Browsing by Author "Davies, R J"

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    Cango Cave, Oudtshoorn District of the Cape Province, South Africa : an assessment of its development and management 1780-1992 : short title, Management problems at Cango Cave
    (1992) Craven, Stephen Adrian; Grindley, J R; Davies, R J; Marker, Margaret E
    No detailed investigation has been previously made of the legal status, administration, history, management, finances, and conservation status of a show cave in South Africa. This study, using archival sources and field work, makes a thorough assessment of Cango Cave, a well-known show cave in the Swartberg foothills north of Oudtshoorn in the Cape Province of South Africa. Repeated field trips to Cange Cave and to other caves in the area have confirmed the environmental deterioration of Cango Cave and its surroundings. This study has shown that such deterioration has been caused by human pressures on a non-renewable resource. Reading of the extensive Government and other archives, supplemented by newspaper and other published material, has for the first time enabled the scientific, administrative and financial history of the Cave to be available in one document. Analysis of this assembled evidence, augmented by reading between the lines where the evidence is occasionally missing, has shown the reasons for the failure of successive Cave managements during the past two centuries to operate on a conservation basis. This failure to conserve Cango Cave has occurred despite the avowed policy of every political master of the Cape since 1820 that the Cave is a national asset which shall be conserved. The thesis commences with a description of the location and topography of Cango Cave, followed by a review of cave conservation literature and a summary of the published information on the Cave. There follows a detailed account of the discovery and development of the Cave from 1780 until 1992, and an assessment of its financial status. The impact of humans on the Cave, and its conservation status, are examined in detail. The above data are then discussed at length, and the reasons for the present unsatisfactory management structure identified. Having demonstrated the past and present management failures at Cango Cave, recommendations are made for better management structures and for the necessary applied research. Such research will provide the information which is essential for the future management of Cango Cave on a conservation basis.
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    Development in Cape Town's Central Business District : the office component
    (1985) Rideout, Timothy William; Davies, R J; Dewar, Neil
    The first part of the thesis covers the background to the research, namely (a) a selective review of previous work in the field of office development and location studies and the subsequent identification of the objectives of the present research, (b) a summary of the historical development of the central area of the City of Cape Town, (c) the definition of the study area, this being the Central Business District of the city of Cape Town and (d) a discussion of the collection of land use and gross floor area data, the identification and resolution of problems in the data and the administering of a postal Questionnaire to 1,400 office establishments in the CBD. This section also covers the problem of identifying and delimiting land use clusters. The technique selected for use in such delimitation was that developed by D. H. Davies (1965) augmented by the development of three 'indices of clustering '. The second part of the thesis presents, by means of thirty-three detailed maps, a comprehensive analysis of office land use patterns in the Cape Town CBD in 1983. Clusters are indicated according to the Davies technique. It was found that many office functions exhibited clustering in distinct parts of the CBD and, moreover, certain functions appeared to show close similarities in their respective location patterns. A factor analysis identified six groups of similarly located land uses, on which basis a model of the spatial organization of the CED was proposed. Data, derived from the postal questionnaire, on the characteristics and requirements of individual office functions was used to explain the location patterns. Previous studies have usually considered linkages as being the primary locational determinant for the office sector, but in this case it was found that clustering and the existence of similar location patterns between office functions usually arose from a combination of common locational requirements. The major locational determinants were found to be the rent paying ability of establishments, the relative importance of the accessibility of the establishment to either general public or commercial clients, the existence of strong linkages with other functions (especially where such functions were eccentrically located with respect to the CBD, such as the Docks) and in some cases the importance of occupying prestige premises. The comparatively minor role of linkages with other functions was considered to be a reflection of the relatively small size of the CBD. The thesis concludes with a study of past trends and future projections of the development of the CBD. The growing dominance of the office sector is clearly revealed, as is the effect of the Foreshore Reclamation Scheme in promoting a northward migration of the Office Core while leaving the Retail Core largely unchanged from its 1957 location. On the basis of current development projects it was projected that there would be considerable short-term vacancy in the office sector by late 1986. In the longer term, though, gross floor area requirements for all uses are predicted to rise by almost 50% to 3.475 million square metres by the year 2000. Such development of all of the space currently permitted by the Town Planning Scheme raises the possibility of space shortages and the loss of remaining historic buildings.
