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INTRODUCTION

In implementing this Guideline, it is important to take into account the changing spatial realities and
the socioeconomic environment in the country. These changes will continue to affect the demand for
services, and need to be considered when making decisions about what and where to invest in government
infrastructure and services.

Inter-provincial as well as international migration patterns significantly influence the provincial population
numbers and structures.

Migration trends include the movement of people from rural areas, former homeland areas and farmlands
to urban areas. People are moving to the peri-urban fringe and informal settlements around small towns,
secondary cities, coastal urban centres and the metropolitan cities, especially Johannesburg and Cape
Town.

Migrating households choose the best combination of access, affordability, earning and social environment
they can find. Most of the urban migration stream is moving into shack settlements, which is placing a
heavy new strain on infrastructure and service delivery as well as subsidy housing development.

Figure 2: Population densification trends over time - City of Johannesburg (Statistics SA)

Departments require up-to-date demographic data and
information on human settlement trends

Urban informal settlements are often turbulent and crowded. Conditions tend to be bad in some settlements
but there is generally better access to work and earning potential. Many may not get jobs and may have to
live on social grants. Government delivery will need to be ahead and alert, and establish service centres
in the right places.

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