Spatial Development Framework
Pixley ka Seme Local
Municipality
Spatial Development Framework: Final Report
ACRONYMS
CPI Central Place Index
DFA Development Facilitation Act
DM District Municipality
GGP Gross Geographic Product
GSDM Gert Sibande District Municipality
IDP Integrated Development Plan
LM Local Municipality
LUMS Land Use Management Systems
MDC Maputo Development Corridor
MISF Mpumalanga Integrated Spatial Development Framework
MSA Municipal Structures Act
NSDI National Spatial Development Initiative
NSDP National Spatial Development Perspective
PGDS Provincial Growth and Development Strategy
PRAC Provincial Rural Administration Centre
RSC Rural Service Centre
RSS Rural Service System
SDF Spatial Development Framework
SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment
SERC Small Emerging Rural Centre
SMME Small Medium Macro Enterprises
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES 6
LIST OF FIGURES 6
LIST OF MAPS 6
1. INTRODUCTION 7
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT 7
1.2 NEED FOR THE PROJECT 7
1.3 WHAT IS A SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK? 7
1.4 HOW IS THE SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK TO BE USED? 8
1.5 HOW DOES THE SDF LINK TO THE IDP 9
1.6 PLANNING PROCESS 12
1.7 PARTICIPATION AND CONSULTATION 15
1.8 STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT 15
2. OVERVIEW OF LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES 17
2.1 INTRODUCTION 17
2.2 SUMMARY OF RELEVANT LEGISLATION 18
2.3 SUMMARY OF RELEVANT GUIDELINES, POLICIES AND STRATEGIES 20
2.4 KEY FINDINGS 25
3. MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW 28
3.1 LOCALITY 28
3.2 AREA 28
3.3 BOUNDARIES AND NEIGHBOURS 28
3.4 KEY FEATURES 28
3.5 ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS 29
3.6 SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHICS 32
3.7 SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS 33
3.8 ACCESS TO SERVICES 35
4. REGIONAL OVERVIEW 38
4.1 MSUKALIGWA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY 38
4.2 LEKWA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY 38
4.3 THABO MOFUTSANYANE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 39
4.4 AMAJUBA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 39
4.5 ZULULAND DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 39
4.6 MKHONDO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY 40
5. ANALYSIS OF CURRENT SPATIAL PATTERN 41
5.1 INTRODUCTION 41
5.2 URBAN COMPOSITION 41
5.3 RURAL LAND USE 42
5.4 TRANSPORT NETWORK 47
5.5 UTILITIES 48
5.6 SOCIAL FACILITIES 50
5.7 ECONOMIC AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE 50
5.8 KEY FINDINGS 50
6. VISION AND MISSION 52
6.1 MUNICIPAL VISION AND MISSION 52
6.2 IMPLICATIONS FOR THE SDF 52
6.3 KEY INDICATORS 52
7. DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES 54
7.1 INTRODUCTION 54
7.2 CONCENTRATION 55
7.3 CONNECTIVITY 56
7.4 CONSERVATION 56
7.5 SUMMARY 57
8. SPATIAL MODEL 58
8.1 NEED FOR A MODEL 58
8.2 ALTERNATIVE MODELS 58
8.3 SELECTION OF AN APPROPRIATE MODEL 66
8.4 CUSTOMISING THE MODEL 67
8.5 APPLICATION OF THE MODEL AT A DISTRICT LEVEL 69
9. SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 73
9.1 INTRODUCTION 73
9.2 REVIEW OF PROJECT COMPONENTS AND PROCESS 73
9.3 DISTRICT SDF SUMMARY 75
9.4 LOCAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 89
9.5 KEY INTERVENTIONS 96
9.6 ALIGNMENT 99
9.7 CONCLUSION 102
10. LAND USE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 104
10.1 WHAT IS A LUMS? 104
10.2 WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF A LUMS? 104
10.3 LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES 106
10.4 HOW DO YOU PREPARE A LUMS? 108
10.5 HOW DO YOU GET APPROVAL FOR A LUMS? 111
10.6 ROLE OF LOCAL MUNICIPALITY IN RESPECT OF LUMS 111
10.7 POINTS OF DEPARTURE FROM THE SDF 113
10.8 CONCLUSION 114
11. CONCLUSION 115
REFERENCES 117
APPENDIX 1: DIAGRAMS 120
APPENDIX 2: MAPS 121
APPENDIX 3: DOCUMENTS REVIEWED 122
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT STUDIES 122
PURPOSE OF REVIEW 122
LIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWED 122
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Population 32
Table 2: Urban-Rural Split 32
Table 3: Education 33
Table 4: Gender 33
Table 5: Working Age 33
Table 6: Employment 34
Table 7: Labour Force by Sector 34
Table 8: Household Income 35
Table 9: Water Supply 35
Table 10: Refuse Disposal 36
Table 11: Sanitation 36
Table 12: Energy Supply 36
Table 13: Telecommunications 37
Table 14: Dwelling Type 37
Table 15: Environmental Opportunities and Constraints 43
Table 16: Mpumalanga Integrated Spatial Framework Ranked Major Urban Centres 76
Table 17: Classification of Hubs 81
Table 18: Possible Hub Facilities 82
Table 19: Legislative Alignment 99
Table 20: Policy Framework 100
Table 21: Spatial Framework 102
Table 22: LUMS Priority Areas 114
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Relationship between the SDF, IDP and other Municipal Plans 11
Figure 2: Key Informants of the SDF 12
Figure 3: Planning Process 14
Figure 4: Development Principles 55
Figure 5: City of eThekwini Structuring Elements 60
Figure 6: The Rural Service System (RSS) Model 65
Figure 7: Components of the Spatial Development Framework illustrated
conceptually 68
Figure 8: Process components informing the Spatial Development Framework 74
Figure 9: The legislative framework informing LUMS. 108
LIST OF MAPS
Map 1: Locality 41
Map 2: Administrative Boundaries 41
Map 3: Land Use 41
Map 4: Land Cover and Settlement Hierarchy 41
Map 5: Conceptual Environmental Analysis 42
Map 6: Conservation/ Biodiversity 44
Map 7: Hydrology 45
Map 8: Soil Potential 45
Map 9: Transport Network 47
Map 10: Access to Services 48
Map 11: Educational Facilities 50
Map 12: Health Facilities 50
Map 13: Social Facilities 50
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT
In response to a requirement for all municipalities to prepare Spatial
Development Frameworks for their areas of jurisdiction as part of their
Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), SiVEST SA was duly appointed by the Gert
Sibande District Municipality to prepare Spatial Development Frameworks for the
District and its seven local municipalities.
1.2 NEED FOR THE PROJECT
According to the Municipal Systems Act (MSA) all municipalities are obliged to
prepare Integrated Development Plans (IDPs). In terms of the core components of
an integrated development plan as per section 26 of the MSA, an integrated
development plan must reflect, inter alia, a spatial development framework
which must include the provision of basic guidelines for a land use management
system for the municipality.
The SDF is a therefore a spatial representation of the municipalitys vision
and is to be used to guide the location of development as envisaged in the IDP.
1.3 WHAT IS A SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK?
A Spatial Development Framework (SDF) is a plan that seeks to guide overall
spatial distribution of current and future desirable land uses within a
municipality, in order to give physical effect to the vision, goals and
objectives of the municipal IDP.
It is a spatial representation of the creation of integrated and habitable
urban and rural areas and provides general direction to guide decision-making
and action over a multi-year period.
The intention of a SDF is to provide an appropriate land-use management
system. The SDF thereby informs development decisions and creates a framework
for investment confidence that facilitates both public and private spending.
A SDF is strategic and indicative in nature and is prepared at a broad
scale. While the SDF is indicative of where it wants to enforce certain types of
land uses, it is not prescriptive with regard to the way each and every piece of
land is used. There is no need for an area-covering determination of land use
zones in a SDF.
An SDF should include:
Spatial development trends and issues;
Localised spatial development principles and includes specific strategic
guidelines for spatial restructuring and spatial integration, and a spatial
representation of all development objectives and strategies with a spatial
dimension;
The location of all capital projects;
A strategic environmental assessment;
Guidelines for Land Use Management;
Broad policy intentions for land use and development;
Land reform issues and related projects or project components; and
Maps to inform land management and investment decisions and which indicate
spatial objectives and strategies.
As the SDF is a spatial representation of a desired outcome, it is represented
visually through maps. It is important that the maps inform land management and
investment decisions and therefore, must indicate precisely:
Preferential and focal areas for certain types of land use;
Areas for which certain types of land use are excluded; and
The location of IDP projects (to provide evidence of compliance of the IDP
with the spatial objectives and strategies reflected in the map).
The SDF is supposed to form a legally binding component of the IDP. Therefore
the SDF needs to be specific and precise in cases where it wants to enforce or
to prevent certain types of land use. It does not operate in isolation from
other planning initiatives initiated by the municipality.
In sum, the Spatial Development Framework is indicative of the broad use of
land and the directions of future development. It reflects land uses such as
major transport routes, future transport links, environmentally important areas
and key potentials and constraints. A Planning Scheme or Land Use Management
Scheme (LUMS) will then be used to flesh out the broad detail shown in such a
framework.
1.4 HOW IS THE SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK TO BE USED?
An Integrated Development Plan (IDP), is the principal strategic planning
instrument which guides and informs all planning and development, and all
decisions with regard to planning, management and development, in the
municipality (Section 35 of the Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000) (hereafter
referred to as the MSA). As an integral part of an IDP, an SDF is a visual tool
to guide planning and development as underpinned in the IDP of a municipality.
The SDF is the framework to guide development as envisaged in the IDP.
The purpose, and therefore intended use, of a SDF is to guide all decisions of
a municipality relating to the use, development and planning of land and should
guide and inform:
Direction of growth
Major movement routes
Special development areas for targeted management to redress past imbalances
Conservation of both natural and built environment
Areas in which particular types of land use should be encouraged or
discouraged
Areas in which the intensity of land development could either be increased or
reduced
As the SDF provides a broad framework for land use planning, it must be used
to guide the municipality for the management of land and facilitate the land
management process.
A SDF must therefore ensure that public and private sector money and
activities are located in areas that can best:
Promote economic generation potential
Maximise opportunities for the poor
Promote accessibility
Minimise the cost of physical expansion
Ensure that people are well located
Promote a sustainable environment
According to the MSA, the IDP, of which the SDF forms a part, forms the policy
framework and general basis on which annual budgets must be based (Sec 25
(1)(c)). The municipal council is politically accountable for deciding and
conducting its affairs in line with the approved IDP. The IDP also serves as a
means of performance management.
Therefore, the SDF is a legal framework, which guides development in the
municipal area, and thus needs to be as accurate as possible with respect to the
information presented for guidance and decision-making.
1.5 HOW DOES THE SDF LINK TO THE IDP
Integrated development planning is seen as a tool for developmental local
government. It is a mechanism to restructure our cities, towns and rural areas,
eradicating the development legacy of the past. One of the means through which
integrated development planning intends to achieve this is through the
formulation of a spatial development framework that provides a spatial overview
of planned public and private sector investment.
The SDF is a spatial representation of the vision and is a primary component
of the annually reviewed IDP. The SDF is an integrated part of the IDP, the
formulation of which forms part of the integration phase in the preparation of
the IDP. In terms of the core components of an integrated development plan as
per section 26 of the MSA, an integrated development plan must reflect, inter
alia, a spatial development framework which must include the provision of basic
guidelines for a land use management system for the municipality. The SDF,
being an integrated plan, is to be compiled on the basis of the project
proposals and the localised strategic guidelines of the IDP. The integration of
projects and programmes ensures consistency in regard to cross-cutting aspects
such as financial feasibility, spatial effect, economic, social and
environmental impacts.
The diagram below indicates the relationship between the SDF, IDP and other
plans to be formulated by the municipality, informed by the MSA.
Figure 1: Relationship between the SDF, IDP and other Municipal Plans
The following diagram shows the key informants of the SDF and how it is informed
by the vision, goals and objective of the IDP.
Figure 2: Key Informants of the SDF
1.6 PLANNING PROCESS
The status quo analyses were chiefly informed by the IDP (Revision) documents
which were obtained from the relevant local authorities and supplemented by any
other existing documents such as structure plans, old SDFs and LDOs.
The scope and budget of the project did not make provision for primary
research to be undertaken, and hence, all assessments have been based on
existing / secondary research.
Following the local status quo analyses, the District status quo analysis was
undertaken which was dually informed by the local analysis process as well as
the District IDP. Where additional regional documents and information was
available such was also considered and incorporated where relevant.
Subsequent, the Districts vision and mission were interpreted, a spatial
model was compiled and development principles were defined which culminated in
the formulation of the Gert Sibande DM draft SDF.
As a next step this draft SDF was superimposed on each local area to serve as
a platform for discussion and processing with the relevant LM during a
one-on-one workshop. The LM workshops were held between the consulting team and
the relevant local municipality (officials and / or councillors) which enabled
good communication and sharing of information.
Following the workshops draft Local SDFs were compiled.
After that the local SDFs were applied at the district level to update the DM
SDF and achieve uniformity between the two levels of governance.
Figure 3: Planning Process
1.7 PARTICIPATION AND CONSULTATION
PSC meetings
Workshops
Client meetings
Others
1.8 STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT
This report is structured as follows:
Section 1: Introduction
in which the background to the project is explained and the concept and contents
of a spatial development framework are examined
Section 2: Municipal Overview
in which a brief overview of the municipalities key features are presented
Section 3: Regional Overview
in which the influence of the neighbouring municipalities and economic hubs on
Gert Sibande District Municipalities is discussed
Section 4: Overview of Legislation and Guidelines
in which legislation and guidelines pertaining to the preparation of spatial
development frameworks are outlined
Section 5: Overview of Relevant Studies
in which previous studies that present findings of relevance to the preparation
of the spatial development framework are reviewed
Section 6: Analysis of Current Spatial Pattern
in which the spatial pattern of the municipality is examined and understood
Section 7: Vision and Mission
in which the vision and mission of the municipality as contained in its IDP are
examined and the spatial implications of them understood
Section 8: Development Principles
in which theoretical development principles that should be met if good spatial
form is to be acquired are outlined
Section 9: Spatial Model
in which alternative spatial models are examined and one appropriate to the
municipality is selected
Section 10: Spatial Development Framework
in which an ideal spatial form for the municipality is proposed
Section 11: Land Use Management Systems
in which the points of departure from the spatial development framework towards
the preparation of a LUMS are outlined
Section 12: Conclusion
in which the process followed in the preparation of the spatial development
framework and the final product are summarised and a way forward for the
municipality is proposed
2. OVERVIEW OF LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES
2.1 INTRODUCTION
While the very nature of integrated planning requires the plan to take into
consideration all sectors of development such as transport, housing, environment
and land reform, this section will highlight the legislation and policy
guidelines formulated with the specific intent to guide integrated development
planning.
A product of the integrated development planning process is an integrated
development plan (IDP). A key component of this IDP is the preparation of a
Spatial Development Framework (SDF) with a Land Use Management System (LUMS)
that can be applied to the whole municipality. There is however, a need to
bridge the gap in terms of legislation between integrated development plans and
the detailed requirements of land use management applies at municipal level.
There is no specific legislation or regulations detailing this in Mpumalanga
at the time of writing. The preparation of Spatial Development Frameworks is
guided by the MSA regulations and there is no specific legislation or
regulations pertaining to the preparation of a LUMS (this will be dealt with in
greater detail under section 10).
However, the Mpumalanga Provincial Government has published their Provincial
Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) for 2004 2014 that set the course for
growth and development in the province in line with it vision of
Reconstruction, development and sustainable growth; with employment and
redistribution. The provincial PGDS has been aligned with the National Spatial
Development Perspective (NSDP) and deals with six priority areas of
intervention.
Nationally, this gap is being filled to an extent by the draft white paper on
spatial planning and the national land use bill (2001), which seeks to establish
land use planning as a key component of Integrated Development Plans. The
national land use bill (will) establish the framework to guide spatial planning,
land use management and land development throughout the republic and requires
all municipalities to prepare Land Use Schemes to regulate the use and
development of land.
In terms of approval, IDPs (of which the SDF is an integral part) have to be
approved by the municipal councils only. The approved IDP is to be submitted to
the MEC for local government who may request the municipality to amend the plan
if it does not comply with legal requirements or development plans or strategies
of other municipalities or spheres of government. The approved spatial
development framework (with the IDP) is then a legally binding document for all
land use management decisions. The municipal council is then politically
accountable for deciding and conducting its affairs in line with the IDP, and,
the IDP also serves as a means of performance management.
2.2 SUMMARY OF RELEVANT LEGISLATION
The key legislation in terms of the preparation of IDPs is the Municipal
Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000) (MSA). Section 26 of the MSA obligates all
municipalities to prepare an IDP (which must include land use management as part
of its spatial development framework) as the primary and overriding management
tool. In terms of Section 26 of the MSA, core components of integrated
development plans, an integrated development plan must reflect:
The municipal councils vision for the long term development of the
municipality with special emphasis on the municipalitys most critical
development and internal transformation needs;
An assessment of the existing level of development in the municipality, which
must include an identification of communities which for not have access to basic
municipal services;
The councils development priorities and objectives for its elected term,
including its local economic development aims and its internal transformation
needs;
The councils development strategies which must be aligned with any national
or provincial sectoral plans and planning requirements binding on the
municipality in terms of legislation;
A spatial development framework which must include the provision of basic
guidelines for a land use management system for the municipality;
The councils operational strategies;
Applicable disaster management plans;
A financial plan, which must include a budget projection for at least the next
three years; and
The key performance indicators and performance targets determined in terms of
section 41 (of the Act).
As such, there is a legal obligation for municipalities to prepare a spatial
development framework in terms of section 26 of the MSA. The preparation of a
SDF is guided by the Municipal Systems Act Regulations which states that a
spatial development framework reflected in a municipalitys integrated
development plan must:
Give effect to the principles contained in chapter 1 of the Development
Facilitation Act 1995 (Act No. 67 of 1995);
Set out objectives that reflect the desired spatial form of the municipality;
Contain strategies and policies regarding the manner in which to achieve the
objectives referred to in paragraph (b), which strategies and policies must:
Indicate desired patterns of land use within the municipality;
Address the spatial reconstruction of the municipality; and
Provide strategic guidance in respect of the location and nature of
development within the municipality.
Set out basic guidelines for a land use management system in the municipality;
Set out a capital investment framework for the municipalitys development
programs;
Contain a strategic assessment of the environmental impact of the spatial
development framework;
Identify programs and projects for the development of land within the
municipality;
Be aligned with the spatial development frameworks reflected in the integrated
development plans of neighbouring municipalities; and
Provide a visual representation of the desired spatial form of the
municipality, which representation:
Must indicate where public and private land development and infrastructure
investment should take place;
Must indicate desired or undesired utilisation of space in a particular area;
May delineate the urban edge;
Must identify areas where strategic intervention is required; and
Must indicate areas where priority spending is required.
Additional sections of the MSA to note include:
In terms of section 24, the municipality must align its planning with the
development plans and strategies of other affected municipalities and organs of
state to give effect to the principles of co-operative governance contained in
section 41 of the Constitution.
Section 35 (2) of the MSA states a spatial development framework contained in
an integrated development plan prevails over a plan as defined in section 1 of
the Physical Planning Act, 1991 (Act No. 125 of 1991).
The respective level of detail between the local municipality and district
municipality SDFs is not clarified in the MSA or the regulations.