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    From Salisbury to Harare : the geography of public authority finance and practice under changing ideological circumstances
    (1988) Dewar, Neil; Davies, R J
    This study is based on the assumption that money 'powers the urban system'. Its focus is the geography of public finance in Harare and ideologically inspired change in urban management. The context is the changing circumstances attendant upon the transfer of power from minority White settler colonial rule to Black majority rule in Zimbabwe. The ruling ZANU-PF party professed a continuing ideological commitment to the principles of "Marxist-Leninist-Maoist" socialism. It was surmised that application of these principles to the discharge of urban management and to the provision of public goods and services by a Black City Council would have been reflected in changing trends in the generation, allocation and distribution of public funds. Expressed as an aphorism, the geography of public finance investigates 'who gets what, where; who pays, who benefits, who decides, and who decides who decides'. These issues are addressed in the present study. Annual income and expenditure on both capital and revenue accounts for selected Council operations, were analysed in an attempt to identify significant trends from 1978 to 1984. Analytical methods include regression analysis, tests for statistical significance, multi-variate analysis and shift-share analysis. Local authority organisation and practice in colonial Salisbury is described as a basis for the evaluation of changing patterns of public service delivery after independence. Perceptions of priority issues for the city's growth and development were solicited from Councillors in a structured, open-ended questionnaire, and Council by-laws were analysed for evidence of change in the regulation and control of urban activities. Major findings include: 1. that the accounting procedures employed by the City Council are inappropriate for geographical analysis; 2. that the organisational structure and operational procedures of the Council, particularly with respect to urban finance remain virtually unchanged; 3. that the financial and other data provide evidence of the reallocation and redistribution of public funds to redress the colonial legacy of inequality; but 4. that fundamental structural change consistent with criteria indicating transition to a socialist urban space-economy has not occurred. Evidence is advanced in support of these conclusions and major reasons are suggested.
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    Informal selling in central Cape Town
    (1989) Macdonald, Anne; Cook, G P; Davies, R J
    The aim of the thesis is to use a particular set of informal sellers in central Cape Town to focus study on aspects of informal sellers that have not previously been given high priority in analysis of the informal economic sector. In so doing, insight into the perceptions of informal sellers (in terms of their work or informal selling situation) and an evaluation of the relationships between informal sellers, the formal sector and government authorities will be gleaned. The work is based on, and extends, data provided by an in-depth Cape Town City Council survey conducted in 1985. The specific objectives of the study are, firstly, to provide comparisons on the number of informal selling outlets over a one year time period. Secondly, to identify and analyse the characteristics and locations of informal selling outlets. Thirdly, to investigate and analyse the operation of the different types of informal selling outlets in some detail. In particular, the backward and forward linkages affecting such outlets will be the focus of attention. In addition, it is intended to establish the attitudes of the formal sector and government authorities towards informal sellers, and vice versa.
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    Mining, dependence, and post-independence urbanisation in Botswana : sustainable development?
