Botshabelo: The face of ‘orderly urbanisation’?∗

Abstract

Botshabelo (also known as Onverwacht) is the largest relocation area in South Africa, but very little is known about it. Towards the middle of 1986 a multi‐purpose survey was conducted in this area, covering, among others, topics such as cooperative development, the informal sector, the roles of religion and of women in development. social services and the general experience of urbanisation. The main research findings centre on the politico‐ideological factors responsible for the establishment of Botshabelo, the consequences of the uncontrolled and uncontrollable urbanisation process, the absence of broad political and social solidarity and the specific forms of dependency facing Botshabelo. The majority of the population of Botshabelo find it difficult to cope with the demands of urban life. Various characteristics of a culture of poverty are present and there is a lack of integrated participation by a wide spectrum of participants in the area as a whole. The way in which Botshabelo came into being is by no means conducive to the formation of a sense of belonging. Direct efforts have to be launched in order to break the stalemated position of Botshabelo's political, economic and social dependency. In this regard the need for opinion leaders, active involvement by women, the informal sector and cooperative development as well as the necessity for a high degree of participation are listed.

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