As an integral component of the IDP, the SDF must also adhere to the
requirements of the Local Government: Municipal Planning and Performance
Management Regulations, 2001 (Government Notice 22605, 24 August 2001). In
summary, the SDF must:
Give effect to the Chapter 1 development principles of the Development
Facilitation Act (DFA) (Act 67 of 1995);
Set out objectives that reflect the desired spatial form of the city;
Contain strategies and policies regarding the manner in which to achieve the
objectives;
Set out basic guidelines for a land use management system;
Set out a Capital Investment Framework for the municipalitys development
programs;
Contain a strategic assessment of the environmental impact of the Spatial
Development Framework;
Identify programs and projects for the development of land within the
municipality; and
Provide a visual representation of the desired spatial form of the
municipality, including:
Identification of where public and private land development and infrastructure
investments should take place;
Delineation of the urban edge if feasible;
Strategic interventions; and
Priority spending areas.
2.3 SUMMARY OF RELEVANT GUIDELINES, POLICIES AND STRATEGIES
The national land use bill and white paper on spatial planning and land use
management provide guidelines on spatial development.
2.3.1 WHITE PAPER ON SPATIAL PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT
In terms of the White Paper on Spatial Planning and Land Use Management, a
spatial development framework must guide and inform the following:
Directions of growth
Major movement routes
Special development areas for targeted management to redress past imbalances
Conservation of both the built and natural environment
Areas in which particular types of land use should be encouraged and others
discouraged
Areas in which the intensity of land development could either be increased or
reduced
The white paper states the primary purpose of the spatial development
framework is to represent the spatial development goals of a local authority
that result from an integrated consideration and sifting of the spatial
implications of different sectoral issues. The spatial development framework
should not attempt to be comprehensive. It should take the form of a broad
framework that identifies minimum public actions necessary to achieve the
direction of the plan. It must have sufficient clarity to guide decision makers
in respect of development applications. It should describe the existing and
desired future spatial patterns that provide for integrated, efficient and
sustainable settlements. In this regard, the spatial development framework
should:
Only be a strategic, indicative and flexible forward planning tool to guide
planning and decisions on land development
Develop an argument or approach to the development of the area of jurisdiction
which is clear enough to allow decision-makers to deal with the unexpected (e.g.
applications from private sector)
Develop a spatial logic that guides private sector investment. This logic
primarily relates to establishing a clear hierarchy of accessibility;
Ensure the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the area;
Establishes priorities in terms of public sector development and investment,
and
Identify spatial priorities and places where public-private partnerships are a
possibility.
2.3.2 THE NATIONAL LAND USE BILL (21 JUNE 2002)
In terms of the Bill, a municipality has to prepare a municipal SDF. In terms
of the definition, this is the same SDF referred to in chapter 5 of the MSA.
In terms of the Bill, the SDF must:
Give effect to directive principles
Be consistent with the national land use framework
Be consistent with the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy of the
province.
Be consistent with any applicable national and provincial legislation on
environmental management
Give effect to any national and provincial plans and planning legislation.
A SDF must further reflect:
A status quo on land use including any spatial dysfunctionality.
A framework reflecting the desired spatial growth patterns.
A multi-sector based spatial plan to achieve the desired spatial goals
including:
Correction of past spatial imbalances and the integration of disadvantaged
persons / categories of persons;
Settlement linkages with respect to appropriate transport routes; and
Vacant land analysis which should include issues such as strategically located
vacant land, ownership of such land, current zoning, value, surrounding land
uses, geotechnical conditions, most suitable use.
A multi-sector resource plan for the implementation of the SDF.
The Bill does not refer to cross-border (District Municipality-District
Municipality, province-province) alignment of SDFs nor does it make reference to
the respective responsibilities of the SDF at local and district levels. The
bill does however state those local municipalities within a district
municipality must align their respective SDFs with one another.
2.3.3 MPUMALANGA PROVINCIAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (2004 2014)
An analysis of the Mpumalanga province in respect of its population profile
and economy has alluded to the identification of the following key challenges
and opportunities:
Economic Development
Development Infrastructure
Social Development
Sustainable environmental Development
Good Governance
Human Resource Development
Some of the key issues pertaining to the above are described in more detail
hereunder.
2.3.3(a) Economic Development
The dominant economic sectors, in terms of GGP, in the province are highly
capital intensive but only represent a small proportion of the employed.
The inability of the Province to provide formal employment has resulted in an
increase in the number of people that resort to the informal economy.
The dominant manufacturing industries are refined petroleum products,
chemicals, rubber and plastic. This sector is very capital intensive and only
provides 11,2 % of the jobs in the province. A key policy challenge is to
further downstream beneficiation of dominant sectors.
More than 70% of the countrys energy is produced in Mpumalanga but in recent
years the sector has shed 6500 jobs.
The mining sector is relatively capital intensive and accounts for 20 % of the
provincial output but only provides 8 % of the jobs.
Mpumalanga hosts the 3rd most foreign tourists in the country. However, the
share of the Gert Sibande District herein is relatively small.
The wholesale and retail sector contributes 8,2 % to the provincial output and
employs 14%.
The fastest growing sectors in the province are the financial, insurance, real
estate and business services.
Agriculture activities provide jobs far in excess of their contributions to
the Provincial GGP.
Four local municipalities dominate gross value added in Mpumalanga and produce
more than 70% of the provincial GGP, notably Govan Mbeki, Steve Tshwete,
Mbombela and Emalahleni.
The following strategic thrusts have informed the development of programmes:
Enhance the provincial economic development to improve the quality of life for
all.
Prioritise the advancement of the second economy to address poverty and
unemployment.
2.3.3 (b) Development Infrastructure
In total 12,9 % of households are below basic level of access to water.
The percentage of households that use electricity for lighting increased from
56,6 % to 68,6 % from 1996 to 2001. There are 15 power stations in the province.
There has been an increase in the number of households below basic access to
sanitation.
The percentage of households below basic access to telephones has decreased.
The housing backlog in the province is in region of 113 000.
A total of 3,4 % of the provinces land has been transferred as part of the
land reform programme.
The following strategic thrust has informed the development of programmes:
The development of multi faceted infrastructure to address basic needs and
improve the quality of life.
2.3.3 (c) Social Development
Health facilities in rural areas remain a challenge, particularly TB, Malaria,
HIV and Aids as key causes for mortality.
Crime has to be reduced in the whole Province.
The provision of Sport and Recreation facilities are not adequate.
The Province is home to numerous sites of cultural and natural significance
that need to be preserved but also used to enhance tourism development.
Interventions should also be targeted in support of women, youth, disabled
people and other vulnerable groups.
The following strategic thrust has informed the development of programmes:
Attain high levels of social development that will ensure a well-educated
citizenry that is healthy, sage and has access to sufficient recreational
facilities.
2.3.3(d) Sustainable Environmental Development
It is known that the global environment continues to suffer because of human
development. However, the success of all development initiatives depends on the
sustainable utilisation of natural resources.
The following key issues are noted:
The Mpumalangas per capita waste generation is higher than the national
average.
The Province is the largest producer of hazardous waste in the country.
As three quarters of the national electricity supply is produced in the
province, the area suffers from high levels of air pollution.
There are three centres of endemism in the province.
The following strategic thrust has informed the development of programmes:
To ensure sustainable development and environmental management.
2.3.3(e) Good Governance
To ensure effective integration and coordination of service delivery within
and amongst provincial departments as well as between spheres of Government.
The following strategic thrusts have informed the development of programmes:
Enhance and develop the institutional capacity of the public sector to ensure
effective and efficient service delivery.
Promote and enhance co-operative governance for integrated service delivery.
Promote a culture of accountability and transparency in the public sector.
Improved integrated service delivery through innovative and proactive
practises.
Strengthening of the partnerships and community participation in development
and service delivery,
2.3.3(f) Human Resource Development
Economic growth and development strategies that are not backed up by strategic
human resource development are destined to fail. As such, the high unemployment
levels in the Province together with a shortage of technologically skilled
manpower severely constrain economic growth and competitiveness. The challenge
is to transform the present labour force.
The following strategic thrusts have informed the development of programmes:
Invest in peoples skills to promote service delivery, economic growth and
development.
To focus higher education institutions to meet the skills demand of the
Province.
Improve access to and ensure quality education.
2.4 KEY FINDINGS
There is a plethora of policy documents and legislation that provide spatial
strategic guidelines for each sector of development. Examples include:
The Development Facilitation Act
The White Paper on South African Land Policy
The Housing Act
The Housing White Paper
Green Paper on Development and Planning
National Environmental Management Act.
However, the spatial guidelines contained in the vast majority of legislation
and policy documents can be summarised as:
Promote the integration of social, economic, institutional and physical
aspects of land development.
Promote integrated development in rural and urban areas, and with each other.
Promote residential and employment opportunities, and in close proximity with
each other.
Optimise existing resources.
Promote diverse combination of land uses.
Promote compact cities and discourage urban sprawl.
Assist in correcting historically distorted settlement patterns, and optimise
the use of existing settlements.
Encourage environmental sustainability.
Meet basic needs in economically and environmentally efficient manner, and,
should be viable.
Provision must be made for security of tenure and different tenure options.
Land development should be co-ordinated so as to minimise conflict and
stimulate competition.
There should be a rapid release of land for development.
That the disturbance of eco-systems and loss of bio-diversity are avoided, or
where they cannot be altogether avoided, minimised and remedied.
Pollution and degradation of the environment is avoided, or where they cannot
be altogether avoided, minimised and remedied.
Disturbance of landscapes and sites that constitute the nations cultural
heritage are avoided, or where they cannot be altogether avoided, minimised and
remedied.
In addition to taking cognisance of all national, provincial and local
government policies and legislation that affect a particular municipality in the
formulation of its IDP, the MSA Regulations, are a tool to guide the formulation
of SDFs. These can be summarised as follows:
Adherence to the principles of the DFA.
Reflect the desired patterns of land use.
Address the spatial reconstruction of the municipality.
Provide strategic guidance with respect to location and nature of development.
Contain basic guidelines for a LUMS.
A Capital Investment Framework (contained in the financial section of the IDP).
A strategic assessment of the environmental impact of the SDF.
Identify programmes for the development of land.
Be aligned with the SDFs of neighbouring municipalities.
Must include a visual representation of desired spatial form with respect to:
Location of public and private land development
Indicate desired and undesired use of land
Delineate the urban edge/s
Indicate strategic intervention areas.
3. MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW
3.1 LOCALITY
Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality is located in the south of Gert Sibande
District Municipality of Mpumalanga Province.
The main settlements in the municipal area are Volksrust, Vukuzakhe,
Sinqobile, Ameersfoort/Zamokuhle, Perdekop, Zizameleni, Wakkerstroom and rural
area Waggakraal.
3.2 AREA
Pixley ka Seme Local Municipality is 5227.9 km² in extent
This equates to 16.4% of the Gert Sibande land mass.
3.3 BOUNDARIES AND NEIGHBOURS
Pixley ka Seme Local Municipality is bounded by Msukaligwa Local Municipality
to the north, Lekwa Local Municipality to the west, Mkhondo Local Municipality
to the east and KwaZulu-Natal to the south.
The municipality within KwaZulu-Natal is Newcastle Local Municipality and the
one in the Free State Province is Phumelela Local Municipality.
3.4 KEY FEATURES
Volksrust provides commercial as well as administrative functions to the
surrounding area of the Local Municipality.
The Vaal River forms part of the municipalitys northern boundary.
The R23 and N11 are the major roads traversing the municipal area.
The national rail network also traverses the municipality.
Agriculture is the major contributor to the GGP in the municipal area.
3.5 ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS
3.5.1 Climate And Air Quality
The Municipality is situated in a subtropical climate zone, where rainfall
occurs in the summer months between September and May.
Throughout the region, 95% of the rainfall is received during the summer six
months, October to March, but the month of maximum precipitation is either
January or February.
The western portions of the municipality can receive between 600-800mm/yr and
the eastern portion can receive between 800-1000mm/yr.
In the summer temperatures range from as high as 40°C during the day to 10°C
in the evening. Winters are milder and temperatures usually vary between 20°C
during the day and 10°C at night.
Hail is particularly destructive of crops in many parts of South Africa but
the occurrence of very severe hailstorms in the Lowveld is comparatively rare.
Hailstorms of average severity may be expected in the region during the summer
months. Winds blow mainly from the east but their actual destination varies from
place to place according to local topographic effects. Gales are however rare,
and damage to crops from this source is insignificant.
Frost does occur, but apart from light frost which may occur from May to
August, the period during which ordinary frosts may be expected is less than 30
days per year.
Five pollution transport pathways across the highveld with regards to wind
direction were determined according to wind directions over South Africa. The
most relevant transport pathway in the Gert Sibande District Municipality is the
direct transport towards the Indian Ocean and recirculation over the
subcontinent.
3.5.2 Topography/Geology/Soil Potential
The Municipality is fairly flat with most of the area with a slope of less
than 9%. A few hilly areas are located on the southern and south eastern
boundaries.
The Seme Local Municipality is underlain predominantly by shale, arenite and
dolerite intrusions of the Karoo Supergroup.
Other major underlying rock types are Mudstone and arenite.
The soil potential of the Municipality is dominated by soils that are not
distinguished into any dominant class as well as a few areas with an
intermediate soil potential.
A small area of highly arable soil occurs in the central regions of the
Municipality. The soils in the south eastern parts of the Municipality are
mostly suitable for forestry and grazing.
The dominant land use in the Municipality is agriculture which could
potentially impact the soil quality of the area through incorrect farming
practices and pesticide use.
Major forestry plantations are present on the eastern boundary of the
Municipality which could potentially impact negatively on the surrounding
environment. Several protected areas including the
Wakkerstroom lake complex are included in this Municipality, hence the
potential impacts from forestry and agriculture are crucial to their
conservation.
3.5.3 Hydrology And Wetlands
The Seme Local Municipality falls mostly within the Upper Vaal Water
Management Area. Parts of the municipality in the east fall within the Usutu /Pongola
and Thukela Water Management Area.
Due to the location of a number of major catchment divides in the
municipality, rivers in the municipality are tributaries of the Vaal, Thukela or
Pongola Rivers respectively.
The Vaal River forms part of the northern boundary of the municipality.
Water quality in the municipality is adversely affected by diffuse pollution
from agricultural activities, as well as by sewage outflows in the municipality,
and by mining activities, where they occur.
A number of important wetlands are found within the municipality. A
concentration of vleis occurs along the seasonally inundated floodplain of the
Vaal River on the northern boundary of the municipality.
The south of the municipality has Wakkerstroom Wetland complex which is a is a
local and national important wetland system, part of which has been designated a
protected area.
The area around Wakkerstroom contains the headwaters of 3 major river systems.
The Wakkerstroom wetland complex is one of the few peatland wetlands within
South Africa. Peatlands act as centres of biodiversity, as carbon sinks, and are
an important component of the hydrological functioning of drainage systems in
which they occur.
Seepage areas important to the functioning of the upper Vaal River are to be
found in the north of the municipality.
Wetland loss in the area is primarily caused by agricultural land-use, with
erosion and draining of wetlands being the main threats to wetland hydrological
functioning.
However wetland threats in the municipality also include the damming of
wetlands (e.g. for trout farming), the expansion of the timber industry; and, in
the Wakkerstroom area, also the expansion of coal mining; especially open cast
coal mines.
3.5.4 Biodiversity
The Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality is home to some important biodiversity
areas.
The highest biodiversity is located in the southern and eastern portions of
the municipality near Wakkerstroom and north of this area. Biodiversity tends to
be considerably lower in the western potions of the area.
Negative impacts on biodiversity are primarily from agriculture and forestry
which impacts on the ecological and hydro systems of an area.
The area is dominated by Themeda Veld (Turf Highveld (Acocks, 1988) in the
west and North Eastern Sandy Highveld in the east. A band of Themeda Veld to
Highland Sourveld runs through the centre of the area. A small area of Southern
Tall Grassveld exists in the extreme south of the municipality.
These veld types have all been transformed over the entire Mpumalanga to some
degree by various land uses.
3.6 SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHICS
9.0% of the Districts population is located in Pixley Ka Seme Local
Municipality.
Table 1: Population
Population density in the municipality is 15.4 people per km2 which is lower
than the district population density of 28.6 people km2.
The average annual population growth rate is 2.8% per annum.
27% of the population is located in urban areas with 73% residing in rural
areas.
Table 2: Urban-Rural Split
35.3% of the population older than 20 years is illiterate. This is higher than
the District figure of 26.3% of illiterate adults.
Only 4.3% of the population older than 20 years has a higher education and the
majority of the literate population has secondary education (34.9%).
Table 3: Education
There are more females (53%) than there are males (47%) in the municipal area.
Table 4: Gender
3.7 SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS
56% of the total population is in the working age group.
Table 5: Working Age
13% of the total population is economically active. Almost half of the
economically active population (49%) is employed. 51% of the economically active
population is unemployed. This equates to a dependency ratio of 1:6.8. This is
higher than the District dependency ratio of 1:5.
Table 6: Employment
The key economic sectors within which the majority of the labour force is
employed is agriculture, forestry and fishing (23.5%); private households
(20.1%); community, social and personal (16.2%).
Table 7: Labour Force by Sector
Poverty levels are high with 27.9% of households receiving no monthly income
Table 8: Household Income
3.8 ACCESS TO SERVICES
More than 82.5% of households in the municipal area have access to clean
tapped water either in house or from community stand pipes.
Table 9: Water Supply
51.9% of the households have access to refuse disposal services provided by
the municipality. Almost half of the households in the municipal area do not
receive refuse collection services and use either communal or private dump
sites.
Table 10: Refuse Disposal
51.4% of households have access to proper sanitation services. The remaining
48.6% of the households use either chemical toilets, pit latrines, bucket
latrines, VIPs or have no sanitation in their households
Table 11: Sanitation
66.9 % of households have electricity connections. Households with no
electricity use candles (29.3%) and paraffin (2.7%)
Table 12: Energy Supply
45.1% of households are dependant upon public telephones for communication.
23.4% of the households in the municipal area have access to cell phone
networks.
Table 13: Telecommunications
The majority of households (58.5%) live in formal dwellings. 11.5% live in
informal dwellings and 30.1% live in either traditional or other types of
dwelling
Table 14: Dwelling Type
4. REGIONAL OVERVIEW
Diagram 1: Regional Context
Where the municipal overview concentrates expressly on the municipal area
having an inward focus, the regional overview has an outward focus considering
the area surrounding the Municipality.
Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality is bounded by the following areas:
Msukaligwa Local Municipality;
Lekwa Local Municipality;
Thabo Mofutsanyane State District Municipality;
Amajuba District Municipality;
Zululand District Municipality; and
Mkhondo Local Municipality
4.1 MSUKALIGWA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
Msukaligwa is the most centrally located municipality in Gert Sibande DM and
therefore abuts many of the other local municipal areas.
It is an important rural area forming part of both the national maize triangle
and the north-south forestry spine. However, rurally it has little impact on its
surrounding areas other than to achieve environmental continuity.
Second to the Secunda complex, Ermelo is the largest urban area in the
District providing a range of tertiary services and facilities, including one or
two colleges. Hence, it attracts consumers from elsewhere but is in no way a
drain for its neighbours.
4.2 LEKWA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
Lekwa LM is a predominantly rural area, which is intensively and commercially
cultivated. The main produce is maize and cattle. Like other local
municipalities in Gert Sibande, Lekwa LM falls within the national maize
triangle.
The largest urban area is Standerton which is centrally located within the
local municipal area. It is a diversified town accommodating a range of tertiary
services. From there a network of roads criss-cross the area providing access to
smaller rural centres which cater for the rural hinterland.
Rural continuity is evident between Lekwa and its surrounding municipalities,
and hence, rather than competition, these areas complement each other.
4.3 THABO MOFUTSANYANE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
Thabo Mofutsanyane DM is situated in the north-eastern corner of the Free
State Province. While no SDF or any other local documentation could be obtained
it is held that the Districts primary composition is rural and that land
practices constitute commercial farming.
Though the area abuts a portion of the Vaal River and the Klip River, little
tourism opportunities have been explored as is the case on the Gert Sibande DMs
side of these Rivers.
