newspaper reports dealing with the main causes and effects of the current migration between the Eastern and the Western Cape.
WCED IN FINANCIAL CRISIS DUE TO INFLUX OF CHILDREN FROM OTHER AREAS
Jorisna Bonthuys
CAPE TOWN - The influx of thousands of learners from other parts of the country to the Western Cape is responsible for the overcrowding of schools, as well as the financial problems experienced by the Department of Education.
At least 33 000 of the approximately 900 000 learners in the Western Cape come from other
provinces. Many of them are from the Eastern Cape.
Apart from the WCED’s annual budget of R4,2 billion, another R800 million is needed. Although 58 schools have been built since 1995, there is a shortage of up to 2 500 classrooms (at 81
schools) to meet the learners’ needs.
The provincial Minister of Education has said that it is impossible to obtain the additional amount of money. According to the minister the present budget is insufficient as it is. Although education authorities had been making provision for the arrival of these learners, the big increase in numbers has surpassed all expectations.
According to the principals of fourteen high schools in the Khayalitsha area, over 3 000 extra learners turned up, while about 2 000 learners have not yet registered.
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.
Translated from: Die Burger, 11 August 2004
MIGRATION FROM THE EASTERN CAPE BECOMES A CRISIS
Carien du Plessis
MTHATHA - Migration from the Eastern Cape to Cape Town is reaching critical proportions, the city manager of the Cape Town City council, Dr Wallace Mgoqi, has said.
Over 20 000 families or heads of families per year are leaving the province to find jobs in the Western Cape, but there are no houses and the city council can build only about 11 000 houses per year. Cape Town is already experiencing a backlog of 42 000 houses.
The migrants do not leave the province on a permanent basis.
Mgoqi said many of them return to their families within the first six months.
Mr Gcobani Maswana, spokesman for the Eastern Cape department of social development, said
the migrants also return when they fail to find jobs or when they start to notice aids symptoms.
The migrants who return to the Eastern Cape then apply for disability grants, causing them to rely heavily on the already overburdened welfare system. The department is presently revising 78 000
of these applications, as many of them are false.
Mgoqi said the Cape City Council has now come to realise that this is a mutual problem. Last week the city council signed an agreement with the O.R.Tambo District Municipality and the
University of the Transkei to help kerb this type of migration.
According to the agreement, the first of its kind between the two provinces, these three bodies are planning to exchange information, especially about economic development, to improve services for their citizens. Tax benefits are already being planned for industries providing jobs for locals in the Mthatha area.
Mgoqi said these plans will take shape within the next month.
He also referred to the enormous potential for development, especially in the tourism sector.
Much more should be done to enlarge the capacity of this rural municipality in respect of housing, services and jobs. All state departments must join hands to help.
Maswana said the main cause of migration is poverty.
The Eastern Cape government has set aside funds for public job creation programmes that offer people the opportunity to acquire skills.
In addition, the provincial government has a growth and development programme teaching people how to plough and plant food in order to make them self-sufficient.
About 1,8 million people live in the O.R. Tambo district municipality and the Western Cape will not be able to absorb all these people unless actual steps are taken to prohibit migration. “Very few people realise the seriousness of the situation. This is a time bomb,” Mgoqi said.
Most of the migrants to Cape Town come from the Eastern Cape.
Mgoqi said many of them come from neighbouring countries and then migrate as far as Cape
Town.
Translated from: Die Burger, 11 August 2004
4. The population of the Western Cape is growing very fast, especially in and around Cape Town Activity 4:
To discuss the problems around migration
[LO 1.6]
a) Newspaper report no. 4 mentions the main reason for migration. Copy that particular sentence in big letters in the space provided below.
b) Three of the most important problems confronting the government are mentioned in reports 1
to 3. Describe each of these problems in a sentence or two.
c) In report 4 we read about the agreement between the municipal authorities of the City of Cape Town and the O.R. Tambo district municipality in the Eastern Cape. These two authorities
understood the problem and made a joint effort to find a solution. In your own words, say what they (1) identified as the problem and (2) how they intend to solve it. (3) Give your own opinion on this approach to the problem. Is this a good or a bad idea? Why?
d) What is the underlying reason for the large-scale permanent migration of people who leave the Eastern Cape to settle in the Western Cape?
2.2 But what about the Eastern Cape? Doesn’t the loss of a large section of its population affect the Eastern Cape?
A lot of attention has been paid to the effect of new residents pouring into the Western Cape. You have just completed an assignment on the reasons for and the solutions to this problem. And you have taken note that dealing with this challenge is not the sole responsibility of the Western Cape!
What is the key word to the solution? (c…………….)
Now we are going to look at the effects on areas which had been left behind by so many people.
Activity 5:
To list the effects on community life
[LO 3.2]
b) Churches:
c) Retail:
d) Job availability:
e) Municipal services:
Now decide if such a major loss of inhabitants as an advantage (+) or disadvantage (-) for the area, and write the appropriate symbol in the square provided.
Assessment
Table 3.5.
Learning Outcomes(LOs)
LO 1
GEOGRAPHICAL ENQUIRYThe learner will be able to use enquiry skills to investigate
geographical and environmental concepts and processes.
Assessment standards(ASe)
We know this when the learner:
1.2 organises and interprets information relevant to the enquiry from simple graphs, maps, and statistical sources [works with sources];
1.5 uses information to suggest answers, propose alternatives and possible solutions [answers the question];
1.6 reports on the inquiry using evidence from the sources including maps, diagrams and
graphics; where possible uses computers in the presentation [communicates the answer].
LO 3
EXPLORING ISSUESThe learner will be able to make informed decisions about social and
environmental issues and problems.