    (1990) Haynes, Michael J; Davies, R J
    Botswana has been considered as one of the few post-independence development successes in Africa. The country's recent status is attributable to the growth of the minerals sector, with diamonds and copper/nickel matte forming the basis of exports and government development revenues. Mining has not only been responsible for boosting export earnings, but has also stimulated most recent urbanisation, resulting in the some of the highest urban growth rates in sub-Saharan Africa. The problem of urban in-migration has been compounded by a bias in development expenditure, with the towns receiving a disproportionately large share of scarce resources. All new towns since independence have been established as service centres for the mines, with limited wider development occurring. Resultant vulnerability and instability in the urban sphere has been reflected in the case of Selebi-Phikwe, where a decline in the copper/nickel industry has threatened the future integrity of the town. That mining has not contributed towards development which is sustainable over the long terms calls into question, the resilience of Botswana's progress. A political-economic analysis of the development history of Botswana indicates a continuity between colonial neglect and the migrant labour system, and the current problems of dependence on the mining sector and external employment opportunities. The reasons for the dearth in diversified productive activity in mining towns in Botswana are related to an externally orientated development policy, with dependence on the world mineral markets. As the mining industry is based on the extraction of finite, non-renewable resources and is susceptible to fluctuations in mineral pricing, towns exclusively based on mining are latently unstable and have similarly finite lives. The problem is compounded by the lack of a local entrepreneurial class capable of stimulating the 'modern' sector which is related to the historical lack of an urban elite in the country. Given that there has been minimal associated development of productive opportunities outside of the primary sector in Selebi-Phikwe, the Government has instituted a crisis management strategy to deal with the situation. Proposals to diversify the economic base of Selebi-Phikwe are focused on attracting foreign investment, as a means of stimulating local, export-orientated industrialisation. As the incentives for locating in the town are primarily based on cheap, malleable, labour supplies, transnational investment is likely to be of a highly mobile nature and is unlikely to sustain employment and development in Selebi-Phikwe Certain conclusions are drawn from the experience of Selebi-Phikwe: Firstly, the problem of continuity in Selebi-Phikwe has historical roots indicating that short term panaceas are unlikely and that structural solutions are needed. Secondly, the town's fate holds important implications for the maintenance and support of the wider urban system in Botswana. Thirdly, expectations of indefinite economic prosperity have been generated in part, by continual Government emphasis on urban infrastructural development, something which is potentially problematic given the potential for urban discontinuity. A more rational evaluation of the urban sector in Botswana is required. With the precarious foundations of urbanisation in Botswana borne in mind, surplus revenues generated by mining should be channelled into rural employment creation rather than urban areas. An approach which treats the urban question in its entirety is required. There is thus a real need for a national development programme which integrates population and environmental policy with rural and urban sector planning, and which bases future development on the criteria of equity and sustainability.
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    Socio-economic impact assessment of De Beers Namaqualand Mines closure in 2002
    (1992) McCulloch, Gregory; Davies, R J
    This summary contains three sections. Firstly a review of the Baseline Information Report followed by a presentation of the findings of this assessment report. The findings are the impacts of closure. Finally mitigatory measures are recommended. The Baseline Information Report, 5/92/87, was produced by the Environmental Evaluation Unit (EEU) with the assistance of the 1 992 Masters students of the department of Environmental and Geographical Science. Its primary aims were to introduce the NM 2005 study, describe methods used and present results. A brief description of its contents follows : De Beers Namaqualand Mines (DBNM) commissioned the EEU to undertake a study, seeped to assessment ofthe socio-economic effects of mine closure and recommendations for mitigation. The effects or impacts; vary in their magnitude and significance further more they effect a wide range of people and organisations. To establish the magnitudes and significance of the socio-economic effects, the environments of Namaqualand and the Transkei region, in which the impacts are to occur, needed definition. The defined environments acted as a baseline for changes brought about through DBNM closure. Firstly, the history of the Namaqualand people and their socio-economic activity trends was established and issues were put in context. History indicates Namaqualand went through a land-grabbing phase, during which the Khoi Khoi people were dispossessed of their land to make way for trekboer farming and copper and diamond mining (Fig, 1991). The latter industries continue to dominate the region today, providing labour opportunities for Namaqualand's coloured majority and 58 %of the region's gross geographic product in 1991. The agricultural and fishing industries are marginal and are expected to remain that way (Dunne, 1988). Secondly, the Transkeian environment, its history and trends were established using the Herschel District as microcosm for study. The results indicated a history of forced removals. The present subsistence community are