It is deemed that the adjoining land uses are compatible and complementary.
4.4 AMAJUBA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
Amajuba District Municipality forms part of KwaZulu-Natal and is located south
of Volksrust, Volksrust being on the provincial boundary. Amajuba DM is largely
rural in composition with its major urban centre being Newcastle (approximately
70km south of Volksrust). The closest town to Gert Sibande is Charlestown, which
according to the Amajuba DMs SDF is a service satellite. While many of the
residents from Charlestown trade in Volksrust, so many Volksrust residents trade
in Newcastle. A symbiotic relationship exists.
Despite boundaries an interrelationship exists between Pixley Ka Seme LM and
Amajuba DM which in all likelihood benefits both municipalities. A continuum is
evident in terms of spatial development and the environment.
4.5 ZULULAND DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
Zululand District Municipality is located in the north-eastern corner of
KwaZulu Natal, abutting Pixley Ka Seme and Mkhondo Local Municipalities. The
District is by and large rural in composition and such is reflected in the
Districts SDF.
The District proposes the rural development of the region focussing
particularly on agricultural projects and land redistribution. There are few
settlements within the northern abutting area and hence limited impacts are
anticipated.
From where the N2 passes into Zululand DM the SDF proposes the establishment
of a development corridor which has a strong tourism bias. Such may have an
impact on Mkhondo LM, but such impact is expected to be positive rather than
negative.
4.6 MKHONDO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
Mkhondo LM is characterised by vast forestry plantations interrupted by rural
settlements. Forestry forms a continuum towards the north into Albert Luthuli
and Msukaligwa LMs and the entire area contributes well to national timber
yields.
The largest urban area is Piet Retief which is centrally located. It is a
diversified urban area catering sufficiently for itself and some of its smaller
neighbours, yet in some instances is still reliant on larger areas such as
Ermelo.
Mkhondo LM does not have any significant impacts on its neighbours and is
rather complementing than competing.
5. ANALYSIS OF CURRENT SPATIAL PATTERN
5.1 INTRODUCTION
Map 1: Locality
Map 2: Administrative Boundaries
Map 3: Land Use
Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality is situated on the southern point of
Mpumalanga Province between Lekwa and Mkhondo Local Municipalities. On the whole
it is a rural area with only one major urban centre namely Volksrust, which is
located on the provincial boundary of KwaZulu Natal. For the rest, there are a
few minor settlements, which include Wakkerstroom, Amersfoort, Siyazenzela,
Perdekop and Daggakraal. In total the municipality covers an area of
approximately 5 227km² in which ±86 000 people live.
5.2 URBAN COMPOSITION
Map 4: Land Cover and Settlement Hierarchy
5.2.1 MAJOR URBAN AREAS
Volksrust together with Vukuzakhe can be classified as a major urban area. It
is estimated that 25% of the 86 000 people, reside in Volkrust/Vukuzakhe which
confirms that it is the largest settlement area in Pixley Ka Seme.
Volksrust is a large urban centre which is located on the N11 and on the
Mpumalanga / KwaZulu Natal border. The N11 is an important transport route for
tourists and freight and has, in part, led to the diversified development of
Volksrust
The town is well served with engineering and social services and hence
supports itself as well as the surrounding hinterland.
5.2.2 MINOR URBAN AREAS
There are several minor urban areas in the municipality. These vary in size
and composition, but are essentially regarded as minor because of their lack of
economic diversification, thus, for a large part having stayed rural support
centres.
Wakkerstroom is located along the R543 east of Volksrust. It is a small urban
area but disposes of a police station, library, schools and some retail sites.
Its economy is gradually growing as the area is starting to transform from a
mere agricultural support centre to a tourist destination given the wide variety
of bird species to be found in the area.
In terms of population distribution Daggakraal is a large urban area,
accommodating 33% of the population. Unlike Volksrust it is not situated on a
main road, and is in fact removed from the N11. It can therefore not tap into
the opportunities offered by the through-traffic, and consequently, economic
diversification is limited.
Amersfoort is situated further north of Daggakraal on the intersection of the
N11 and R35 from Bethal. It is a small urban centre with limited retail
facilities, only few tertiary services, has a railway station and adjoining
silos, a police station and municipal offices. It, henceforth, accommodates very
basic infrastructure and services rendering it a minor urban settlement.
5.2.3 DECLINING URBAN AREAS
Perdekop is situated on the R23 between Volksrust and Standerton. It is a very
small urban area appearing to be minimally active. Economic decline is surely
setting in as the town is also by-passed by the R23, hindering by-passing
traffic spin-offs from boosting the town.
5.3 RURAL LAND USE
Map 5: Conceptual Environmental Analysis
5.3.1 INTRODUCTION:
The rural land use in Pixley Ka Seme is dominated by agricultural activities,
many of them subsistence in their nature. The southern edge of the area is
vitally important for biodiversity and conservation with beautiful high
ridges/mountains and low lying wetlands. Forestry, although not dominant, exists
on the eastern boundary of the area in small patches.
The sustainability of the ecology of the Pixley Ka Seme area is dependant on
the delicate interrelationship between the natural flora, fauna and general
environmental parameters of the area. The aforementioned determine the spatial
layout and land use of the area to a large degree.
A number of environmental opportunities and constraints have been identified
at a broad level. These are detailed below, and are also represented in the
relevant map.
Table 15 illustrates a break down at a local municipality level.
Table 15: Environmental Opportunities and Constraints
Local Municipality
Area of Biodiversity importance Tourism Potential Forestry Heavy Industry &
Mining Agriculture
Opportunity Constraint
Seme Dominant Limited No No Dominant
5.3.2 MINES AND QUARRIES
Overview
There is some mining in the Pixley ka Seme Local Municipality. Mines in
operation are scattered around the municipality and include sand, dolerite and
coal mining. The eastern Highveld coalfield which lies between Ermelo and
Volksrust is partly situated the municipality. Small scale open cast coal mining
was noted to the east of Wakkerstroom.
Industry is also scattered within the municipality. There is some light
industry in Volksrust. The Majuba power station is located in the Volksrust
area.
Impacts
Any impact of mining in the municipality is likely to be localised. Opencast
mining would be likely to cause dust problems and sedimentation in local
watercourses.
Coal mining, especially strip mining, is likely to cause soil contamination,
pollution of local watercourses through acidification, groundwater pollution,
and emission of atmospheric pollutants, and generally habitat loss and
degradation of sensitive ecosystems.
Emissions from coal-fired power stations cause impaired air quality.
There is concern over the spread of coal mining in the Wakkerstroom district.
The area is of high conservation value due to the extensive wetlands found
there. The spread of mining would seriously threaten the integrity of the
wetlands and other habitats in the area.
5.3.3 CONSERVATION AREAS
Map 6: Conservation/ Biodiversity
Overview
The Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality has a number of vitally important
conservation and biodiversity areas that have regional importance. Important
conservation areas occur in the southerly parts, particularly around
Wakkerstroom. The grasslands that run in a north south direction from Carolina
through Seme to Wakkerstroom form a continuous band of important biodiversity.
The Versamel Mountains situated within the Municipality create an opportunity
to link important conservation areas within the greater Gert Sibande District
Municipality.
An important development is the Ekangala Grassland Biosphere Reserve which is
in the process of being established and formalised. This large area is vital for
the conservation of this important biome. This area has its northern boundary in
the Wakkerstroom area, and then extends through the Seme Municipality.
The Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality incorporates some of South Africas
precious wetlands. These wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining the
ecological integrity of an area and consequently have a high conservation value.
Some wetlands are under threat by forestry activities in the area. Wetlands
have an important conservation value, functioning as important ecological green
belts providing areas for natural bird and animal life to migrate as well as
areas that the communities can use for cattle grazing.
The Wakkerstroom wetland is a very important ecological wetland as a vital
catchment for the Vaal and Pongola Rivers and its rich diversity of plant and
animal life.
The wetland systems are home to all three the crane species occurring in South
Africa namely the Blue, Crowned and Wattled Cranes, as well as other protected
bird, frog and plant species.
There are also a number of Natural Heritage sites within the municipality.
According to the data sources available, these areas are located around
Wakkerstroom (Tafelkop, Boskop, Wakkerstroom and Kombewaira), as well as a large
area near Warburton called Theespruit.
Large portions of grassland near the Wakkerstroom region remain in
near-pristine condition because this region has not been considered well-suited
for the cultivation of timber or crops and the grazing animals.
The distribution of areas important for bird conservation area located
primarily in a broad north south axis from Wakkerstroom to Carolina. In
addition, the central portion of the municipality has also been identified as a
bird conservation hotspot.
Areas important for reptile conservation are found in a broad band running
north south from Volksrust and Wakkerstroom to Carolina.
Impacts on Conservation
The existing land use practices in the Municipality are dominated by extensive
grazing, maize fields and a few other crops.
Wakkerstroom and other wetland areas where agriculture is currently practiced
are generally under threat by these practices.
Natural and untouched habitats are rapidly decreasing and becoming
increasingly fragmented into unsustainable habitats, which leads to loss of
biodiversity.
5.3.4 AGRICULTURE
Map 7: Hydrology
Map 8: Soil Potential
Overview
The majority of the land in the Seme Local Municipality is classified as
unimproved grassland and utilised for stock grazing.
The remaining land in the municipality is utilised as temporary cultivated
dryland, on which maize is grown. The predominance of grazing land and the
lesser extent of cultivated land can be partly explained by the much lower soil
fertility in this municipality as opposed to other local municipalities in the
Gert Sibande District. However, a small area of highly arable soil occurs in the
central portions of the municipality. The soils in the south eastern parts of
the Municipality are mostly suitable for forestry and grazing.
The soil acidity within the Municipality has been determined to be slightly
acidic (pH 5.2 6.5). This affects the rigour of vegetation growth and it
determines which cultivated crops will thrive or deteriorate in a given area.
Impacts
The extensive agricultural land use cover in the municipality is responsible
for the loss and fracturing of the grassland veld type that has been transformed
by between 20 and 51%.
Poor management of cultivated and pastoral land is the main factor behind soil
erosion in the municipality. Incorrect ploughing practices, overgrazing and
cattle movement cause both sheet and gully erosion that contributes to a high
silt load in the rivers in the municipality.
Agriculture is the main threat to wetland degradation within the municipality.
Damming of wetlands, gully erosion and headcuts caused by cattle movement and
draining of wetlands are mainly responsible for the loss of wetland habitat.
In areas where cultivated land occurs, the water quality is adversely affected
by high silt loads and fertilizers. The increase in the use of amoniacal
fertilisers, enhanced aeration and the export of basic nutrients in the harvest
increases soil acidification.
Land degradation in the form of erosion, loss of habitat and chemical
imbalances lead to a significant reduction in the productive capacity of land.
This can often be a precursor to desertification.
Land degradation which may occur reduces the productivity of land which in
turn requires farmers to utilise fertilizers that, in turn, adversely affect
surface and ground water resources as well as soil quality.
5.3.5 TOURISM AREAS AND POTENTIAL
Overview
Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality falls within the Grass and Wetlands tourism
region. The Grass and Wetlands region is unequivocally a birding paradise that
lures bird watchers in their droves.
The profile of traveller that visits or passes through the area is assumed to
more vacation oriented with specific interests. The potential exists to lure
international self-drive tourist off the major routes.
As an area identified as a biodiversity hotspot the potential for further
ecotourism related development is very high.
Due to the area straddling the northwest and southeast watershed areas of
significant scenic attraction are abundant. The areas to the West of Volksrust
and northwest through Wakkerstroom present excellent potential for Guesthouse,
B&B and or commercial Lodge / resort type facilities.
Attractions in the area include ancient to recent historic sites and
monuments, excellent bird watching and wildlife related opportunities related to
wetland and grassland, fly fishing for trout and yellow fish and general fishing
in streams, rivers and dams.
Of particular importance are the town of Wakkerstroom and the associated
grass/wetland. Existing development of the town as a tourist destination to be
applied as a model elsewhere to encourage private and corporate freehold title
investment.
Impacts
The increase in tourism to a conservation area can sometimes lead to
degradation of that which one is trying to conserve.
The impacts of tourism in sensitive conservation areas include the following:
access by roads and footpaths, visual impacts of tourism infrastructure, waste
management, loss of sense of place and ecological fragmentation.
5.4 TRANSPORT NETWORK
Map 9: Transport Network
5.4.1 NATIONAL ROADS
The N11 between Ermelo, Amersfoort and Volksrust traverses the area. It is an
important north-south transportation route providing access from Limpopo
Province to northern KwaZulu Natal.
The N11 is both a freight transportation and tourism corridor. The road is in
a fairly good condition making travel along it save.
5.4.2 PROVINCIAL ROADS
Several provincial roads cut through the local municipal area, these include:
R23 which connects north-westerly to Standerton; and
Portions of the R543, which, towards the west leads to Vrede and towards the
east leads to Wakkerstroom, Dirkieskop and Piet Retief. The R543 is in a
moderate to bad state and needs to be repaired urgently to avoid any further
erosion.
The R543 also moves in a westerly direction connecting to Vrede but this road
is presently not tarred, thereby prohibiting its regional use.
While the N11 cuts through Volksrust, the R23/R543 bypasses the urban centre.
5.4.3 LOCAL ROADS
All local roads are provided and maintained by the local municipality. In most
of the urban centres, except for Volksrust, a portion of the local roads is
tarred and a portion is gravel. This shows that the municipality has limited
financial resources to upgrade existing road infrastructure. Nonetheless,
maintenance should continue to avoid eradication of existing infrastructure.
5.4.4 RAIL
Two railway lines pass through the area, the one is the main
Johannesburg-Durban rail connection, which more or less follows the alignment of
the R23 from Standerton, the other is a north-south alignment from north of
Bethal passing through Amersfoort, Wakkerstroom and Volksrust.
The former (Johannesburg-Durban) line accommodates both freight and passenger
transport, though the passenger trains only stop in Standerton. The north-south
railway line is exclusively used for the transportation of freight.
5.4.5 AIR
No information regarding airfields / aerodromes could be obtained from source
documents.
However, recent map books show that Volksrust has an airfield, which is
probably not used for commercial flights and can in all likelihood only
accommodate day landings due to an absence of a control tower and or landing
lights.
5.4.6 PUBLIC TRANSPORT
No information regarding public transport could be obtained from source
documents.
5.5 UTILITIES
Map 10: Access to Services
5.5.1 WATER PROVISION
Bulk water supply to the settlement areas is sourced as follows:
Wakkerstroom and eSizameleni obtain water from Martins Dam;
Perdekop, Amersfoort and Siyazenzela obtain water via a bulk pipeline from the
Amersfoort purification plant situated outside Amersfoort;
Greater Volksrust obtains bulk water from Schuilhoek, Mahawane and Balfour
Dams and, additionally has backup pipelines from the Slang River to Mahawane
Dam; and
Bulk water to Daggakraal is pumped from Amersfoort.
It is concluded that nearly all the urban / settlement areas have access to
purified water via an established bulk supply system. Yet, taken from statistics
it would appear that almost 30% of the Pixley Ka Seme population is still
reliant on borehole water and rivers. (This figure coincides with the
populations statistics which indicates that 30% of the population in this area
reside in the rural areas.)
5.5.2 SANITATION SERVICES
Within the municipal area it is estimated that 73% of households have access
to waterborne sewerage.
Formal sanitation provision correlates closely with formal water provision,
and accordingly, it has been concluded that towns like Amersfoort, eSizameleni,
Wakkerstroom, Perdekop, Volksrust and Vukuzakhe are formally serviced, while
areas like Daggakraal, Sinqobile and Ezamokuhle rely on pit latrines or the
bucket system.
5.5.3 ELECTRICITY
Correlating with the above service provision statistics, almost 70% of
households in the municipal area have access to electricity.
Other sources of energy include candles, coal, paraffin and gas.
The local authority, through funding from the National Electricity Regulator
provides electricity in the urban areas and ESKOM services the rural areas.
Of importance is the Majuba Power Station which is located near Daggakraal. It
is an important industrial site as regards energy generation and employment
creation.
5.6 SOCIAL FACILITIES
Map 11: Educational Facilities
Map 12: Health Facilities
Map 13: Social Facilities
The IDP Revision report 2004 indicates of the approximate 86 000 people
residing in Pixley Ka Seme 31% reside in the rural areas and the remainder has
been urbanised.
The population density stands at 15 pp/km² which is much lower than the
district density of 28 pp/km². This is reflective of a sparsely populated area.
This would reveal a strong need for social service delivery in the urban areas
and appropriate access (public transport) to the rural areas.
Importantly above statistics show that 45% of the population falls in the
economically active category and 67% fall in the school going age category.
Hence, there is glaring need for educational facilities and adult skills
training ensuring that the people resources are best developed to benefit the
region and minimise poverty.
5.7 ECONOMIC AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE
The IDP statistics indicate that 49% of the economically active population is
employed. This figure suggests that half the of the potential work force is
unemployed. Thus, demand for economic growth and education remain.
In addition, statistics further disclose that in Amersfoort 72%, in
Wakkerstroom 89% and in Volksrust 56% of households live below the minimum
living level. Thus, though many of the people are employed their income
potential is minimal.
This also means that most of these households would qualify for governments
housing subsidy scheme.
5.8 KEY FINDINGS
There is only on major urban area in the municipality, the rest are minor
centres which are in the main small and lack economic diversification.
The economic base of the area is founded on agriculture which centres on
dry-land cultivation and animals.
The area has some valuable environmental resources which must be protected and
linked to tourism to, for one, retain the good environmental qualities and for
another, increase economic diversification and generate other income for the
local communities.
Engineering and social services are concentrated in the urban areas, with the
largest variety of services and facilities available in Volksrust.
The population is by and large unemployed and consequently poor, which
furthermore increases the dependency ratio. If the economy cannot be boosted the
population will go into decline which will place pressure on government for
increased social support to the area.
Wakkerstroom is an unexplored tourism destination of global significance owing
to the large variety of bird species found in the area.
6. VISION AND MISSION
6.1 MUNICIPAL VISION AND MISSION
According to the IDP, Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality has adopted the
following vision for the area:
Pixley Ka Seme is a credible, affordable, well developed and the best
municipality.
Defining its vision , Pixley Ka Seme has adopted the following mission:
We will delivery affordable and quality services, in accordance with our
Integrated Development Plan. This will be achieved through community
participation, trained and motivated staff, rapid economic development and a
tourism friendly environment.
6.2 IMPLICATIONS FOR THE SDF
The vision and mission are locally conceived directives which form a crucial
part of the IDP in directing future development and growth. Since it informs the
IDP it must also inform the Spatial Development Framework, as it is a follow-on
output of the IDP. This section briefly reflects on the vision and mission to
assess in which way it informs the future spatial development thrust.
Pixley Ka Seme aims for cost effective and efficient service delivery which
must be underpinned by good planning and a proper integrated plan. As part of
the IDP the SDF must therefore direct service delivery and development.
The latter suggests a need for a hierarchy to be identified in terms of which
service delivery will be structured and shared development can take place.
Economic development is recognised as an important development factor and
hence, economic growth and advancement are embraced.
The intention is to explore latent economic opportunities, such as tourism to
ensure that greater advantage can be extracted.
6.3 KEY INDICATORS
In summary, the following are key indicators that should inform the spatial
development framework for the Municipality:
There is a need for a plan (SDF) to direct cost effective, efficient and
balanced development;
A development hierarchy must be identified to ensure spatial structuring and
infrastructure delivery;
Economic development is critical; and
More tourism opportunities must be explored.
7. DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES
7.1 INTRODUCTION
In order to guide the preparation of the Spatial Development Framework certain
universal development principles have been identified which all spatial plans
should aim to meet.
This section identifies the development principles that if met, would result
in what could be considered good spatial form. In turn, if these principles are
met the implication is that the spatial aspects of the municipal vision will
also be met.