We know this when the learner:
3.1 identifies challenges to societies and settlements, with focus on population growth and
change [identifies the issue];
3.2 identifies the factors that contribute to population growth and change [factors affecting the issue];
3.3 identifies processes that affect population growth and change in various places [factors affecting the issue];
3.4 suggests ways of responding to issues associated with population growth and change in a
particular context [makes choices].
Memorandum
This learning unit has been designed not only to enable learners to understand migration, but also to cultivate an understanding of the people whose lives have been affected most by the
phenomenon.
A grade 7 learner cannot be expected to display the insight and decision making skills of an adult.
Rather concentrate on cultivating a comprehension of problematic situations instead of looking for solutions.
Activity 1:
The Karoo and the North Western Cape (a part of Namaqualand)
Gauteng
Activity 2:
Section A
the movement of people
people who leave the country
c) people who enter the country
Section B
People are looking for a better life (*).
Workers are transferred to work elsewhere.
Workers apply for another job and must then move.
People retire and then settle elsewhere.
People return to areas that were taken from them under the previous political dispensation.
(*) Probably this is the most obvious phenomenon in South Africa, and will be discussed in
greater detail later in the module.
Activity 3:
The D represents the powers that cause people to leave rural areas, whereas the U represents the attractions of city life. Where do people want to live?
Table 3.6.
(a)
Factories offer many work opportunities
U
(b) Shortage of hospitals
D
(c)
Enough good schools and short distances to and from school U
(d) Higher salaries and wages in general
U
(e)
Big variety of entertainment and recreation available
U
(f)
Big variety of job opportunities available
U
(g) Easy to change jobs
U
(h) Children mostly far from schools
D
(i)
Mechanisation leads to fewer job opportunities
D
(j)
Problems with travelling due to a lack of public transport
D
(k) Ample choice of public transport
U
(l)
Wages too low in some cases
D
(m) Too quiet for those who prefer company
D
(n) Sufficient health services and hospitals
U
(o) Limited job opportunities in small towns
D
Activity 1:
a) PEOPLE LOOKING FOR A BETTER LIFE
or
PEOPLE WANT TO ESCAPE FROM POVERTY
b) (1) Presently there are hopelessly too many learners for the schools.
The WCED cannot keep up with building new schools.
1. The migration patterns are not going to change.
(3) People are erecting shacks in places that are not suitable for building.
In winter the living conditions of people in squatter camps (informal settlements) are critical.
c) (1) Poverty and poor living conditions due to a shortage of job opportunities are the main reasons.
The improvement of living conditions of the people of the Eastern Cape is their main purpose.
This will be achieved if more jobs are created and ways are found to make the people self
supporting.
Most learners will probably recognise that it is a good plan. What they must realise is that the plans must be sustainable.
d) POVERTY
Activity2:
a) Schools become empty, or if schools were over utilised, conditions would improve.
b) Church members leave, and churches struggle to meet their commitments.
c) There are fewer clients, as a result shop owners struggle.
d) Because there are fewer job seekers, the remaining people will find odd jobs to do. The
situation might arise that there are not enough people to do the work.
e) Municipal services will improve, and because service delivery is poor, less pressure will be exerted.
3.2. Long term effects of migration on the population*
SOCIAL SCIENCES: Geography
Grade 7
POPULATION GROWTH AND CHANGES
Module 8
The long term effects of migration on the population
Activity 1:
To illustrate the long term effect of migration on population structures
[LO 3.3]
1. How has the demography of the world been influenced by long term migration?
1.1 Colonisation and slavery played an important role to give the world population its present features.
Slavery can be regarded as a form of forced migration, to put it mildly. Although slavery was already known in Biblical times, the four centuries between 1450 and 1850 were notorious for large scale slavery in the previous millennium. The Arabs, British, Dutch, Portuguese, Spaniards, French and Danish bought slaves, mostly in Africa, but also in the East, and sold some of them in Europe, but they were mostly intended for the new colonies occupied by European countries.
These colonies refer to newly discovered (for Europeans) territories that fell into the hands of European nations between 1500 and 1900, by means of treaties, annexation or war. The fact that European languages such as Spanish and English, and to a lesser degree French, are spoken all over the world today, is a result of colonisation. North America, South America, Africa, extensive parts of Asia, Australia and New Zealand were “divided” among the European nations.
The results of the practice of colonialism and slavery is not difficult to see today.
Athletes taking part in the finals of the 100 m at the Olympic Games are often black and
English-speaking, but they seldom represent an African state. They usually represent the USA, Canada, the island states known as the West Indian Islands, and so forth. These athletes’
forbears were in most cases taken as slaves and transported to the country which they now
represent.
Citizens of colonies that gained their independence could quite easily emigrate to the
“motherland” (where the colonial powers came from). This is how many people from e.g. India, Africa and the West Indian Islands ended up in Great Britain and other European states.
In our own country the legacy of slavery and colonialism is evident from the composition of
our population.
2.2 Contemporary migration patterns
You have already learnt that many Western nations, such as Germany and the Scandinavian
countries, have “old” or “ageing” populations. These countries often have problems getting
enough workers (on all levels). Also countries with a particularly high economic growth
sometimes need skilled and unskilled labour to maintain this growth. On the other hand, people from rapidly growing populations with a “dead” economy, pursue success in other countries.
Contemporary migration patterns are therefore mostly determined by economic considerations.
Apart from the fact that not many German youths are presently joining the labour force, Germans have for the past few decades not been particularly fond of manual labour. To address the shortage of workers, thousands of people from “poor” countries were allowed to take on jobs in Germany.
In due course they were joined by their families, so