An assessment of the influence of urbanisation on informal settlement patterns at Msunduzi local municipality.

Abstract

Rapid urbanisation in South Africa is a serious development challenge that needs urgent attention. There are several reasons for the increased migration into urban areas including a search for employment opportunities, search for healthier quality of life, and immigration of foreign nationals both skilled and unskilled. The aim is to assess the main trends, causes and consequences of rapid urbanisation and provide suggestions to improve public urban development and management. The study was informed by the New Urban Sociology Approach that explains that urbanisation is influenced by the interaction of several factors; local, national, and global forces with emphasis on economic activities. The study used an exploratory research design. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology. Qualitative methodology allowed the researcher to collect in-depth data on the influence of urbanisation on informal settlement patterns at Msunduzi Municipality. The target population for this study included Mayor, Municipal Manager, Municipality officers involved in addressing informal settlements, and Councillors at Msunduzi local municipality. Empirical data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews and document analysis. The study used thematic analysis. Findings of the study indicated that besides metropolitan areas, secondary cities and major towns are experiencing an increase in the number of households. This study recommended that municipalities should look at the nature, causes and influence of urbanisation on socio-economic development. This will contribute towards understanding dynamics, trends with a view to inform public policy development and management of urbanisation. The recommendations from this study will inform the improvement of urban development and management in Msunduzi Municipality and KwaZulu-Natal province.