The principles thus offer a way of testing whether development decisions are
appropriate or not.
In examining the principles of good spatial form it is important to note that:
Spatial planning decisions taken by individuals as well as by organisations
affect the economic, social and physical environment of an area.
In the study area, spatial form has been largely influenced by political
decisions of individuals and organisation.
Given the strong rural base and scattered urban developments in the area, good
spatial form should be examined in a way that creates balance between these two
spatial characteristics.
The development principles that inform good spatial form are represented as
follows:
Figure 4: Development Principles
These principles are examined in further detail below.
7.2 CONCENTRATION
Spatial form should aim to achieve equitability by ensuring services and
facilities are concentrated in areas of high accessibility.
This makes life more convenient and allows for such services and opportunities
to be shared among communities and hence reduces duplication of inaccessible
services.
Concentration of services and facilities allows for benefits through scales of
economy.
Such clustering of facilities is time efficient and works to the benefit of
the poor in particular who are frequently located on the periphery of serviced
areas.
Concentration of services and facilities also promotes an efficient transport
system. When development is concentrated at certain nodes, transport routes are
clearly defined and serve maximum volumes of people with minimal facilities.
Areas with concentrated pockets of development promote vibrant economic and
social life.
7.3 CONNECTIVITY
Transport networks are to be promoted as they are the veins of economic
growth and are an important catalyst in economic development.
Areas that are highly accessible through transport networks have better
opportunities for economic growth by increasing their sphere of influence and in
turn their market threshold increases.
When transport systems are in place and are reliable, goods can be quickly and
efficiently transported thereby increasing investor confidence.
When diverse goods and services are located along the transport network that
have high traffic volumes it allows for the generation of income by taking
advantage of passing traffic.
Despite the above, it is important that the free flow of traffic is obstructed
In urban areas development corridors need be supported by dense residential
bases.
7.4 CONSERVATION
Spatial planning should encourage sustainable, balanced growth and development
within the carrying capacity of the area.
One of such mechanisms of this is through controlling urban sprawl and the
conservation of agricultural and environmentally important land
Efficient land use management will preserve and support agricultural uses and
maintain and revitalise existing urban centres.
Rural areas that are able to sustain themselves without being over dependant
on urban areas are achieved through rural development and investment
initiatives. In some cases this can mean tapping into other economic sectors.
Such conservation includes the preservation of natural resources. Spatial
planning needs to conserve limited natural resources and ensure that
sustainability is achieved.
Networks of open spaces are to be created which are accessible to all people.
Open space and natural resources can be used as a base on which to build the
tourism industry.
7.5 SUMMARY
Good spatial form can be achieved through adherence to certain universal
spatial principles. Concentration, connectivity and conservation are the core
principles that need to guide spatial development.
However the applicability of these principles will vary from place to place
depending on the location, type and function of existing development and the
will of those in authority to implement them.
The benefits of applying these spatial principles are that all aspects of
development i.e. economic, environmental and social benefit.
The next section searches for a spatial model that can be used to guide the
development of the Spatial Development Framework. The choice of an appropriate
model will be guided by whether it will ensure the three principles of
development; concentration, connectivity and conservation, can be met.
8. SPATIAL MODEL
8.1 NEED FOR A MODEL
Past planning practices have emphasised development in the urban areas with
the assumption that there will be a trickle-down effect to outlying areas.
However, this urban bias failed to meet the needs of people on the periphery and
as a result a large number of rural people remained in conditions characterised
by poverty. Models were therefore developed based on the recognition of a need
to support the development of small towns as a means of improving the delivery
of services specifically in rural areas of South Africa.
A model is therefore required to guide spatial planning in the municipality to
facilitate the provision of appropriate services in order to meet basic needs
and for social and economic upliftment to be achieved.
Three alternative models are examined below. One model is looked at, at a
national level, a second at an urban scale, and, a third within a rural context.
The theoretical models will be outlined and then a model will be selected and
developed for the local condition of the municipality.
An applicable model should enable the municipality to:
realise the vision of the municipality, and the provision of services in an
efficient and sustainable manner;
ensure proper investment decisions are made;
ensure that there is a sufficient threshold to support facilities and
services;
ensure proper services and facilities are provided in accordance with the need
of the community; and
adhere to the principles of conservation, concentration and connectivity, as
discussed in the previous chapter.
8.2 ALTERNATIVE MODELS
Some models and structuring elements currently used in South Africa are
explored below, in order to provide a basis on which to develop a model
applicable to the Gert Sibande District Municipality and the seven Local
Municipalities.
8.2.1 THE NATIONAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (NSDI)
The NSDI recognises that not just the cities are powerhouses for economic
growth. It sees the maximum potential for growth and equity when synergy between
different strategies is achieved. It proposes the following strategies:
Urban nodes, categorised as major metropolitan areas, fast growing urban
nodes, secondary cities;
Rural clusters;
Sectoral strategies e.g. tourism, transport
Industrial clusters;
Economic spines, includes infrastructure base to support economic growth e.g.
telecommunication lines, transportation networks, ports and airports; and
Development corridors, clustering of pubic investment in a range of sectors in
order to build on the opportunities offered by linking nodes of development.
The national spatial development initiative identifies nodes where public
investment should be directed, to become competitive locations. Each node in
South Africas urban hierarchy is considered an important and dynamic component
of the urban hierarchy.
8.2.2 THE CITY OF ETHEKWINI STRUCTURING ELEMENTS
The eThekwini Metropolitan municipality also provides a framework for
investment in terms of nodes and corridors. In terms of the EMA, the following
node and settlement hierarchy is proposed:
Figure 5: City of eThekwini Structuring Elements
NODE FUNCTION
Major economic investment node (regional centre / city) Regional centre / city
Generally industrial / business in character
Meets needs of large population outside its boundaries
Mixed investment nodes (towns / provincial administration centres) Meets needs
of large population within eThekwini Metropolitan Area
Generally focused typology for example industrial, business, etc.
Rural investment nodes Provides activities and services for specific rural
area
Provides support services in terms of business, agricultural, tourism and
environmental issues
Opportunities for local economic development, transport amenities, etc.
Local service nodes (small and emerging rural centres) Small and emerging
rural centres
Serves to provide local level of services for its surrounding communities
Services and economic activities, traditional structure facilities, etc.
Fulfils needs of smaller population in terms of limited threshold and goods
and services provided
Location based on centrality and accessibility of community and existing
facilities.
Ideal location and opportunities for periodic markets to be established as
they provide a regular focal point for job creation.
8.2.3 THE RURAL SERVICE SYSTEM (RSS) MODEL
In KwaZulu Natal an Integrated Rural Service System Model was formulated. This
initiative was undertaken to:
Alleviate poverty within rural KwaZulu-Natal;
Minimise adverse impacts on the environment;
Deliver services more effectively and to reduce the costs of service delivery;
and
To stimulate and promote local economic development.
The model is intended to deliver services in rural areas through a common
distribution network known as the Rural Service System. The system has two
elements: a service hub which will be the distribution and co-ordination point
and satellites which will deliver supplementary services. These focal points
offer a range of services to people living in the vicinity. The level of
services or activities at these focal points is determined by the threshold and
degree of specialisation a centre offers, its density and buying power of its
population, transportation and size of competing centres. An example in the
difference in level of service provision is a police station could be provided
at the hub and routine patrol of the police force at the satellites. Another
example of typical services in the hub and satellite are a hospital at the hub
and clinic/mobile service at the satellite, and, post office and boxes at the
hub with post boxes at the satellite.
The hierarchy and patterns of service centres are not static but can change
over time. However, for a hub to be successful, appropriate ranges and
thresholds are important as well as government commitment, especially in terms
of funding.
The RSS model proposed the provision of services through rural service centres
(RSCs) at the hubs. RSCs are aimed at stimulating rural productivity, raising
rural incomes and strengthening the economic base of the hinterland. These RSCs
pay special attention to the rural economy and its needs. With RSCs it is
important that there should be a settlement hierarchy of towns or rural service
centres in the poorer and more rural centres, thus access to public services is
maximised by the location of an appropriate level of service through large,
intermediate and small centres. RSCs are based on a hierarchy of functions
resulting in network channels that promote development of the rural area. The
hierarchy of service centres incorporates existing towns and their functions.
The model is embedded in the spatial economic theory that sees the spatial
manifestation of economic activity distribution as a hierarchical network of
concentration points, commonly known as cores (nodes) or centres.
In terms of the theory, economic activities tend to gravitate to specific
locations due to the mutual benefits which result from concentration, that is,
shared infrastructure, shared markets, one activity producing input for another
activity, etc. The range of services at a core is directly related to the
surrounding threshold served by the core. The greater the threshold, the greater
the range of services. Conversely, the greater the range of services, the
greater the thresholds. Within an area served by a core, lower order
concentrations of activities emerge serving segments of the greater threshold.
The hierarchy of nodes in the rural service system model is a four-tier model
of service delivery. The model designates places as follows:
Regional Centres
Provincial Rural Administration Centres (PRACs)
Small Emerging Rural Centres (SERCs)
Small / other settlements.
Rural upliftment is mainly focussed at the SERC level. The model proposes to
make SERCs the basis for delivery of services thereby meeting the needs of the
surrounding population.
SERCS are relatively far apart (60-80kms) and to enhance accessibility to
services the model proposes that they in effect comprise the following
components :
Rural Service Centres, or hub, which is located at the SERC and several
satellite service locations within the service area of the SERC. This is the
distribution and co-ordination point.
Satellite or lower order hub, located within the service area of the SERC.
Satellites will deliver supplementary services.
Connecting infrastructure linking the hubs to the various satellites
8.2.3.1 Hub
The hub serves as a distribution centre to the rural areas. It provides a
range of services and economic activities and serves as a distribution centre
for the rural service area. As the threshold of a hub is greater than that of a
satellite, a greater variety and higher order and more permanent services can be
sustained at a hub.
Criteria on determining location of a hub include:
Existing economic base of the settlement and future economic growth potential;
Location in terms of major transportation routes;
Existing and potential agglomeration effects;
Level of existing public service provision;
Existing level of private / commercial service provision and investment;
Existing level of infrastructural and logistical support from higher order
centres;
Need for services within the community and surrounding area;
Existing level of local political organisation and support from target
community; and
Accessibility of land for development.
8.2.3.2 Satellites
Satellites are of a lower order where a range of services and economic
activities could be concentrated in a sustainable way . Satellites are located
on the periphery of a hub. Satellites are usually more accessible and in a
convenient distance to a particular rural community. As a result of the
thresholds they generate, services tend to be lower order, mobile or temporary.
Satellites may be categorised in terms of their economic potential or by their
proximity to other service centres.
Identification of a satellite location should consider:
Density and distribution of the population to be served;
Level of existing economic activity;
Proximity of transport routes and modes of transport;
Topography of the locality;
Land tenure arrangements; and
Level of service infrastructure.
8.2.3.3 Connecting Infrastructure
Links between hubs and satellites need to be reinforced to support service
provision. Initial investment should focus on:
Road connections to facilitate access between hubs and satellites;
Communication infrastructure to facilitate transfer of information between
hubs and satellites; and
Energy, water and sanitation infrastructure to support service activities.
The connecting transport infrastructure linking the hubs and various
satellites has been identified as corridors, as categorised below.
8.2.3.4 Development Corridors
Development corridors provide strong linkages between the main settlements in
the settlement hierarchy, as well as channelling movement within the
municipality. They also provide strong structuring elements to guide future
development.
8.2.3.5 Primary Corridor
The primary corridor serves to facilitate movement as efficiently as possible
through the area. As a result, there should be little interruption to traffic
flow along the corridor, although there is the potential for development at
nodes along the corridor.
8.2.3.6 Secondary Corridor
The secondary corridors link two hubs and are links along which existing
development is located. Tourism and agriculture land uses can be promoted along
the secondary corridors.
8.2.3.7 Tertiary Corridor
Tertiary corridors function to link lower order settlements to services. As
these are local links, they are generally slower moving corridors. They serve to
link settlements, and thereby, facilitate high levels of economic activities and
social interaction. The tertiary corridor could be developed as a lower order
mixed-use corridor due to the numerous satellites, dense settlements and other
land uses located along this link.
8.2.3.8 Mixed Activity Corridor
Mixed-use development allows for the development of parcels of land as
different land uses on adjacent sites. These corridors must have the threshold
to support the development of a mixed-use corridor, in terms of location, the
number of settlements it passes, and the populations it serves. Nodal points of
activity are likely to develop along this corridor, providing central points for
services, economic activities as well as transport services.
The RSS model is summarised in the following diagram:
Figure 6: The Rural Service System (RSS) Model
8.3 SELECTION OF AN APPROPRIATE MODEL
It is apparent that all recent models primarily have two objectives, firstly
meeting basic needs and secondly, improving economic opportunities. All the
models looked at above are based on spatial structuring in terms of nodes and
networks albeit the terminology and hierarchy differs from model to model.
The NSDI model can be criticised as having a strong urban bias with the rural
focus being limited to social upliftment (primarily in the provision of health
and education facilities). Economic upliftment of the rural areas is not
emphasised. As the municipal area is largely rural in nature, it is proposed
that this NSDI model not be adopted as its model.
The bases of the eThekwini model in terms of its nodes and corridors can be
applied to the municipality. However, the eThekwini model has been developed for
a metropolitan area and is largely urban based.
Although the urban centres are important, the municipality is primarily rural
in nature and hence, there is a need to look at strengthening rural activities
and economies. The Rural Service System model is therefore the most appropriate
model to apply to the municipality.
The rural service centre model identifies rural service centres as focal
points from which a range of comprehensive services can be provided to the poor
and marginalised rural people. This model encourages service providers to work
together in the integration of service activities, the co-ordination of service
provision, reducing cost of services and improving convenience to communities
through the spatial integration of services, and, creates economic opportunities
at the service delivery points. The spatial hierarchy determines the hierarchy
of service provision.
The appropriateness of this model for the municipality is reinforced by the
fact that the Mpumalanga provincial government has defined its (similar)
approach to development in its Draft Provincial Rural and Urban Development
Strategy. The strategy it has adopted is to develop the rural space economy into
a network of inter-connected production and distribution nodes that connect
every community in the rural landscape to employment opportunities, and easily
accessible market and service centres. The inter-connectedness of nodes and
their respective hinterlands will enable local people to utilise available
economic potentials to increase their disposable incomes and enhance their
social and economic well-being.
8.4 CUSTOMISING THE MODEL
The Rural Service System (RSS) Model focuses strongly on the rural areas,
which is desired because of the large rural composition of the municipal area,
but as a consequence, the model falls short in addressing all the development
components of the area, since the important urban areas and valuable rural
activities such as agriculture, forestry and conservation are not encapsulated
in the theory. As a result the model is expanded upon / customised to ensure
that all facets are incorporated and planned for.
The model is expanded beyond the components of rural settlement and
connectivity to include the urban areas and valuable rural land. Subsequently,
there are three spatial components which constitute the area, viz.:
the urban area;
the rural area; and
the connections
The diagram below illustrates and defines these components, providing further
insight as to the development aim and thrust of each component.
Figure 7: Components of the Spatial Development Framework illustrated
conceptually
8.5 APPLICATION OF THE MODEL AT A DISTRICT LEVEL
Prior to drafting the Spatial Development Framework the customised model is
tested at a district level. Below follows a brief contextualisation thereof.
8.5.1 URBAN AREAS
Diagram 2: Conceptual Urban Areas
The urban area component of the customised model focuses mainly on defining
and confirming which are the major urban centres within the area, and is
therefore, closely linked to the status quo analysis of the major urban areas.
The major urban centres are by virtue large and accommodate a diverse range of
services and facilities. Its economy is diversified and social services include
tertiary delivery, such as secondary schools and hostels, colleges, university
satellite campuses, hospitals, fire brigades, courts, etc. Commercial
diversification is also evident, and while rural support services and
manufacturing exist, personal service delivery, tourism, real estate, banking
services and trade and retail are present and generally growing.
Typically the major urban centres would include Secunda, Ermelo, Standerton,
Volksrust, Piet Retief, Carolina, etc.
8.5.2 RURAL AREA
The rural area comprises two key components, viz.:
the settlement areas, whether urban or rural in nature, these are the smaller
urban areas and rural settlements that are distributed throughout the remainder
of the area, and
the rural land which is cultivated, mined, unused or conserved. The rural land
is vitally important for the municipality because of its critical contribution
to the primary economic sector, which is key for future sustainability.
8.5.2.1 Settlement
Diagram 3: Rural Settlement
The RSS model applies the principle of rural hubs and satellites, which may in
fact compare to the ranking in the status quo analysis of the minor urban areas
and the tertiary urban areas. In applying the model reference will be made to
hubs and satellites.
A hub is an established urban area which provides a definite rural support
function. It has access to a fair range of permanent services and has a
moderately diversified economy. Services that could typically be accessed in a
hub include some retail, a bank, a post office, a clinic (generally no
hospital), a police station, a library, pre-primary and primary education.
Further diversified services would only be accessible in the major urban
centres.
Typically, the following areas could be classified as hubs: Wakkerstroom,
Chrissiesmeer, Balfour, Badplaas, Lothair, Dirkiesdorp, Iswepe, Amsterdam,
Amersfoort and Morgenzon.
The satellites are small rural settlements which have no or only rudimentary
services are mostly dormitory and have few if any permanent services. Generally
service delivery to the satellites would be mobile, and therefore, occur at
scheduled intervals. Such mobile delivery would either originate from the hub or
from a major urban centre.
Here the hierarchy is very important to ensure, for one, that services are
accessible, and for another, that duplication and expensive delivery does not
occur. The hub is the place where permanent services should be provided so that
it fulfils a central place function, while the satellite will always remain
reliant on the hub for service delivery to avoid duplication of services in
areas which do not have the required threshold to ensure sustainability. To
further ensure cost effective delivery, services could be housed in
multi-purpose community centres.
Satellites would remain dormitory and should source their services from the
hubs, which should be centrally located, to ease access to services from the
satellite to the hub and ease mobile delivery from the hub to the satellite.
Where there are no satellites in proximity to the hub, the hub should
nonetheless provide mobile services to the rural hinterland to ensure that all
people have access to social service delivery.
8.5.2.2 Land
Diagram 4: Rural Land
Rural land use across the District is diverse including commercial farming,
tribal land, vast forestry plantations, mining for gold and coal (and other
resources), nature conservation, wetlands and bio-diverse fields. The rural area
is very valuable, and hence, needs to be protected.
This protection speaks of more than merely achieving environmental protection.
While the environment must be protected and conserved, it is also important to
protect commercially viable activities and sustainable living conditions.
Thus, first and foremost, a balance must be struck between environmental
conservation and the primary economic sector to achieve a win-win situation.
In translating the above, a concept is produced whereby specific, unique and
sensitive environmental areas are identified and demarcated for conservation and
protection of the natural biome, around which commercial rural activities and
life sustaining activities can continue. Thus, harmony is attained making
allowances for all activities and protecting that which is important on all
fronts. Though the areas general land use may not change drastically, land use
practises should change.
At a District level it transpires that mining activities should be inward
focused meaning that pollution and visual disturbances should be minimised,
while some of the commercially farmed land must make way for conservation of the
natural biome which prevails in a north-south spine amidst the district, and
that forestry must be restricted to its current extent.
8.5.3 CONNECTIVITY
Diagram 5: Connectivity
Connectivity is important in this area to ensure that traffic continues to
move through and within, and to ensure that economic gains from through-traffic
are retained.
However, to facilitate movement and development, which are closely related in
the district, two types of corridors have been defined, viz.
development/activity corridors and mobility corridors.
Mobility corridors are generally main routes (such as the
Johannesburg-Richards Bay route) which carry vast amounts of traffic accessing
ports outside the area. Average speed, safety and convenience of movement are
important, and hence, mobility along these routes should be promoted minimising
interferes with traffic.