struggling with poor infrastructure and are heavily dependant on pensions and money sent home from migrant labourers. Having established some background the report continues by describing the social effects which could be felt by the DBNM employees, their dependants, their communities and other interested and affected parties. The social effects were gauged through surveys, meetings, written and telephonic correspondence. The employees were divided into three groups; Namaqualand, Transkei and mine town, based on the regions the employees called "home". The survey results showed that the three groups were distinctly different. Indicating that group members along with their dependants and communities, could be effected by DBNM closure to different levels of significance. Their concerns with closure, revolved primarily around; unemployment and the lack of opportunities, education, quality of life and the regional economy. The groups also suggested mitigation such as the establishment of a development aid fund, returning DBNM land to the Rural Coloured Areas and DBNM involvement in local projects. The economic effects will be felt by businesses who deal with DBNM and its employees. The businesses in the Namaqualand region are likely to experience the most significant effects. While the national and international communities are likely to be influenced to a lesser extent. Economic effects were established through the examination of macro-fiscal flows, input-output analysis and a business survey in Namaqualand. The macro scale study was covered by the input-output analysis which found South Africa, outside of development region A, is likely to experience the largest financial loss, greater than that of the local region and the international community. In particular, the services and machines sectors were predicted to experience the greatest loss due to closure. On a micro scale, the survey of Namaqualand businesses indicates that 17 % of the regions turnover emanates from dealings with DBNM and its employees. DBNM closure would result in business closures (3 % in Springbok and 5 % elsewhere in Namaqualand) and retrenchments (a predicated 250 or 4. 7 % of business employees) primarily in Springbok, Steinkopf and Komaggas.
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    Trading in Soweto
    (1990) De Montille, Sandra; Davies, R J
    The present study aims to examine the history, role and functions of trading in Soweto. The study documents the development of black trading in South Africa from the turn of the century to the mid-1980s. The imposition of increasingly restrictive legislation and negative attitudes towards black trading through the mid-1970s led to the development of small-scale, illegal trading operations, especially hawking. During the 1980s the restrictive legislation was relaxed and attempts, both legislative and financial were made to foster black business. The contemporary structure, form and functions of Soweto as an entity, and as part of metropolitan Johannesburg, are outlined. This is used as a backdrop to the discussion of the legislative constraints and case study analysis of trading in Soweto. The literature review examines the contributions of both the diffusionist paradigm and its offshoot, reformism, as well as various strands of the Marxist paradigm to studies of trading in Third World situations. The chapter then turns to an alternative construct, structuration, as a framework within which to place the study of trading in Soweto. The core of the study is a case study of trading in Soweto. To this end both traders and consumers are scrutinized and traders are ranked along a continuum from petty traders, small-scale and of ten illegal and mobile; to large-scale, formal, sanctioned traders. To carry out this analysis four areas were selected from the townships of Soweto, in pairs of contrasting socio-economic levels, and with two of the areas containing nodal concentrations of shops. The areas are Diepkloof, Dube, Moletsane and Pimville. Questionnaire interviews were conducted with consumers selected by systematic sampling of houses in the pre-selected areas, with traders operating from formal business premises, who were identified through the consumer survey and through fieldwork. The case study profiles the characteristics of formal 'and petty traders and investigates the differences in character between food, clothing and alcohol traders. Next is an investigation of the traders in Soweto in the context of metropolitan Johannesburg. An attempt to determine the degree to which petty traders are functional or alternatively dysfunctional to capital (i.e., formal enterprises) is undertaken. The theory of structuration is explored to investigate the actions of actors, namely traders and consumers. Legislative, economic and political institutions are examined as structures which may be both constraining and enabling for these actors under different circumstances. It is concluded that considerable diversity exists among the traders in Soweto and that, although government policy has moved from repression to active support of black businesses, the actual number of "formal" traders in Soweto has declined in recent years. The functionalist argument that petty traders provide low-cost goods which sustain the low wages paid to employees of formal enterprises, is not borne out by the data. It is felt, however, that the State benefits from the existence of petty traders as they ameliorate the need for a well- developed welfare system. Similarly, this group's demonstrated capacity to produce employment opportunities is seen as a survival strategy rather than part of a sustained development of the urban economy. The analysis of the actors in the context of structuration in this study adds an important dimension to research beyond that offered by structural-functionalist accounts of the Marxist paradigm. Future research on trading in Soweto and in other geographical locations may be profitably enhanced by the adoption of a structurationist perspective.