In South Africa, areas often referred to as slums are commonly known as squatter camps or, in Afrikaans, plakkerskampe. These terms describe the widespread informal settlements that have developed across the country.
Understanding Informal Settlements in South Africa
The term "slum" can encompass various types of substandard housing, but in the South African context, it primarily refers to informal settlements. These areas are characterized by unauthorized occupation of land and the construction of makeshift dwellings, often in response to a lack of affordable housing and urban migration.
Key Terminology
Several terms are used interchangeably or to describe specific aspects of these communities:
- Squatter Camps: This is a widely used and common term in South Africa to describe informal settlements. These settlements often emerge rapidly on vacant land or public spaces.
- Plakkerskampe: Directly translated from Afrikaans, this term means "squatter camps" and is frequently used to refer to these communities, reflecting the country's linguistic diversity.
- Informal Settlements: This is a more formal and widely accepted term used by governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and researchers. It acknowledges the unplanned nature of these residential areas and often implies a need for formalization and basic services.
- Shanty Towns: This is a more general, global term used to describe settlements made up of shacks or shanties, typically built from found materials. It accurately describes the physical appearance of many South African informal settlements.
Characteristics and Development
These informal settlements typically exhibit specific characteristics:
- Rapid Growth: They often start small and expand quickly, accommodating a growing population seeking proximity to urban centers.
- Location: They commonly form on vacant land or public spaces, often located within or close to cities and towns. This strategic placement allows residents to be near potential work opportunities, reducing or eliminating the cost of transport.
- Lack of Services: Residents frequently lack access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, electricity, and formal infrastructure.
- Makeshift Dwellings: Homes are typically constructed from a variety of readily available materials like corrugated iron, wood, plastic, and cardboard.
To summarize the key terms:
| Term | Description | Common Usage & Context |
|---|---|---|
| Squatter Camps | Common term for informal settlements, highlighting the unauthorized occupation of land. | Widespread, colloquial |
| Plakkerskampe | Afrikaans translation of "squatter camps," directly referring to these informal communities. | Afrikaans-speaking communities |
| Informal Settlements | Broader, more formal term recognizing unplanned residential areas and their socio-economic context. | Government, NGOs, academic |
| Shanty Towns | Global term for settlements with makeshift dwellings, often applicable to the physical appearance. | General, international context |
Societal Context
The existence of squatter camps and informal settlements in South Africa is deeply rooted in historical factors such as apartheid-era spatial planning, rapid urbanization, and persistent socio-economic inequalities. Many people migrate from rural areas or smaller towns to major urban centers in search of employment and better opportunities, leading to an increased demand for housing that the formal market cannot adequately meet. These settlements, despite their challenges, often represent a community's resilience and determination to establish a foothold in urban economies. Efforts are continually made by various stakeholders to upgrade these settlements and provide formal housing and services.