Two levels of mobility are identifiable viz. higher order and lower order.
Since the districts urban centres rely on through-traffic for economic
vitality, it is important that roads do not by-pass the urban areas, but
continue through them so that they can be transformed into activity corridors.
Activity corridors are spines of economic activity concentrated along main
roads, where development has occurred as a result of the benefits offered, such
as visibility and access, to promote economic growth.
While activity corridors will relate to mobility corridors they will not
exclusively exist in relation to mobility corridors. Activity corridors can and
should also be identified as spines of development opportunity creating linkage
to improve disparate urban form which is evident in all the major urban centres.
Mobility and activity corridors are therefore, on the one hand mutually
exclusive and, on the other hand, interrelated and dependant on one another.
Development corridors can further play an important role in linking urban
areas to, in some way; mend the skewed and disparate urban form. Corridors of
development opportunity could be created between an established urban centre and
the peripheral low income settlement area to achieve some form of integration
and coherence.
9. SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
9.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter contains the spatial development framework for Pixley Ka Seme
Local Municipality. The SDF is the end product of all the foregone research and
is summarised as the core entity of this chapter.
As a prelude to the Local SDF, the first sub-section briefly reflects on how
all components of the study have been united, while the second sub-section
provides a summary of the District SDF in order to contextualise the Local SDF.
The core of the chapter centres around the Local SDF.
Following the Local SDF, are two sub-sections, of which the first lists key
interventions forthcoming from the SDF, and the second checks the alignment of
the SDF with legislative requirements, the Provincial Growth and Development
Strategy and the spatial proposals of adjoining municipalities.
9.2 REVIEW OF PROJECT COMPONENTS AND PROCESS
The individual components covered in the research and how they fit together to
inform the SDF, are shown in the diagram below. The diagram evidences that the
SDF is a product of the analysis, development principles, legal requirements,
vision and mission and spatial model.
Figure 8: Process components informing the Spatial Development Framework
In addition to the above, cognisance should be taken that the local SDF was
not compiled in isolation, but formed part of a larger process in which a
District SDF and seven local SDFs were compiled, one of which is the Pixley Ka
Seme LM SDF.
As described in Chapter 1, compiling these SDFs was done in an integrated
manner to ensure that the SDFs informed one another to achieve a level of
uniformity. However, the local SDFs are different given variances in local
dynamics and the application of the principles developed during the District SDF.
In terms of the process, the draft District SDF provided the basis for
compiling the Local SDFs, while the Local SDFs, as workshopped and refined by
the LMs and consultants served to amend and finalise the District SDF,
particularly in respect of key interventions, the nodal hierarchy as well as
mobility and activity corridors.
9.3 DISTRICT SDF SUMMARY
Diagram 7: District Spatial Development Framework
The summary of the District SDF is thorough, in order to capture the rationale
applied in defining the framework and to provide a proper overview of the
district, for the local municipality to comprehend its position within the
bigger scheme of things.
The District SDF thus contains the following elements:
a hierarchy of settlement by defining major urban centres (as part of the
urban environment), and hubs and satellites (as part of the rural environment);
mitigating measures for the rural land to achieve balance between economic
prosperity and environmental conservation;
a differentiation and hierarchy of corridors by defining mobility corridors
and activity corridors.
The summary of the District SDF follows below paving the way for the Local SDF.
9.3.1 MAJOR URBAN CENTRES
9.3.1.1 Ranking of the Major Urban Centres
The major urban centres in the Gert Sibande District are first order towns at
the top of the urban hierarchy providing the widest range of services and
facilities to the largest threshold. It serves itself, its rural hinterland and
the smaller, remote urban and rural settlements in proximity. Economic
activities tend to gravitate to these centres due to mutual benefits which
result from concentration such as shared infrastructure, shared markets and
down-stream activities. The range of services in the urban centre is directly
related to the surrounding threshold, thus, the greater the threshold the
greater the services and vice versa. Further diversification leads to services
catering for only segments of the greater threshold.
In defining which towns are major urban centres reference was made to the
Mpumalanga Integrated Spatial Framework 1999 in which the majority of the
provincial settlements were ranked based on a central place index. The central
place index is an output of the combined value of a settlements population and
business index. The larger the central place index the larger the hinterland it
serves, and thus by interpretation, the more major the urban centre.
While the central place index is not necessarily precise and all-inclusive it
provided a base for classification which was refined through local consultation.
All settlements above a central place index of 1.00 were, for the purposes of
this exercise, rated as a major urban centre. The table below lists the ranked
major urban centres according to the Mpumalanga Integrated Spatial Frameworks
ranking model.
Table 16: Mpumalanga Integrated Spatial Framework Ranked Major Urban Centres
Settlements Central Place Index
Ermelo 3.60
Embalenhle 3.34
Secunda 3.08
Standerton 2.98
Bethal 2.17
Piet Retief 2.15
Evander 1.46
Volksrust 1.29
Iswepe* 1.20
Carolina 1.03
MISF, 1999
* Iswepe has been excluded as a major urban centre and is ranked as a hub, since
its physical and economic composition does not in any way compare to the other
major centres.
Not included in the list above or in the MISFs central place index list is
Leandra. Spatially Leandra compares to Evander resembling the same level of
commercial diversification, though residentially it is possibly larger. Hence,
Leandra, together with Eendrag and Lebogang, has been defined as a major urban
centre.
In addition to the above, two emerging major urban centres were identified,
due to the fact that they do not quite correspond with the centres above yet are
gradually maturing into tertiary centres. These are Balfour (Dipaleseng LM) and
Elukwatini (Albert Luthuli LM).
The aim for the major urban centres is to, at the very least, retain the
current engineering, social, economic and institutional infrastructure, and to
strengthen and diversify the economy in order to achieve growth, prosperity and
sustainability. Central thereto is the economy and efforts should be focused on
economic vitality. The District SDF explores potential economic strengthening
opportunities which are contained below. The application of these principles to
the relevant major urban centres forms part of the Local SDF discussed
hereafter.
9.3.1.2 Economic Strengthening Opportunities
The economic information below has been extracted from a report titled An
Industrial Development Strategy for the Highveld Region in Mpumalanga Province.
A fundamental concept which should be applied throughout is industrial
clustering whereby similar or related industries cluster together to benefit
from considerable synergies. Some of these advantages include:
Concentration of product, material, know-how, expertise and trained manpower;
Close proximity of material sources;
Technology interchanges;
Support services (for maintenance, etc.);
Safety, health and environmental control measures and technologies;
Joint ventures for development;
Possibilities to expand the value-added chain;
Product and marketing support.
It is deemed that the following industrial clustering opportunities exist and
should be explored:
Agriculture
Chemical
Forestry
Mining
Other
Though these activities relate to the primary economic sector, which prevails
in the rural areas, the intention is to achieve industrial clustering in the
major urban centres based on these economic sectors. Different sectors will be
explored in different urban areas depending on the opportunities which exist.
Agricultural Sector
While the district is one of South Africas strongest agricultural producing
regions, it is very weak in further processing agricultural products,
contributing only a small percentage to the agro-processing industry. The latter
indicates that considerable leakages occur in this sector.
Opportunities exist for the region to take advantage of its competitive
positioning and availability of raw materials. From a transportation cost
perspective it is also suitable for agro-industry to be located within the
region close to the primary resources. Though proximity to the market is also
important it is deemed that the region offers plenty opportunities for small
scale agro-processing activities.
The following type of agro-industries could be established:
Increased poultry and pig feed manufacturing from maize to promote expansion
of the chicken industry and piggeries.
Textile cluster (wool and cotton), which would engage in wool washing and
further down-stream activities such as spinning and weaving, manufacturing of
final products such as school wear, knitting wear for the tourism industry,
utilisation of waste (lanoline for the chemical industry).
Oil seed processing to process the full range of oil seeds available in the
region. This industry also has important links to animal feed manufacturers who
currently import oil cake from neighbouring regions. Medium-term down-stream
value-adding activities could further include manufacturing of margarine,
mayonnaise, etc. thus, establishment of a food-processing cluster.
Livestock by-product utilisation whereby hides and skins could be sourced from
abattoirs for down-stream manufacturing of shoes, bags, safety shoes, furniture
and tourism items.
SMME opportunities also exist and can include the following:
Meat processing at smaller scale abattoirs;
Clothing and blanket manufacturing linked to a textile cluster
Manufacturing of maize and potato snacks such as chips, popcorn, etc.
Further down-stream manufacturing of paper and plastic packaging for maize
products and animal feed;
Manufacturing of plastic containers for items such as mayonnaise and
margarine, achieving backward linkage.
Chemical Industry
Sasol is a massive chemical producer and the second largest electricity
consumer in South Africa. Owing to technical expertise and available technology
in the Secunda area, excellent opportunities for down-stream chemical activities
exist.
Opportunities in expanding the cluster include:
World-scale methanol plant
Production of aromatics
Expansion of ethylene and propylene production
The above being products which are presently imported from other areas.
Although their local consumption is relatively small they offer huge
opportunities for export, thereby increasing the areas competitive advantage.
It is deemed that the exploitation of these opportunities will in turn create
further opportunities for value-adding such as resins, octane boosters and
fibres. The following type of products could be manufactured as an output:
Plastic products
Pharmaceuticals
Detergents
Lubricants
Adhesives
Paints
Cosmetics and toiletries
Metallurgical electrodes
Fibres (man-made)
Resins
Of these plastic manufacturing may be more suited for small and medium
enterprises, while paints, cosmetics, fibres, etc. are more suited for large
organisations. Thus, the scope of opportunity is wide.
Opportunities for import replacement revolve around maintenance and process
materials, which include machine parts, machine equipment, engineering equipment
and consumables.
Forestry
Forestry accounts as the major activity all along the eastern boundary of the
District linking to the sawmilling, pulp and paper, building and mining
industries. All these industries are considered strong providing a good base for
future growth.
Expansion of the primary and secondary processing industry is limited, because
for one the Lowveld of Mpumalanga province has a well established primary
processing industry which handles most of the provincial timber, and for another
the aesthetic quality of local timber prohibits secondary processing. However,
some opportunities prevail and these include:
Pallet manufacturing
Coffins manufacturing
Wood charcoal manufacturing
Household articles such as ironing boards, trays, bread boards, etc.
Low cost pine furniture manufacturing
Fortunately these enterprises are small scale, need low capital investment and
is labour intensive, which is suited for the population profile in the area.
Mining
Mining plays a prevalent role in the Districts economy as it is a key
contributor to the economic sustainability of places such as Secunda, Evander
and Ermelo, which use coal in the generation of electricity, and manufacturing
of chemical and petro-chemical products.
Down-stream activities would have to link to the expansion of the electricity
and chemical industries, which would largely relate to large scale concerns with
high capital investment.
Gold mining also prevails in the area and though mining itself is highly
capital intensive down-stream activities could include jewellery manufacturing.
Though there are some hurdles to be overcome they are not insurmountable and if
overcome could provide definite district opportunities.
The mining sector offers several backward linkages / import replacement
opportunities in supporting local industry as far as possible. Included therein
are the following:
Protective clothing
Soaps and polishes
Boots and shoes
Vegetables
Cleaning equipment
Protective jackets
Buckets and cans
Other
A number of unrelated potential opportunities exist which include the
following:
Developing and commercialising traditional skills such as bead work, arts and
crafts and design blankets which can be marketed to tourists;
Better utilisation of animal hives in local leather products to be marketed to
tourists;
Establishment of decentralised fresh produce markets in all main centres to
serve the community and to provide access to agricultural products for further
value adding, e.g. washing, packaging, and processing.
Ash processing for the refilling of mines, cement extender, manufacturing of
construction aggregate, manufacturing of bricks, production of fertilizer, etc.
9.3.2 RURAL SETTLEMENT
The rural settlement sub-section follows on from the major urban centres in
defining a settlement hierarchy for the district. At the top of the hierarchy
are the major urban centres, following which are the hubs and then the
satellites.
Establishing a rural hierarchy is important in stimulating rural productivity,
raising rural incomes and strengthening the economic base of the hinterland. The
hierarchy of settlements in the poorer and more rural areas is important to
ensure maximum access to public services, which should be located at appropriate
centres.
9.3.2.1 Hubs
Hubs are small urban centres which are located within the rural areas, often
at the crossroads of two important roads or along one major road possibly in
close proximity to a parallel-running railway line. They are fundamentally
distribution centres for the rural areas providing a moderate range of services
and economic activities. By definition the threshold of a hub is larger than
that of a satellite and the hub accommodates a greater variety, higher order and
more permanent services than a satellite.
In terms of physical composition, a hub is often urban in form, comprising
residential areas and a business zone. However, because of its rural support
role it is compartmentalized under rural settlement.
Like the process of defining the major urban centres, reference was once again
made to the Mpumalanga Integrated Spatial Framework 1999, to assess the ranking
of all provincial centres based on the central place index. All centres with a
central place index of greater than 1.0 were classified as major urban centres
(except for Iswepe), and those with a CPI of less than 1.0 were classified as
hubs. However, there are exceptions which are noted below.
Table 17: Classification of Hubs
SETTLEMENTS CENTRAL PLACE INDEX
Iswepe 1.20
Trichardt 0.97
Amsterdam 0.78
Lothair 0.71
Kinross 0.68
Elukwatini Emerging major urban centre
Amersfoort 0.52
Warburton 0.43
Panbult 0.39
Grootvlei 0.37
Badplaas 0.34
Perdekop 0.30
Wakkerstroom 0.28
Morgenzon 0.24
Balfour Emerging major urban centre
Holmdene satellite
Greylingstad 0.17
Breyten 0.16
Val 0.15
Davel 0.12
Chrissiesmeer 0.07
Eendrag (Leandra) Leandra as major urban centre
Daggakraal 0.05
Charl Cilliers 0.03
Dirkiesdorp satellite
Lochiel 0.006
MISF, 1999
It is recognised that the MISF model may not be precise and all-inclusive, but
it provides a base for classification which was refined through local
consultation comprehensive
In addition to the above, the following centres were added, since spatially
they should either already be defined as hubs, or should in future mature to
become fully serviced hubs fulfilling their rural support function:
Thuthukani
Sheepmoore
Ekulindeni
Dundonald
Mayflower
Fernie / Diepdale
Tjakastad
Oshoek
Driefontein
Rustplaas
Maphapheni / Malayini
Brendan Village
The list of hubs is longer than that of the major urban centres, and hence,
there is greater variety in composition and constitution. Upon closer inspection
it evidences that the hubs vary in size and composition and have different
locational factors, however, they correspond in type and level of service
delivery, which ultimately determines their classification and ranking.
All the hubs should be developed to fulfil a rural support function, which
means that each hub must accommodate the primary range of social and economic
services. A likely list is included below. The facilities listed in italics are
of a higher order and would be present in the larger hubs where the surrounding
threshold is correspondingly larger.
Table 18: Possible Hub Facilities
CATEGORY FACILITY
Education Crθches
Primary school(s)
Secondary school
Limited sports fields
Health Clinic
Hospital
Protection Police station
Court / tribal court
Community Community library
Welfare facility
Pension pay point
Postal Post office
Post boxes
Economic Limited clothing retail
Supermarket
Liquor store
Fuel station / Public garage
Agricultural support services
Engineering workshop(s)
Small-scale manufacturing
Bank / Teller machine
Localised commercial activities (may include tourism oriented facilities)
Transport Taxi terminus
Taxi service
Bus service
With appropriate support facilities
Informal trading space
Public open space Park for active and passive recreation
Limited sport facilities
Other Graveyard
Dumping ground
Information centre
The facilities listed in italics are of a higher order and would be present in
the larger hubs where the surrounding threshold is correspondingly larger.
Cognisance should be taken that all the facilities above should be permanent
in order for these to provide mobile services to the hinterland or satellites.
In addition access from the rural hinterland or surrounding satellites is
important and must be facilitated. Access does not only require the availability
of road infrastructure, which already generally exists, it also requires public
transport to achieve the movement of people into the hub and back to their place
of residents.
Though this is an important requirement, it may not be a simple task to ensure
transport. The economic viability of these hubs is limited which implies that
there are limited transport ventures. Accordingly, it may be necessary for local
government to become involved in facilitating public transport between the hub
and satellites or hinterland on fixed schedules. This matter will have to be
consulted at local level.
Another matter to be addressed in the future development and possible
expansion of the hubs is that were hubs already show a disparate urban form,
future development must achieve infill to guarantee linkage between the various
components of the hub.
9.3.2.2 Satellites
All other remaining settlements are categorised as satellites. These are small
and remote settlements scattered in the rural areas far from the major urban
centres. Essentially they constitute a dormitory grouping of residential units
in a very rural environment having access only to very rudimentary or no
services.
Satellites are most prominent in the north-eastern corner of the District
abutting the border of Swaziland. Here it is vital that a rural hierarchy be
established and enforced to ensure that services and facilities, which are
scarce be effectively distributed.
Although, in a perfect world, all areas would have their own services and
facilities, such just is not financially feasible in the South African context,
and hence, service delivery has to be prioritised. Such priority therefore lies
within the hubs, to enable them to be fully fledged service centres for the
satellites.
The satellites would therefore source their services from the hubs, and the
hubs would provide mobile service delivery to the satellites on scheduled
intervals. Hence, where private mobility and public transport are unavailable
the hub would extend itself into the rural area to ensure that people have
access to vital services, such as education and health.
Typical mobile satellite services would include:
Mobile clinic
Farm school
Mobile library
Post boxes
Routine police patrol
General dealer
Informal sports grounds (e.g. soccer field)
Taxi / bus stop
Where the rural hinterland is not made up of scattered satellites, as is
typical of the remainder of the District, the hubs would fulfil the same
function as otherwise, but mobile delivery would be to the farms where very
localised settlement concentrations occur.
Mobility from the satellites or rural hinterland to the hubs may be
problematic as the communities are by and large poor, and so do not have access
to private transport and find it difficult to afford public transport. Local
government efforts will have to be made to schedule weekly trips between the
hubs and satellites or rural hinterland which are affordable and may therefore
have to be subsidised.
9.3.3 RURAL LAND
9.3.3.1 Conservation
From a conservation point of view, the formation of ecological corridors and
linkages are proposed in order to retain and protect areas with conservation
potential. Ecological corridors provide an important pathway for fauna and flora
and aid in sustaining biodiversity in an area which contains sensitive grassland
characteristics.
Any implementation of corridors and other conservation interventions should be
accompanied by comprehensive Environmental Management Plans and Strategic
Environmental Assessments where necessary.
9.3.3.2 Agriculture
With regards to agriculture, it is imperative that the agricultural sector is
well maintained and managed. Agriculture sustains the primary economic sector of
the entire Gert Sibande District Municipality and is a major source of income
generation for the local communities. It is therefore extremely important to
ensure that agricultural practices are carried out effectively and correctly to
sustain the sector.
The spread of agriculture into sensitive areas should be curbed and managed
through the use of Environmental Management Plans and other Management systems.
Land use practices should be refined in order to retain viable agricultural land
which is scarce.
9.3.3.3 Forestry
Forestry is a major land use in the Gert Sibande District Municipality and
contributes a major portion to the economy of the Municipality. Forestry areas
are situated mainly along the eastern regions of the Municipality and inflict a
major impact on the surrounding environment as well as several wetland systems.
Future expansion as well as current plantations should be managed well in order
to ensure as little impact on the environment as possible.
Do to the major impacts that forestry inflicts, it is imperative that forestry
plantations area managed appropriately in order to avoid further damage to the
environment.
9.3.3.4 Mining
Mining has a major impact on the environment but is a major contributor to the
economy of the District Municipality. Future expansion of the industry is
expected which will allow for economic growth in the area. However, this must be
accompanied by intensive management and rehabilitation plans.
