Understanding Urban Geography IN CAPS GRADE 12.pdf

This document is a repurposed PowerPoint presentation on the topic Urban Geography in South Africa for Grade 12, based on the CAPS curriculum. The slides combine information from seven different authors and sources, which have been reworked into a new, simple, and cohesive teaching resource.

The presentation begins with an introduction to urban geography and the meaning of urbanisation. It then explains the causes of urbanisation, the features of urban settlements, and the patterns of urban growth in South Africa. The content highlights both the positive and negative impacts of urbanisation and looks at specific urban problems faced by South African cities, such as housing shortages, service delivery issues, and inequality caused by apartheid.

1. Urban Geography(Grade 12)
KWANELE MFAZWE 223120931
17 AUGUST 2025

2. Introduction
to Urban
Geography
Urban geography is a branch of human
geography which studies cities, towns,
and settlements.
It focuses on urban growth, structure,
and impact on people and the
environment.
In South Africa, urban geography is linked
to migration, economic growth, and
apartheid history (Marissia226, 2025).

3. What is
Urbanisation?
Urbanisation = the process where
more people live in towns and cities.
Driven by industrialisation,
migration, and services
(Aneezmohamed, 2015).
South Africa’s urbanisation rate is
one of the fastest in Africa (Gooden,
2025).

4. Causes of Urbanisation
•Rural-to-urban migration (better
jobs, education, services).
•Natural increase of urban
population.
•Economic development and new
industries (Nagaraju, 2021).
•Apartheid policies forced
settlement patterns still seen
today (Deswal, 2020).

5. Characteristics of Urban Settlements
High population density.
Greater infrastructure (roads, water, electricity).
Diverse economic activities (industry, services, trade).
Social diversity and inequality (Marissia226, 2025; GCUF, 2022).

6. Urban
Settlement
Patterns
Central Business District (CBD):
economic hub.
Suburbs: residential and
commercial areas.
Townships and informal
settlements: on the periphery
(Marissia226, 2025).

7. Positive
Impacts of
Urbanisation
Better access to healthcare
and education.
Increased number of job
opportunities.
Economic growth and
improved infrastructure
(Gooden, 2025).

8. Negative Impacts of
Urbanisation
•Overcrowding and housing
shortages.
•Traffic congestion and
pollution.
•Urban poverty and informal
settlements (Barlow, 2025).
•Strain on services like water
and electricity (GCUF, 2022).

9. Urban Growth
in South
Africa
Rapid growth since the 1990s due to
democracy and migration.
Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban =
major growth centres.
Leads to urban sprawl (cities
spreading outward) (Nagaraju, 2021).

10. Sustainable
Cities
•Focus on reducing pollution
and congestion.
•Renewable energy and green
transport solutions.
•Promoting equality and
affordable housing (Barlow,
2025).

11. Recap / Summary
Urbanisation = growing cities
and towns.
Caused by migration, economy,
population growth.
Positive and negative impacts.
South Africa needs sustainable
urban planning for the future.

12. References
•Marissia226. (2025). Urban settlements. SlideShare. Available at:
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/urban-settlements/46302233[Accessed 16 August 2025].
•Aneezmohamed, S. (2015). Urbanisation. Available at:
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/urbanisation-43540654/43540654. [Accessed 16 August 2025].
•Gooden, D. (2025). Urbanization. SlideShare. Available at:
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/urbanization-7365871/7365871[Accessed 16 August 2025].
•Nagaraju, M. (2021). Urban growth and urbanization. Available at:
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/urban-growth-and-urbanization/250040410. [Accessed 16 August
2025].
•Deswal, D. (2020). Urbanization and Urbanism. SlideShare. Available at:
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/urbanization-and-urbanism/93329397[Accessed 16 August
2025].
•Barlow, J. (2025). Urbanisation. SlideShare. Available at:
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/urbanisation-presentation-591932/591932#2[Accessed 16
August 2025].
•GCUF (2022). Urbanization. [online] SlideShare. Available at:
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/urbanization-48803288/48803288[Accessed 16 August 2025].