Community and Its People (From Crime and Its Impact: A Study in a Black Metropolitan Area, P 50-95, 1990, J M Lotter, L B G Ndabandaba, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-129203)

• NCJ Number: 129204
• Author(s): A de V Minnaar; R Esterhuysen
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 46 pages
• Sale Source: South African Human Sciences Research Council
• Publication Type: Historical Overview
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa

Annotation

This chapter from a study of crime in the black townships of KwaMashu and Umlazi in South Africa describes the histories and current characteristics of the two communities.

Abstract

Geographically, both KwaMashu and Umlazi are suburbs of Durban. Umlazi was proclaimed a black township in 1955. This amounted to the formalization and development of an existing black residential area. Following the government's decision to move the black population of Durban to an area north of the city, KwaMashu was developed in an uninhabited area purchased in 1956 specifically for the blacks who were moved out of the city. Although there are similarities between two townships, there are also subtle and overt differences. KwaMashu residents are more politically active, and Umlazi residents have a higher level of job skills and work in more white-collar occupations than KwaMashu residents. The incidence of crime and other social problems is higher in KwaMashu. Umlazi has more community service and educational facilities than KwaMashu, yet the KwaMashu residents express greater dissatisfaction with their living conditions. 28 references and 4 data tables