Mining is crucial to the economy of the greater Gert Sibande District
Municipality and has possible opportunities to expand in the future. This should
be allowed to proceed with rigorous management in place in order to mitigate
impacts and allow for future rehabilitation
9.3.4 CORRIDORS
Two types of corridors can be defined, viz. mobility corridors and activity
corridors. The details of each are discussed below.
9.3.4.1 Mobility Corridors
The primary function of a mobility corridor is to facilitate the movement of
people, goods and services effectively, efficiently, speedily, safely and
conveniently. Mobility corridors typically carry high volumes of traffic and
heavy loads through major centres either within the area or to centres outside
of the District.
Spatially two objectives are to be met by mobility corridors:
For one, ensure good mobility, through the construction of high quality
infrastructure, the maintenance of roads and where necessary the expansion of
road surfaces to allow for double carriage ways.
For another, retain the economic spin-offs enjoyed by the urban centres
affected by the mobility corridors ensuring that their economies can be
sustained. Thus, none of the mobility corridors should become so mobile that
they end up by-passing the centres for the sake of mobility. Such an end-result
will cause the demise of many of the centres.
Mobility and activity go hand-in-hand, and accordingly, all future planning
must realise this interrelationship.
A hierarchy of mobility has been determined thus distinguishing between high
and low order mobility.
High-Order Mobility Corridors
Two high-order mobility corridors have been identified owing to the large
volumes and heavy loads carried on these routes.
The one is the N3, of which only a small portion cuts across the western point
of the District.
The other is the Richards Bay-Johannesburg corridor (N17/N2) which passes
through Leandra, Kinross, Trichardt, Bethal, Ermelo and Piet Retief.
Although updated travel statistics could not be obtained this route certainly
dominates within the Gert Sibande District context and is becoming increasingly
competitive with respect to the N3 Johannesburg-Durban corridor.
Three emerging high-order mobility corridors have been identified, these are:
The R23 from Volksrust to Balfour (linking Richards Bay, New Castle to
Heidelberg / N3);
the Ermelo-Oshoek corridor (N17 which is a tourism and timber freight route);
and
R35 from Bethal to the N4 (conceptualised in terms of the Maputo Corridor).
Low-Order Mobility Corridors
The vast majority of roads have been classified as low-order mobility
corridors. These include a mix of national and provincial roads. Though there
are design standard differences between national and provincial roads, their
classification is largely founded on use rather than design. These are:
N11 (Newcastle-Middelburg corridor which links Volksrust and Ermelo);
R51;
R54;
R50;
R38;
R39;
R35 (from Amersfoort to Bethal) ;
R36;
R65;
R33;
R543;
R547;
R546;
R548
R541
Road from N17 to R65 and N2 via Lothair.
Road from Badplaas to Elukwatini
Road from Carolina to Chrissiesmeer
Intercepting these mobility corridors are local activity corridors, which is
where the mobility corridor enters the urban environment, moves through and
exits. This zone is a critical development area as it enjoys spin-offs generated
by the through-traffic, and these benefits should be harnessed.
9.3.4.2 Activity Corridors
Over and above the activity corridors which intercept the mobility corridors
opportunity also exists for activity corridors to be established within the
urban environments of the major urban centres and where applicable the hubs.
Most of the settlements reflect a distorted urban form. The old established
area forms the urban and economic centre of the town and the township is located
on the periphery removed and marginalised from services, facilities and
opportunities.
Activity corridors can and should be established to provide a crucial link
between these two settlement components to, for one, achieve some degree of
integration and for another, to move services, facilities and opportunities
closer to the disadvantaged thereby assisting in the upliftment process.
Since activity corridors occur at a more localised scale these will be
discussed in detail in the local SDF.
9.3.4.3 Rail Corridors
A well established rail network criss-crosses the District, and whilst it is a
vital means of freight transport, it does not nearly have the same spatial
impacts as roads, particularly at a district level.
Rail transport in the District is geared towards freight, and not passenger
transport. There is only one passenger service and it follows the alignment of
the R23 offering only one stop in Standerton. Thus, spatial development
responding to rail passengers is highly restricted.
Freight transport also has limited spatial impacts, though the type of
freight, origin, destination and distance of travel varies greatly. Freight per
se does not offer new opportunities, it is people associated with such freight
that explore opportunities. Thus, rail transport provides economic benefits but
few spatial impacts.
Furthermore, the rail network provides corridors of connectivity which are
important for the livelihood of the District, and hence the state of transport
must be maintained.
9.4 LOCAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
Diagram 6: Local Spatial Development Framework
9.4.1 INTRODUCTION
The District SDF provides the backdrop and rationale in terms of which the
local SDF has been compiled. The local SDF comprises three main sections. The
first describes the hierarchy of settlement, the second the rural land proposals
and the third the corridors.
Pixley Ka Seme is a vastly rural area with comparatively little road
infrastructure criss-crossing the area. The rural landscape is a combination of
maize crops and grazing though grazing dominates.
Generally the topography is relatively flat in the west, changing towards the
east becoming more undulating. The change in topographical landscape brings with
it a change in land use as the eastern areas are typified by forestry and a
higher concentration of conservation features.
Volksrust which is its largest urban area is dispositioned being located on
the provincial boundary with KwaZulu Natal.
9.4.2 HIERARCHY OF SETTLEMENT
9.4.2.1 Major Urban Centre
There is only one major urban centre in Pixley Ka Seme and this is Volksrust.
The town is located on the provincial boundary with KwaZulu Natal and is thus
peripheral within its own LM. The town was established around the crossing of
the R23 and N11, which remain important transportation routes.
In this respect Volksrust is strategically located on the N11/R23 corridor
which is regarded as a high-order mobility corridor across provincial
boundaries. This corridor, like the N17/N2, is a Gauteng-Richards Bay freight
route and is increasingly becoming important in respect of tourism.
Though Volksrust classifies as a major urban centre it has significant
competition from other proximate major urban centres, in particular Ermelo
(Msukaligwa) and New Castle (KwaZulu Natal Amajuba DM). These centres offer more
diversified services and facilities, and hence, there is an outflow of capital
from the LM to the surrounding areas (either to the north or the south).
Nonetheless, the economy though relatively localise seems to be stable.
However, ever increasing pressures are placed on these centres to support the
smaller urban centres and rural hinterland, and hence, economic development
opportunities must be sought as a matter of priority.
Economic Opportunities
Given the dominance of commercial farming, particularly grazing, the presence
of Majuba Power Station, forestry and the emergence of tourism, several avenues
can be investigated for economic opportunities.
Agro-industry opportunities could include:
Increased poultry and pig feed manufacturing from maize to promote expansion
of the chicken industry and piggeries.
Textile cluster (wool and cotton), which would engage in wool washing and
further down-stream activities such as spinning and weaving, manufacturing of
final products such as school wear, knitting wear for the tourism industry,
utilisation of waste (lanoline for the chemical industry).
Oil seed processing to process the full range of oil seeds available in the
region. This industry also has important links to animal feed manufacturers who
currently import oil cake from neighbouring regions. Medium-term down-stream
value-adding activities could further include manufacturing of margarine,
mayonnaise, etc. thus, establishment of a food-processing cluster.
Livestock by-product utilisation whereby hides and skins could be sourced from
abattoirs for down-stream manufacturing of shoes, bags, safety shoes, furniture
and tourism items.
The opening of another abattoir, whether it be in Volksrust or Amersfoort. In
addition thereto small scale activities should be initiated.
SMME opportunities also exist and can include the following:
Meat processing at smaller scale abattoirs;
Clothing and blanket manufacturing linked to a textile cluster
Manufacturing of maize and potato snacks such as chips, popcorn, etc.
Further down-stream manufacturing of paper and plastic packaging for maize
products and animal feed;
Manufacturing of plastic containers for items such as mayonnaise and
margarine, achieving backward linkage.
Due to the presence of Majuba Power Station backward linkage / import
replacement opportunities could exist. These opportunities could include the
local manufacture and provision of listed items to Eskom.
Protective clothing
Soaps and polishes
Boots and shoes
Vegetables
Cleaning equipment
Protective jackets
Buckets and cans
Forestry provides other opportunities, which can include:
Pallet manufacturing
Coffins manufacturing
Wood charcoal manufacturing
Household articles such as ironing boards, trays, bread boards, etc.
Low cost pine furniture manufacturing
Fortunately these enterprises are small scale, need low capital investment and
is labour intensive, which is suited for the population profile in the area.
Tourism is a totally under-explored avenue, which can easily be tapped into.
There are several opportunities for government and private individuals which can
be successful. In addition the municipality could become involved in
facilitating LED in this regard. Such could include arts and crafts manufacture
and the like.
Given the extent of LED proposals and need for small-scale enterprises it may
be valuable to investigate the relevance of constructing industrial hives, as
start-up factories for entrepreneurs.
It is vitally important that whatever LED initiatives are undertaken that such
be done in conjunction with basic life and business skills training, since the
aim of LED projects is to achieve long term sustainability.
Spatial Development Proposals for Volksrust
Diagram 6.1: Volksrust
In terms of the DFA principles urban infill is necessary and a priority. Some
infill development is evident in Volksrust, while potential for sprawl also
exists.
Vukuzakhe has grown towards the R543 and is gradually filling in all available
land. This growth is supported and should continue as such. Growth to the south
should be limited due to prohibitive environmental factors, and though it may
appear to achieve integration, the residence will in fact remain displaced.
Other residential growth should be directed towards the R543 as indicated on
the plan to prevent sprawling northward or westward growth.
Owing to economic stability little new proposals of activity corridors and the
like can be made. The present activity spine along the main roads should be
retained and where relevant upgraded.
A potential new industrial areas is shown on the plan along the R543 opposite
Vukuzakhe. The timeframe for development of this area is unknown and should be
facilitated by local government.
Near Volksrust a new game reserve is being planned and should contributed to
the tourism drive in the area form which Volksrust could benefit.
9.4.2.2 Hubs
There are four hubs in Pixley Ka Seme LM, of which Daggakraal and Wakkerstroom
are most relevant:
Amersfoort, is a small urban centre located at the cross roads of the R35 and
the N11 between Volksrust and Ermelo. The town established as a result of the
coal mining in the vicinity and is now also dependant on Majuba Power Station.
Most growth is happening in Daggakraal which is in proximity.
Daggakraal is a very large urban settlement located to the east of the N11
between Amersfoort and Volksrust. It accommodates approximately 38 000 people
which is near a third of the total Pixley Ka Seme LM population. By sheer size
it has been classified as a hub. It has a range of social services, but catering
for the total number of people, need for more and a higher level of diversified
services exists. Equally a need for physical upgrades exists including improved
sanitation services (together with new sewer works), water reticulation and
refuse removal.
Economically the hub is unsustainable as it has a very limited base which has
not developed owing to the hubs inaccessibility. However, planning is underway
for the tarring of the access road from the N11 to Daggakraal near Amersfoort.
Need for skills training and employment opportunities is very high on the list
of priorities for Daggakraal.
Perdekop, is a small hub located along the R23 between Volksrust and
Standerton. The by-passing of the R23 has led to economic decline and it is
deemed this could be countered with the establishment of a truck-stop at the
town. This will provide a drawing card for the hub and will make provision for
truck-stopovers within this mobility corridor.
The establishment of multi-purpose community centres is important within the
hubs and such development should be actively sought.
9.4.2.3 Satellites
There are no satellites in Pixley Ka Seme. Instead the hubs (should) serve the
rural hinterland making service provision to individual farming communities easy
and accessible.
9.4.3 RURAL LAND
Under rural Land the whole spectrum of rural land activities are discussed and
planned for. These include conservation of the natural environment, agriculture,
forestry and mining.
New development within the Municipality must aim to be sympathetic to the
environmental issues pertinent to the area and aim to aid initiatives in place
to conserve sensitive environments. This being to ultimately achieve an
acceptable balance between new developments and the environment.
It is important to remember that sometimes there will be a trade-off between
conservation and economic growth. If any specific area is instrumental to the
economic growth of the country, it is likely that conservation will take a back
seat and vice versa. These economic activities must however aim to protect and
rehabilitate wherever possible.
9.4.3.1 Conservation
The Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality has few conservation areas but is
important in that it links directly to the Ekangala Grassland Biopshere Reserve
which is crucial to conserving the grassland biome. High lying areas within the
municipality represent untouched natural areas and offer a good opportunity to
link areas with conservation potential.
Seme Local Municipality incorporates the important wetland system of
Wakkerstroom with several small conservation areas in the surrounds. To link
Langfontein, Kombewaria, Oudehoutdraai, Ossewakop, Wakkerstroom Nature Reserve,
Oshoek and Tafelkop is realistic and will add to the biodiversity of the area.
It would be more of a challenge to link Paardeplaats Nature Reserve and Mooibron
to the before mentioned areas and should be the subject of a Strategic
Environmental Assessment, where workshops are held with land owners to discuss
these issues. High lying areas in the Municipality can be used to link these
conservation areas with those in neighbouring municipalities.
In order to mitigate the impacts of this land use as indicated earlier in this
report, it is suggested that the following actions be implemented:
Undertaking of a Strategic Environmental Assessment with specific
Environmental Management Plans to formalise an ecological corridor as indicated
on the attached maps.
Greater liaison with the farming communities to ensure wetlands on private
farms are adequately protected.
The hot-spot areas and the potential species based reserve network design
provide a spatial framework for sustainable biodiversity. Conservation
management must extend beyond site-limited mitigation by addressing the large
ecological systems of which biological diversity is part.
Greater liaison with and involvement from the forestry companies in the
rehabilitation and protection of wetlands in forestry areas.
Greater involvement from the government in assisting the private sector in
establishing and maintaining protected areas.
Greater liaison between the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism,
Planning Departments in Council and the relevant government department.
The linkage and protection of ecological hotspots through biosphere reserves
and transfrontier parks has become an important approach to conservation.
Spatial planning needs to acknowledge these ecological hotspots by facilitating
conservation efforts, providing funding and motivation. The interaction of
government and the private sector is a key to the success of these conservation
efforts. It is strongly recommended that the municipality undertake a Strategic
Environmental Assessment to assist in this conservation effort.
Improved management of sewage in the district
Greater liaison with farming communities to improve farming techniques
Greater liaison with farmers to restrict or control agricultural activities in
the areas with sensitive water resources
Liaison with farmers to rehabilitate impacted agricultural land
Ensuring that these activities only take place in areas zones for these
activities and that waste generated is correctly disposed of at licensed
landfill sites.
9.4.3.2 Agriculture
Little change in agriculture is foreseen in the short to long term. Pixley Ka
Seme Local Municipality has a well-established agricultural base which sustains
most of the primary economic sector of the area.
In order to mitigate the impacts of this land use as indicated earlier in this
report, it is suggested that the following actions be implemented. It should be
the intention of the SDF to assist in achieving the goals listed above. Where
agriculture prevails in the conceptual conservation corridor certain mitigating
measures need to be applied, though it would be good if these measures could be
applied throughout. The following mitigation measures are suggested:
Undertaking of a Strategic Environmental Assessment with issue-specific
Environmental Management Plans to deal with identified issues.
Greater liaison with farming communities to improve farming techniques
Greater liaison with farmers to restrict or control agricultural activities in
the areas important for biodiversity conservation
Liaison with farmers to rehabilitate impacted agricultural land.
Greater liaison between the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism,
Planning Departments in Council and the relevant government department
9.4.4 CORRIDORS
9.4.4.1 Mobility Corridors
In terms of the District SDF the following mobility corridors exists in Pixley
Ka Seme LM.
High-Order Mobility Corridor
The R23 has been categorised as an emerging high-order mobility corridor which
is relevant for Volksrust, particularly in conjunction with the N11, which has
been ranked by the Amajuba DM as a high-order corridor.
The N11/R23 corridor, hence, is an important freight and tourism transport
route. In fact it provides an alternative to the N17/N2 and N3 Gauteng /
Richards Bay / Durban routes.
Low-Order Mobility Corridors
The following are low-order mobility corridors:
N11 (from Volksrust to Ermelo);
R543 (from Volksrust to Piet Retief);
R35
Most of these roads have an important role to play in the transportation of
coal from the mines to the Majuba Power Station.
Presently the R543 from Volksrust to Vrede is partially tarred and therefore
carries limited traffic. However, proposals for the tarring of the road are
being considered and should these be successful the road will certainly benefit
Volksrust. The Vrede connection will provide a direct route from the N3 to Piet
Retief and hence, Mozambique and northern KwaZulu Natal which will attract more
people through the area. More people generally equates with more development and
higher diversification.
9.4.4.2 Activity Corridors
Only two activity corridors have been identified, both of which are in
Volksrust and centre around the main roads.
An activity corridor has been identified at and along the intersection of the
R23 and N11 covering much of the existing CBD. Though this encompasses and
existing area, the focus of this activity corridor would be more on upgrading
and maintaining the corridor.
Thoughts in this regard tend towards the creation of a CID (City Improvement
District), whereby funds are collected from existing land owners as part of
their monthly rates billings and such funds are used by a Section 21 Company for
the upgrading and beautification of the designated area.
The second activity corridor has been identified along the R543 to
Wakkerstroom at the potential industrial development area opposite Vukuzakhe.
The development of this corridor is dependant on local economic growth and will
only occur once growth has been established.
9.4.4.3 Rail Corridor
The rail line from Volksrust via Wakkerstroom and Daggakraal to Amersfoort is
in disuse;
However, a new railway line is being planned from Witbank to Majuba power
station which would be a dedicated coal transport line. This line will have
spin-offs during construction which will taper down when the line becomes
operational.
9.5 KEY INTERVENTIONS
The key interventions are areas / projects that are in need of immediate
intervention because, inter alia, major social or environmental problems are
looming, an opportunity needs to be harnessed or a community has been neglected.
These key interventions are an output of the SDF, but instead of being a
comprehensive list of projects as is typical with an IDP, the key interventions
aim to focus attention on critical issues that need to be addressed as a matter
of urgency.
Typical intervention actions would include a study to address a potential
conflict between development and environmental conservation. Interventions may
also be proposed to compact an existing urban form in order to increase the
efficiency of service provision, a specialised study or a monitoring and control
action.
It was explained in the District SDF that the implementation of the LUMS
process would be an incremental one, possibly starting from major urban centres,
activity corridors and other areas that are experiencing development pressures.
It is anticipated that key intervention areas will also be the focus of detailed
LUMS assessments.
9.5.1 LOCAL ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF VOLKSRUST
As mentioned previously, economic growth in Volksrust is critical, for one so
that it can cope with the pressures placed on it by its own LM and for another
to provide a measure of competition for its main rivals (New Castle and Ermelo).
A whole list of economic opportunities are contained in the SDF, but the list
is worthless if efforts are not directed to achieving these. It is hence
suggested that a dedicated local economic assessment be undertaken which
investigates what the real opportunities are and how such is to be implemented.
It is important that LED forms part of this study and that efforts be made to
transfer skills and establish small scale industry. There may even be a chance
for Volksrust to become the LED / small scale industry centre of the District.
9.5.2 UPGRADING OF DAGGAKRAAL
The physical, social and economic upgrade of Daggakraal is a major priority
for the LM. Given the high concentration of people and their limited resources
all efforts should be made to upgrade the settlement on all fronts.
In the foregone discussion of Volksrust a whole range of economic
opportunities were discussed, many of which relate to LED opportunities. These
opportunities must be investigated for Daggakraal to determine how and where
economic upliftment can be achieved.
Cognisance should be taken that these opportunities must be comprehensively
developed in that technical skills training is undertaken together with life and
business skills transfer. A holistic program must be followed.
It is suggested that a dedicated project be undertaken for Daggakraal which
provides a planning and implementation framework for the settlement.
9.5.3 WAKKERSTROOM / TAFELBERG AREA
The Wakkerstroom / Tafelberg area is identified as a key intervention area
because of its major conservation value and ecotourism potential. The wetlands
in the area are centres of biodiversity and are one of the few remaining
peatland wetlands in South Africa. It is imperative to conserve these wetlands
to protect the biodiversity within them and to ensure the correct hydrological
functioning of the wetlands and the rivers emanating from them. The ecotourism
potential (birding, hiking, scenic value etc) of the area also makes
Wakkerstroom valuable to the economy of the municipality.
Similarly the Tafelberg offers immense conservation and eco-tourism potential
which should be investigated. Though the general area, but in particular
Wakkerstroom, is starting to get regional attention, it is important to brand
the area and market it widely in the tourism industry. The area is certainly
known for its birding but other opportunities also exists, such as hiking
trails, 4x4 trails, camping and even game.
9.5.4 RIVER FLOODPLAIN WETLAND AREAS
River floodplains and the wetlands found within them are identified as key
intervention areas due to their high biodiversity levels and their key
hydrological role in attenuating flood flows, purifying the river water and
ensuring the perennial flow of the river. In the context of Pixley Ka Seme
Municipality, the floodplain wetlands found along the Vaal River in the north
west of the municipality, and the Klip River in the south west are centres of
biodiversity and play a very important role in the hydrological functioning of
the upper Vaal River catchment. The Vaal and Klip River Floodplains have the
potential to function as key ecological linkages. Correct land use management
practices should be implemented to protect these floodplain wetlands.
9.5.5 RIDGES
Ridges are important areas where levels of biodiversity are generally high.
Due to their topography ridges have also largely not been affected by human land
use impacts. Many high lying areas remain in a fairly pristine condition and
have the potential to function as a key ecological link. In Pixley Ka Seme, the
ridges of the escarpment along the southern boundary, as well as the Elandsberg
and Langeberg near Amersfoort high conservation and ecotourism potential.
Correct land use management practices should be implemented to conserve these
ridges.
9.5.6 RIVER FLOODPLAIN WETLAND AREAS
River floodplains and the wetlands found within them are identified as key
interventions due to their high biodiversity levels and their key hydrological
role in attenuating flood flows, purifying the river water and ensuring the
perennial flow of the river.
In the context of Lekwa, the floodplain wetlands found along the Vaal River in
the east of the municipality, and the Klip River on the southern boundary are
centres of biodiversity and play a very important role in the hydrological
functioning of the upper Vaal River catchment. The Vaal and Klip River
Floodplains have the potential to function as key ecological linkages. Correct
land use management practices should be implemented to protect these floodplain
wetlands.
9.6 ALIGNMENT
This section has been included into the report to show the way in which the SDF
relates to the guiding principles and laws as contained in chapter 2. As such,
this section refers to the following:
The nature of compliance with legislative requirements
The nature of compliance with the policy elements contained in the Mpumalanga
PGDS
The spatial alignment with the neighbouring administrative (municipal)
entities.
9.6.1 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
In this section, a number of legal requirements for development are listed. In
response to the listing, the nature of compliance of the SDF is noted by way of
showing those principles or requirements that are met by the SDF.
Table 19: Legislative Alignment
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS SDF PRINCIPLES APPLIED
Adherence to the principles of the DFA.
Promotes integrated land development in urban and rural areas by proposed
connectivity.
Encourages optimal use of existing resources by promoting concentration.
Discouraging urban sprawl by proposing infill development and increased
concentration.
Correcting historically distorted settlement patterns.
Encourages environmental sustainability and conservation of resources.
Reflect the desired patterns of land use.
Spatial development proposals are made in light of environmental constraints.
More detailed land use patterns to be reflected by the LUMS.
Address the spatial reconstruction of the municipality.
Spatial distortions in the municipal structure are addressed by the proposed
compacting of the municipal form as well as improved access, thereby increasing
access to services and infrastructure.
Provide strategic guidance with respect to location and nature of development.
The SDF provides guidance in respect of major urban centres, key intervention
areas, activity corridors as well as environmental constraints.
Contain basic guidelines for a LUMS.
SDF provides points of departure for the preparation of LUMS. Priority areas
for the preparation of LUMS are explained.
A capital investment framework. This is a component of the IDP. However, it
should be linked with the SDF in such a manner to reflect programmes and budgets
to, amongst others, (1) redress spatial imbalances, (2) promote economic
diversification at economic nodes and (3) improve access to centres of
employment.
A strategic assessment of the environmental impact of the SDF.
A detailed environmental analysis was prepared that informed the preparation
of the SDF. The environmental analysis also alluded to the need for preparing a
SEA for the area prior to the preparation of the LUMS.
Must include a visual representation of desired spatial form with respect to:
Location of public and private land development
Indicate desired and undesired use of land
Delineate the urban edge/s
Indicate strategic intervention areas.
The SDF shows the major and minor urban areas as well as areas of smaller
urban settlement.
At the local level, the SDF shows key intervention areas that have been
determined by considering constraints and opportunities for development.
The exact location of public and private sector investment has to be guided by
the IDP and reflected in the respective LUMS.
9.6.2 POLICY ALIGNMENT PROVINCIAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
Table 20: Policy Framework
KEY CHALLENGES SDF PRINCIPLES APPLIED
Economic Development Within urban centres, activity corridors are proposed as
well as areas for further economic expansion.
The interrelationship between the environment and tourism is considered as the
latter is a means to generate revenue.
Cognisance is taken of agricultural development in terms of its role in the
economy as well as potentials in respect of cropping, irrigation and forestry.
Proposals for economic beneficiation (economic strengthening), linked to
existing economic activities, are made.
Development Infrastructure Minimum basic levels of services are proposed for
the urban hierarchy.
Spatial proposals in respect of housing development are made to (1) compact
the spatial urban form and (2) ensure access to a minimum level of service.
Social Development Minimum basic levels of services are proposed for the urban
hierarchy as well as the rural land in respect of, amongst others, health,
education, sport and recreation.
The provision of land for economic expansion contributes towards addressing
unemployment which is one of the causes of crime.
An assessment of areas of cultural or natural significance that need to be
protected is provided.
Sustainable Environmental Development The SDF makes reference of the high
waste production, particularly hazardous waste from mining operations.
Appropriate actions have to be taken to control this at industry specific level.
Areas are identified that have high levels of air pollution where settlement
is not appropriate.
The prevalence of endemism is noted and proposals made in respect of
environmental corridors and linkages.
Good Governance Not addressed in the SDF. Part of the IDP Institutional
Framework.
Human Resource Development Not addressed in the SDF. Part of the IDP
Institutional Framework.
9.6.3 SPATIAL ALIGNMENT WITH ADJOINING MUNICIPALITIES
Table 21: Spatial Framework
MUNICIPALITY ALIGNMENT
Msukaligwa LM Aligned through Gert Sibande District SDF.
Lekwa LM Aligned through Gert Sibande District SDF.
Thabo Mofutsane District Municipality No conflicting land uses have been
proposed that would affect Thabo Mofutsane DM. In fact proposals to protect and
conserve the Klip River should certainly benefit the District and achieve
continuum.
Amajuba District Municipality The strengthening of Volksrust may work against
Amajuba DM, since the latter receives and inflow of capital from Pixley Ka Seme.
However, such should in the long term be beneficial in achieving ensure levels
of sustainability.
Zululand District Municipality There is no conflict in land uses between
Zululand DM and Pixley Ka Seme.
The proposed conservation of the Tafelberg will be mutually beneficial for
both.
Mkhondo LM Aligned through Gert Sibande District SDF.
9.7 CONCLUSION
The Spatial Development Framework has drawn together all the pieces of work
done to date amalgamating it into a sensible spatial pattern to provide a
framework for future development and hence, decision-making.
Owing to the relatively stagnant economic base of the municipality few
dramatic new development proposals can be put forward. As a result the thrust of
the Spatial Development Framework tends more towards non-spatial principles,
than to the spatial allocation of land for new land uses.
The Spatial Development Framework, consequently, reflects much of the status
quo, but importantly provides new insight to a hierarchy of development for
settlement and movement, and provides a new basis for environmental conservation
in respect of a designated corridor.
The non-spatial principles are very important as these centre around:
Diversifying the economy
Creating economic clusters
Changing land use practices in environmentally sensitive areas
Engaging and enforcing environmental management plans for mining and forestry
Defining corridors of movement and activity
Establishing a hierarchy of service provision
In totality the Spatial Development Framework provides a clear basis for
future sectoral planning and management of the District.
10. LAND USE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
10.1 WHAT IS A LUMS?
While the preparation of a Spatial Development Framework is guided by the MSA
Regulations (796/Aug 2001), there are no specific policies, guidelines or
regulations to date that guide the formulation of Land Use Schemes in Mpumalanga
. As a result, the guidelines in this section are predominantly based on
extensive research undertaken in KwaZulu-Natal by the (then) Town and Regional
Planning Commission, which culminated in the KwaZulu-Natal Land Use Management
System, Guideline Manual, June 2001.
LUMS means Land Use Management System, which is the combination of all the
tools and mechanisms used by a municipality to manage the way in which land is
used and developed. Such tools and mechanisms include Land Use Schemes; by-laws;
licensing; rates and general property information .
The management of land use is a mechanism used by municipalities in order to
create safe and liveable environments. One of the primary tools used for control
of land use and development of land and buildings are land use schemes and other
plans. The Land Use Scheme Plan reflects intended land uses on a map. A land use
scheme is prepared for all the land under a municipalitys jurisdiction and set
the rules and procedure for land development.
In order to prevent uncoordinated development and manage the impact of the
development on each site on neighbouring sites and surrounding areas ; the
scheme consists of a plan and a document that regulate land in two ways:
Through stipulating permitted land uses for each site within the municipality;
and
Putting in place development controls in terms of the shape, size and position
of buildings.
10.2 WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF A LUMS?
The purpose of preparing a LUMS is to promote co-ordinated, harmonious and
environmentally sustainable development. This is important in order to achieve:
A Healthy Living Environment: through separation of land uses which cause a
nuisance and pollution and provision of open space and community facilities.
Safety: controlling the development of land uses that are harmful to our
health ensures that safety is attained.
Conservation: this includes preservation of buildings and sites that are of
historical significance.
Order: to prevent conflict in land use management, order in development should
be promoted. This means that incompatible land uses should be separated and
compatible land uses be clustered.
Amenity: this refers to creating pleasant living environments.
Convenience: in terms of location of employment, community and other
opportunities.
General Welfare: adequate provision of services and facilities and creation of
safe and healthy environments.
Efficiency and Economy: this refers to maximum use of scarce resources that
are available in an area.
Participation of people in managing land.
10.2.1 Objectives of LUMS
In order to achieve a spatial form that has the above mentioned
characteristics, spatial planning should seek to achieve LUMS objectives which
can include:
Compliance with the principles of the White Paper which includes
sustainability, equity, efficiency, integration and fair and good governance.
To link land use and environmental management with development planning.
To provide mechanisms to:
accommodate desirable land uses;
provide a framework to resolve conflict between different land uses;
promote certainty of land use;
promote efficient use of land;
promote efficient movement of persons and goods;
promote economic activity;
protect the amenity of adjacent land uses;
protect natural resources including agricultural resources;
protect cultural resources and give due consideration to the diversity of
communities;
protect unique areas or features; and
manage land generally, including change of land use.
10.3 LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES
As discussed in chapter 3, all municipalities are obligated to prepare an
Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for its area of jurisdiction in terms of the
Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000). A key component of an Integrated
Development Plan is the preparation of a Spatial Development Framework that
contains a broad Land Use Management System (LUMS) that can be applied to the
whole municipality. Land Use Schemes are developed based on numerous aspects
identified in the IDP and reflected visually on the SDF. Land Use Schemes
reflect this information in greater detail, showing the details for every
individual site on a plan.
While the preparation of Spatial Development Frameworks is guided by the MSA
regulations, there are no specific guidelines or regulations pertaining to the
preparation of a LUMS. However government has recognised the importance of land
use management and the need for introducing legislation particularly in respect
of Land Use Management. The detailed requirements of land use management applied
at municipal level is, to some extent, being addressed nationally by the draft
white paper on Spatial Planning and the National Land Use Bill (March 2001)
which seek to establish land use planning as a key component of Integrated
Development Plans
The national land use bill (will) establish the framework to guide spatial
planning, land use management and land development throughout the republic and
requires all municipalities to prepare Land Use Schemes to regulate the use and
development of land.
The white paper on Spatial Planning and Land Use Management (2001) follows
closely the Green Paper on Development and Planning. The intended outcome of the
white paper is a new national law, the land use bill. The bill will replace,
inter alia, the Physical Planning Acts and Development Facilitation Act. The
ultimate goal is a legislative and policy framework that enables government, and
especially local government, to formulate policies, plans and strategies for
land-use and land development that address, confront and resolve the spatial,
economic, social and environmental problems of the country.
The White Paper on spatial planning and land use management contains the
following principles that LUMS should comply with:
Sustainability
Equality
Efficient
Integration and
Fair and good governance.
In order to comply with legislative requirements, Planning Schemes will need
to :
Define the area of effect thereof;
Define terminology;
Specify development, or classes of development, which are permitted, or
prohibited and any permissions, conditions, limitations or exemptions, subject
to which such developments may be permitted; and
Specify for any area or part thereof:
floor area and coverage limitations;
building height limits;
building density limits;
space limitations around buildings, including minimum building lines;
parking standards and requirements;
external building appearance, landscaping, overshadowing, aesthetics, and
maintenance standards;
advertising and signage standards;
provisions which advise prospective developers of the facilities which they
will be required to provide;
moratoriums on further development where land use and servicing restrictions
are severe; or,
any other norms or standards which require compliance with, or other matters
necessary for, the effective administration thereof.
The following diagram illustrates the legislative framework informing LUMS and
provides an indication of how LUMS should be integrated with other municipal
planning and development legislation.
Figure 9: The legislative framework informing LUMS .
10.4 HOW DO YOU PREPARE A LUMS?
One of the first steps in preparing a LUMS for a municipality is considered to
be the preparation of a Land Use Management Framework that shows, in broad
terms, how land will be managed throughout a municipality. A Land Use Management
Framework will be informed directly by the Spatial Development Framework and
will show the areas covered by Planning Schemes and the broad zones that a
municipality wishes to apply.
The role of the Land Use Management Framework is to bridge the gap between the
IDP and LUMS, and its format will use broad underlying zones to inform the
preparation of Planning Schemes. The Land Use Management Framework may be used
to prepare either a single Planning Scheme in the case of a small municipality
or in the case of a large municipality; it might be developed into several
separate Planning Schemes.
Planning Schemes are the means of implementing statutory mechanisms in terms
of which the use of land may be developed, managed and regulated. Although a
single LUMS may be prepared for the whole of a municipal area, (including both
urban and rural areas), LUMS makes provision for Planning Schemes to be prepared
with different degrees of detail depending on the complexity of the area to
which it applies. For example, at an urban or settlement level, LUMS makes
provision for Planning Schemes to be prepared at an Elementary, Primary or
Comprehensive level. These are all part of the same system with each drawing on
the same suite of land use management mechanisms which enable a municipality to
manage different sized settlements, towns or cities within its jurisdiction. A
municipality will be able to draw upon a similar suite of management mechanisms
to manage the different requirements of rural area. This also means that any
component of the system can be upgraded as and when required without major
changes.
Planning schemes should provide the detailed management mechanisms required to
put into effect the spatial policies, strategies and development objectives of
the IDP and should contain:
Policies;
Statements of Intent;
Districts;
Special Zones; and
Management Areas.
A Planning Scheme is a statutory plan and will consist of a written document
and maps. The broad contents of a Planning Scheme are as follows:
1. Introduction
2. Visions, Statements of Intent and Definitions of Zones
3. The Zones, Districts, Special Zones, Management Areas and Management Plans
required for the area of applicability of the Planning Scheme, together with
such Templates and Land Use Matrices as may be required to show which land uses
may be permitted or prohibited
4. Land Use Matrices and Templates
5. Definitions of terminology
6. Policies and Guidelines
7. Procedures
8. Planning Scheme Maps, Management Area Overlays and Management Plans, as
appropriate
The following broad steps would be used to prepare a Planning Scheme:
STEP 1:
Prepare a Work Plan to show how the Planning Scheme will be prepared and the
level of consultation required.
STEP 2:
The following key informants should be used to determine land use management
requirements:
The IDP and the Spatial Development Framework
Cadastral and jurisdictional boundaries
Different forms of land tenure
Defined urban areas and settlements
Geology, soils and topography
Livelihood plans
Current land use
Demographics
Development opportunities and constraints
Economic development
Environmental elements
STEP 3:
From steps 1 and 2, it will be possible to determine the appropriate level of
management required and the different Districts, Special Zones and Management
Areas which will be needed for each particular spatial area. These will be shown
spatially on a single map where possible, or on a map with overlays where
necessary.
STEP 4:
At this stage, statements of intent should be prepared for each area which
prescribes how an area is to be developed in the future.
STEP 5:
Once the Districts, Special Zones and Management Areas and the statement of
intent for each area have been established, it will be possible to determine
which land uses and activities are to be permitted or prohibited, and the
detailed development regulations pertaining to each area. These regulatory
mechanisms will be shown in a series of templates and land use matrices.
STEP 6:
A municipality should then determine which planning and environmental policies
and additional controls will be required to make the Plan clear and effective.
Simple forms and applications procedures should be included to facilitate
development.
It is essential that there is community consultation in the preparation of the
plans. The different communities live with the result of land use management
every day of their lives. They depend on the plans to provide certainty and
protect their amenity. Community consultation is essential at all stages in the
preparation of plans. The specific requirements for engaging communities are
contained in Chapter 4 of the Municipal Systems Act.
10.5 HOW DO YOU GET APPROVAL FOR A LUMS?
Currently the law regulating land use management is diverse. National
legislation / framework on land development have not been finalised. Some
provinces have tried to create one set of procedures to deal with land
development and land management, some use DFA as alternative route. In provinces
such as Mpumalanga that have not passed their own development and planning laws
(since 1994 and the restructuring of municipalities and other spatial
implications post 1994) old ordinance that used to apply (in white areas)
prevail (alongside the apartheid regulations that applied to black areas).
At present, Council can approve its own Land Use Management Systems in terms
of the Ordinance. Furthermore, in terms of Section 11 of the Municipal Systems
Act, the Council of the municipality exercises the executive and legislative
authority of a municipality and the council takes all the decisions of the
municipality subject to Section 59 being delegations.
For approval as part of the IDP, in terms of Section 25 of the MSA: adoption
of integrated development plans, each municipal council must, within a
prescribed period after the start of its elected term, adopt a single, inclusive
and strategic plan for the development of its municipality. This integrated
development plan may be amended in terms of Section 34 of the Act and remains in
force until the next elected council adopts an integrated development plan.
10.6 ROLE OF LOCAL MUNICIPALITY IN RESPECT OF LUMS
It evidences from the above that the implementation of the LUMS is the
responsibility of the local municipality and not that of the District, since
land use management systems are pertinent at the very grass roots level of land
management.
However, it is strongly advocated that the local municipality does not engage
in this process without the involvement of the District, since the process of
preparing LUMS makes distinct provision for District participation.
The district has a very definite role to play as co-ordinator, director,
planner and co-funder, which is in line with its position as overarching
authority. In effect the District should be accountable for compiling the Land
Use Management Framework (LUMF) which precedes the LUMS.
With this in mind the District should take responsibility for amongst others:
setting of standards for the LUMS;
supporting the local municipalities in establishing the LUMS;
providing or assisting with required funding;
standardization of the content of the LUMS; and
coordinating and overseeing the local process.
It is concluded from the foregone sections that the LUMS is the last component
of a comprehensive planning process which can be illustrated as follows:
Clearly there is a link between the IDP, the SDF, the LUMF and the LUMS. In
which case the LUMF is at district level and the LUMS at the local level. Thus,
like the District SDF, which is overarching and broad serving as a directive for
the local SDFs, so the LUMF is overarching and broad being directive and
descriptive for the LUMS. Where the LUMS is the actual mechanism with which land
is managed, the LUMF is the instruction manual to create the mechanism.
Following from the above it is deemed that the District has to undertake the
following in terms of compiling the LUMF (Note: list is not necessarily
comprehensive):
Identify all the critical areas of first intervention. Thus single out those
areas where standardized LUMS are most needed;
Determine the actual content of each level of LUMS, viz. what detail should be
covered in a comprehensive LUMS versus a primary LUMS, versus an elementary LUMS;
Determine the level of LUMS, viz. elementary, primary or comprehensive, needed
for the different types of areas, viz. urban, rural, hub, satellite, etc. which
constitute the municipal area;
Define a timeframe for LUMS implementation, realizing that the LUMS can only
be implemented through an incremental process because financial and human
resources are scarce and the complexity of LUMS can be overwhelming especially
in areas which have never been part of any form of land use management; and
It should launch the project; assist with funding and co-ordinate the process
to ensure execution and alignment.
In accordance with the LUMF the local municipality should undertake the LUMS.
Thus, it will physically have to compile the LUMS, set it up, run it, manage it
and update it.
Cognisance should be taken that preparing the LUMS will be an incremental
process while maintaining and updating it will be an ongoing process. Since
these activities are to be undertaken at a local level, budgetary provision must
be made on an annual basis. Where shortfalls are experienced which will delay
the process and or hamper District-wide progress funds should be sought at
District level.
It is in fact advisable, that the LUMF and LUMS processes be done in
partnership between local and district level to ensure that a fully integrated
product is created and that dual ownership is achieved.
10.7 POINTS OF DEPARTURE FROM THE SDF
The District SDF identifies that the major urban centres are the key areas of
economic growth, where infrastructure exist, thresholds are greatest to attract
more activity and land uses are most diverse, economic opportunities prevail and
integration is to be achieved. Of importance is that development must be
facilitated and one way of achieving this is by making development easy and fast
and another is by being transparent. An effective LUMS can achieve these. And
since, development in all major urban centres is desirable an effective LUMS is
also.
In addition to the major urban centres, other critical areas include the key
interventions, if they are spatial in nature. Thus, the major urban centres and
the key interventions are first on the priority list for LUMS, and these should
be done at a comprehensive level in order to be fully transparent and to
facilitate development.
Though the major urban centres may presently be governed by a town planning
scheme it is suggested that the first phase of the incremental LUMS process be
to standardize the content of the different schemes and to transform the
existing schemes into a structured LUMS. It is accepted that a fully-fledge LUMS
will take more time and funds.
It is recognised that the process is (has to be) incremental as a boundary to
boundary comprehensive LUMS is for many reasons unattainable in one shot and
that a hierarchy and process of implementation must form part of the LUMF.
In accordance with the above the short term LUMS priority areas for Pixley Ka
Seme LM are:
Table 22: LUMS Priority Areas
PRIORITY AREAS FOR LUMS LOCAL SDF
Major urban centres Volksrust
Key interventions Daggakraal
Wakkerstroom
10.8 CONCLUSION
Compiling an IDP is a much more involved process than producing a single
document. It is a comprehensive multi-facetted project which comprises different
components with different processes. The LUMS is one component thereof, probably
at the bottom end of the entire system.
The LUMS is not alone-standing. It is dependant on the LUMF which is the
overarching descriptive manual detailing the content, level, priority,
timeframe, etc. of the LUMS. It is therefore the responsibility of the District
Municipality to compile the LUMF, co-ordinate implementation and as far as
possible financially assist the local municipalities to undertake the LUMS. Once
the LUMF is in place the local municipalities should engage in compiling the
LUMS, which is an incremental process and where attention should be given to the
most critical areas first. In time a fully-fledge LUMS boundary to boundary will
have been produced.
11. CONCLUSION
The population of the Gert Sibande District Municipality is in the order of
900000. Generally, there are low population densities and a high economic
dependency on agriculture and forestry as part of the primary sector as well as
electricity supply. The economic make-up of the district provides only for
limited economic beneficiation. This aspect needs to be addressed to attain
economic growth in the area.
Typical of most district in the country there are discrepancies in respect of
levels of service delivery, income and education levels between the urban and
rural components of the area.
In response to the challenges noted above, and elaborated upon in the main
report, the SDF has identified opportunities, in terms of both the tourism and
economic sector, at certain localities. Similarly, constraints have also been
noted. Amongst others, these relate to agricultural practises, mining and
emissions.
The SDF has been based on an adaptation of a spatial model. The model
considers urban and rural areas as well as their connectivity. Cognisance is
also taken of the peculiar economic and social characteristics, opportunities
and constraints of the urban and rural components.
The GSDM SDF is the first step in spatially representing the vision of the
municipality in such a manner to guide the location of development. The next
step is to elaborate upon the district SDF in a lower level of detail at the
local municipality level. More specifically, areas of investment should be
shown, special development areas as well as intervention areas and areas for
future growth.
Following the completion of both the district and local SDFs, a district LUMF
and detailed LUMS at the local level have to be prepared. The LUMS will be
informed by the district and local SDFs. A well-prepared LUMS can facilitate
development as contemplated in the SDF.
However, the successful implementation of the SDF and enforcement of a LUMS is
dependent on not only enforcing legislation but also the buy-in of land owners
and developers. As such, the process of preparing the LUMS is an inclusive,
consultative process.
The process of preparing the SDF and LUMF/LUMS is an incremental one. The
local SDF can depict a more detailed, and focused, level of information than a
district SDF. In response thereto, the LUMS defines land use scheme areas and
districts at even a more detail. Such investigations could very well lead to the
identification of opportunities and constraints which have an impact on
potentially the whole district. Then, the necessary changes to the district SDF
have to be effected.
This district SDF should be used by all the local municipalities in preparing
their local SDFs. Thereafter the district SDF should be refined in line with any
significant opportunities and constraints identified at eth local level and
respective LUMS processes.
As with the preparation of review of IDPs, a SDF should also be reviewed in
line with changing circumstances.
REFERENCES
1. A Local Economic Development Strategy for the Dipaleseng Municipality, May
2002, Urban Econ, Zimele Investment Enterprise Company and Seaton Thomson.
2. 2003 State of the Environment Report. Mpumalaga DACE. Nelspruit.
3. Albert Luthuli Local Municipality Integrated Development Plan 2002/2003.
4. Albert Luthuli Municipality Integrated Development Plan Revision 2004.
5. Amajuba District Municipality IDP Review, July 2003, SiVEST.
6. Amsterdam Local Council Land Development Objective, April 1999, Urban
Dynamics and B Gildenhuys and Associates.
7. An Industrial Development Strategy for the Highveld Region of the Mpumalanga
Province, Mpumalanga Office of the Premier.
8. Bethal Structure Plan, September 1992, Korsman & van Wyk.
9. Dipaleseng Municipality Integrated Development Plan, Revision 2004.
10. Disaster Management for Gert Sibande District Municipality, Discussion
document for the Local Government Summit, June 2004, District Municipality Task
team.
11. Disaster Management Framework for Gert Sibande District Municipality,
November 2003, Annexure A, Watees Consortium.
12. East Vaal Regional Development Strategy Status Quo Report, July 1994,
Planafrica.
13. Ekurhuleni SDF 2003/2004 information obtained telephonically from Plan
Associates.
14. Gauteng Spatial Development Framework, Phase 3, 2000, APS Planafrica.
15. Gert Sibande District Municipality Revised Integrated Development Plan,
Urban Dynamics.
16. Govan Mbeki Municipality Integrated Development Plan Revision 2004.
17. Govan Mbeki Spatial Planning Strategy, to guide the development of a Spatial
Development Framework Document, May 2004, Physical Development and Public Works,
Govan Mbeki Local Municipality.
18. Highveld Ridge Development Framework Document, December 1996, APS Planafrica.
19. Highveld Ridge Land Development Objectives / Integrated Development Plan
Report, April 1999, Emendo.
20. Highveld Ridge Transitional Local Council, First Integrated Transport Plan,
1999 / 2000, Vol. 1.
21. Land Development Objectives for Piet Retief Local Council, April 1999, Urban
Dynamics and B Gildenhuys and Associates.
22. Land Development Objectives, Standerton Local Council, March 1999, Urban
Dynamics.
23. Leandra Transitional Local Council: Land Development Objectives, July 1999,
Urban Dynamics.
24. Lekwa Municipality, Integrated Development Plan, Revision 2004.
25. Mkhondo Municipality Integrated Development Plan, Urban Dynamics.
26. Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, 2003.
27. Mpumalanga Integrated Spatial Framework, 2000, CSIR.
28. Mpumalanga Parks Board, 2002. Determining the Conservation Value of land in
Mpumalanga. Eds. A.J. Emery and S.D. Williamson. Nelspruit.
29. Mpumalanga Parks Board, 2003. State of Biodiversity in Mpumalanga. Eds. M.C.
Lotter and A.J. Emery. Nelspruit.
30. Mpumalanga Province, Draft Document: Towards the formulation of the
Operating Licensing Strategy in Gert Sibande DM, April 2004, Annexure C,
Kgatelopele Consulting Engineers.
31. Mpumalanga Provincial Growth and Development Strategy; 2005, Office of the
Premier.
32. Msukaligwa Municipality Integrated Development Plan, Revision 2004.
33. Nkangala District Municipality, Section 4 Operational Strategies, 4.1
Spatial Development Framework (Extract Only).
34. Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality Integrated Development Plan, Revision
2004.
35. Sasol Oil (Pty) Ltd: Secunda Heavy Vehicle Service Centre Report, April
2001, LWF Incorporated Consulting Engineers and Project Managers.
36. Spatial Development Framework for Albert Luthuli Local Municipality PLAN
ONLY.
37. Sustainable Livelihoods Development, Strategic Assessment of Standerton
Region, November 2000, CSIR.
38. Tourism, extract from Pixley Ka Seme internet information.
39. Transitional Local Council Bethal IDP / LDO, Development Framework, June
1999 and July 1999, Korsman & van Wyk.
APPENDIX 1: DIAGRAMS
APPENDIX 2: MAPS
APPENDIX 3: DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT STUDIES
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
In the last ten years government has initiated many and significant
restructuring exercises, which every time led to the formulation of new
government organisations or authorities left in charge of differently demarcated
areas.
For the newly demarcated areas plans were required in order to address local
needs, achieve development and meet new legislative requirements.
Consequently, since 1994 many new plans for a range of different areas have
been compiled. Thus, in each document relevant information can be extracted, but
it is only in the recent IDP documents that coherent local and district
information is available. Even then such information is not always fully up to
date or comprehensive.
Review of existing documents is vital, even if such documents do not fully
relate to the present demarcated areas, reason being that much work has been
undertaken and there is no need to reinvent the wheel especially where budgets
are limited. Thus, a proper review process was undertaken from all the documents
supplied to the consultants.
All relevant information was extracted to inform the status quo, assisting in
understanding the area. In addition, the vision and mission statements for the
municipal area were extracted from the IDP or IDP Revision document and, where
available, information was extracted from an old spatial framework or spatial
plans to inform the present SDF.
Since this SDF is part and parcel of the IDP, the IDP is deemed to be the
primary source of information and all other documents have been used to
supplement the base information.
LIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
At overleaf is a tabular summary of documents reviewed in the analysis and
planning of the local SDF. The list is limited to the documents used for this
exercise. A comprehensive list is available in the District SDF.
AREA TITLE CONTENT / APPLICATION USE
Gert Sibande DM Disaster Management Framework for Gert Sibande DM, November
2003, Annexure A Framework compiled in terms of legislative requirements to
provide a coherent, transparent and inclusive policy on disaster management for
the GSDM. Information limitedly applicable to SDFs.
Gert Sibande DM East Vaal Regional Development Strategy Status Quo Report, July
1994 Status quo report for the then East Vaal Regional Services Council in
preparation for a regional structure plan for the area. The information is
very old and outdated. More recent information should be obtained for inform
development.
Gert Sibande DM Disaster Management for Gert Sibande DM, Discussion document for
the Local Government Summit, June 2004 A slide presentation of the roles and
responsibilities of disaster management in the district. Content is
introductory regarding principles, policies and budgets.
Limited applicability to SDF.
Gert Sibande DM Mpumalanga Province, Draft Document: Towards the formulation of
the Operating Licensing Strategy in Gert Sibande DM, April 2004, Annexure C
Research undertaken to provide guidelines for the formulation of an operating
licensing strategy for the district regarding bus and taxi services. Report
focuses on bus and taxi public transport in an endeavour to streamline service
delivery ensuring effective provision. Good bus and taxi information, but
limited application owing to absence of broad spectrum of traffic information
which affects the entire district.
To determine a road hierarchy more detailed status quo information is
required.
Gert Sibande DM Gert Sibande DM Revised Integrated Development Plan IDP Base
information utilised
No transport or social facilities information.
Gert Sibande DM/ relevant local areas An Industrial Development Strategy for the
Highveld Region of the Mpumalanga Province Valuable economic report describing
economic trends and devising strategies for future economic diversification.
Critical for all SDFs. Essential in understanding economic trends
Economic development / diversification proposals of SDFs based on study.
Dipaleseng LM Dipaleseng Municipality Integrated Development Plan, Revision 2004
IDP Revision Base information used for status quo
Vision and mission
Dipaleseng LM/
Gert Sibande DM A Local Economic Development Strategy for the Dipaleseng
Municipality, May 2002 An economic strategy for Dipaleseng to uplift the
economic status of the area. Contains valuable economic and socio-economic
status quo information, and provides development proposals for upliftment
applicable to Dipaleseng and the rest of Gert Sibande. Updating of status quo
information
Directing District SDF
Directing Local SDFs
Albert Luthuli LM Albert Luthuli Municipality Integrated Development Plan
Revision 2004 IDP Revision Base information used for status quo
Vision and mission
Albert Luthuli LM Albert Luthuli Local Municipality Integrated Development Plan
2002/2003 IDP Base information used for status quo
Albert Luthuli LM
/ Gert Sibande DM Spatial Development Framework for Albert Luthuli Local
Municipality PLAN ONLY A plan defining development corridors, proposed
business/market nodes and tourism opportunities Plan was examined and where
relevant existing proposals were refined.
Govan Mbeki Spatial Planning Strategy, to guide the development of a Spatial
Development Framework Document, May 2004 Document provides a framework of
principles and contains some broad based information to serve as input /
guidelines for the compilation of a spatial development framework. It is
concluded that the document is in fact a very broad brief of work to be
undertaken. Review of principles defined and reference to base information
where it could supplement existing base documents.
Govan Mbeki LM Sasol Oil (Pty) Ltd: Secunda Heavy Vehicle Service Centre Report,
April 2001 Private initiative by Sasol to investigate possible locations for a
heavy vehicle service centre in the Secunda area. Low level information, not
applied at the district or municipal level.
Status quo information could be appropriate for urban planning.
Govan Mbeki LM Highveld Ridge Development Framework Document, December 1996 A
development framework for the then Highveld Ridge TLC containing status quo
information and spatial development proposals for the Trichardt, Evander,
Kinross, Secunda, Embalenhle and Charl Cilliers complex. Valuable base
document although somewhat outdated.
Relevant spatial information of the urban centres in Govan Mbeki LM.
Govan Mbeki LM Highveld Ridge Land Development Objectives / Integrated
Development Plan Report, April 1999 LDO / IDP for Highveld Ridge TLC, firmly
founded on the Highveld Ridge Development Framework Document of Dec 1996.
Contains no spatial development proposals. Document provides status quo
information for local SDF.
Limited statistical information to usefully inform the SDF.
Govan Mbeki LM Highveld Ridge Transitional Local Council, First Integrated
Transport Plan, 1999 / 2000, Vol. 1 It is a status quo research report focused
on devising policies for future transportation planning. It contains information
on service provision but has limited information on the spatial side of
planning.
Contains much base information of services provided i.e. busses and taxis, but
limited information on infrastructure.
Identifies need for SDF as underlying element to inform transportation
planning.
No heavy vehicle transport information.
Govan Mbeki LM Transitional Local Council Bethal IDP / LDO, Development
Framework , June 1999 and July 1999 IDP / LDO Contains base information for
Bethal.
Limited relevance for LM or DM SDFs.
Govan Mbeki LM Bethal Structure Plan, September 1992 Structure Plan Relevant
at a local urban level.
Review of proposal.
Govan Mbeki LM Leandra Transitional Local Council: Land Development Objectives,
July 1999 LDO Valuable base information to support DM and LM SDFs, especially
hierarchy of urban centres.
Govan Mbeki LM Govan Mbeki Municipality Integrated Development Plan Revision
2004 IDP Revision Contains very limited base information.
Where relevant base information was used
Vision and mission
Lekwa LM Lekwa Municipality, Integrated Development Plan, Revision 2004 IDP
Revision Base information used for status quo
Vision and mission
Lekwa LM Land Development Objectives, Standerton Local Council, March 1999 LDO
Information limited to Greater Standerton
Social information used to supplement status quo in the absence of any other
information
Document used to check population statistics and trends
Lekwa LM Sustainable Livelihoods Development, Strategic assessment of Standerton
Region, November 2000 Private initiative undertaken by Eskom. The study
researched the political and social environment of the Greater Standerton area
in order to identify potential social and political risks. Available
population statistics and trends where used to refine status quo in respect of
IDP.
Mkhondo LM Mkhondo Municipality Integrated Development Plan IDP Base
information utilised
No transportation or social facilities information.
Vision and mission
Mkhondo LM Land Development Objectives for Piet Retief Local Council, April 1999
LDO Contains base information but this is limited to Piet Retief.
Cannot use information at a LM level.
Mkhondo LM Amsterdam Local Council Land Development Objective LDO Contains
base information but this is limited to Amsterdam.
Cannot use information at a LM level.
Msukaligwa LM Msukaligwa Municipality Integrated Development Plan, Revision 2004
IDP Revision Base information used for status quo
Vision and mission
Pixley Ka Seme Tourism An assortment of sheets regarding tourism in Pixley Ka
Seme including some history, accommodation detail and places of interest list.
Informative, but limited detail for inclusion in a SDF.
Pixley Ka Seme Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality Integrated Development Plan,
Revision 2004 IDP Revision Base information used for status quo
Vision and mission
Gert Sibande DM, Govan Mbeki LM, Dipaleseng, LM Gauteng Spatial Development
Framework, Phase 3, 2000 Provincial Spatial Development Framework defining
development trajectories for the province Understanding of Gautengs
composition and impact on the GSDM
Gert Sibande DM, Govan Mbeki LM, Albert Luthuli LM, Msukaligwa LM Mpumalanga
Integrated Spatial Framework, 2000 Provincial Spatial Development Framework for
the province Extracting status quo information and reviewing spatial proposals
Gert Sibande DM, Pixley Ka Seme LM, Mkhondo LM Amajuba District Municipality IDP
Review, July 2003 IDP Revision Understanding KwaZulu-Natals impact on the
District in respect of its spatial planning proposals
Gert Sibande DM, Govan Mbeki LM, Msukaligwa LM, Albert Luthuli LM. Nkangala
District Municipality Spatial Development Framework Extract Brief summary of
spatial planning proposals for area Understanding Nkangala District
Municipalitys impact on the District in respect of its spatial planning
proposals
Gert Sibande DM, Mkhondo LM, Pixley Ka Seme LM Zululand IDP electronic extract
of SDF SDF Understanding adjoining spatial development planning proposals
Gert Sibande DM, Govan Mbeki LM, Dipaleseng LM. Sedibeng Spatial Development
Framework SDF Understanding adjoining spatial development proposals