24. 4

COMMISSION RELATING TO COLOURED AFFAIRS REPORTS FROM LOCAL AREAS

EAST LONDON

1. The Coloured population of East London is small, numbering at 3l/l2/72 14 235* There were then 1 474 housing units, with 1 279 needing accommodation. In June 1973 there were 1 232 on the waiting list. 604 sub-economic houses are under construction at Pefferville. 239 economic houses are planned for Buffalo Flats Extension where 97 plots will be .available for home owner­ ship. Services are being laid on and it is anticipated that these houses will be ready in about 2 years' time.

2. A complaint by the Coloured leaders is that people qualifying for better housing are being pushed into Pefferville - but are being charged economic-rentals, the explanation I received from municipal official is that many people for whom this housing was built said they could not afford the rentals and were not taking it up. They felt the pinch of the sliding scale. Moreover, when the National Housing Commissioner granted the loan for this scheme, it was on the understanding that people who were moved from North End, in terms of the Group Areas zoning, would be accommodated there and the Municipality's hands are now tied. The Community Development authorities apparently want to speed up the process of clearing Coloured folk out of North End and are wielding the big stick at the Council. Indians are being moved into part of North End, while part is apparently earmarked for industrial development.

3. Bfeebiggest problem is presented by the presence of an undetermined number of bush-dwellers and others living in backyards, etc. These, for the most part, are degenerate and respond to no efforts to help them. In a great many cases the family consists of a Coloured father, black mother and a horde of children. Often the parents are not legally married and so only one of them would qualify for residence in a group area. They are not interested in moving into housing for which they would have to pay. Their numbers are being added to all the time by the gradual exodus of Coloured people from the Transkei. Some have been put into houses in a section of the old Duncan Village vacated by African families who have beet moved to Mdantsane. However, there is no real solution in sight.

This highlights a social problem which requires tackling at its roots. There is a need for thorough-going social work - motivation, education, and community development in the best sense. This involves leadership training. There is an appalling lack of trained social workers. Since municipalities were prevented from having welfare departments with trained social workers, there has been no overall attempt to tackle problems at the local level. The few qualified workers employed by social welfare agencies are overloaded with case work and are fully occupied with their own particular part of the problem. SCHOOLS. There are 5 Primary schools at present and one High School which caters for Indians as well. The accommodation has been described as "hopelessly inadequate" with double sessions at the two biggest Primary schools. However, a large new Primary school is being built and when this is complete the situation should be much easier. Sports facilities, though, are generally badly lacking. There are no schools sports fields - just a few tennis courts at one. They do have the use of theFields of the Coloured clubs at times when they are not required by adults and, subject each time, to obtaining a permit. Schools do make use of an athletic track in a white area - a very considerable distance from all the schools. If children are to be kept off the streets, especially at holiday time, playing fields mustbe provided. There is a need for more nursery schools, SWIMMING POOL: There is no swimming pool for the Coloured community. I understand that provision has been made on next year's estimates for one at Parkridge. Negotiations for land are proceeding.

BEACHES; There are two beaches for Coloured people - Cove Rock, which is a stony area, and Leach’s Bay, where there is a tea-room and a tidal swimming pool. A complaint is that the camping sites are insufficient at Christmas and people have to cross the road where they risk being charged with an offence. There is no regular public transport service.

COLOURED MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: Members of the Coloured Management Committee feel frustrated because they are not given sufficient powers and they complain that the Municipality is not sympathetic. They are threatening to resign en bloc. Negotiations with the Municipality are proceeding.

% MT. AYLIFF

There is a tremendous feeling of insecurity and uncertainty amongst the Coloured population in Mt. Ayliff and district.

The X.C.D. has taken over several "businesses and, as their policy is to employ Africans only, many Coloured shop assistants and employees have been put out of work. I know of sever'l women who now commute to Kokstad to work, but still have their families in Mt. Ayliff because accommodation is difficult to obtain in Kokstad. Although this is very inconvenient, it is still possible, but I don't know what the people will do who are too far from a White area to do this. Some Coloureds own property in Mt. Ayliff and there are one or two fairly well-to-do families who have their own "businesses (one a building contractor), but they are very apprehensive about their future in the Transkei. Some earn a living as sawyers, but th© rest are, on the whole, a pretty depressed lot and drinking seems to be a problem.

All matters relating to Social Welfare services fall under the local Magistrate in Mt. Ayliff, who is at present, a European.

There is one school for Coloureds, a R.C. Mission which receives some aid. There are 2 teacher^ for 60 children and the school only goes up to Std. 5* UMZIMKULU

Where possible I have included in this survey coloured communities living in Umzimkulu village, Clydesdale Mission, Rietvlei Village and the few small scattered groups in the district.

Umzimkulu village is a community of Europeans, Coloures and Africans, falling perhaps into the Transkei (?) on its border with Natal.

Clydesdale, 5 km. from Umzimkulu, is a village comprised of Africans and coloureds living on the Anglican Mission Station.

Rietvlei village is a collection of African and Coloured homes situated on the Rietvlei Location. Many of the local Coloured population are descended from the Griquas of Adam Kok and have been here, as a settledcommunity, since the land was given to them in 1864. They were originally granted farms, hut soon sold these to Europeans prefering to live togethar in community groups.

There have been two attempts to move the Coloureds into the Western Cape. One soon after the First World War when they went to Touws River with the promise of s new and better life, and the second in 1964 when they were recruited for work on the Cape Town docks. In neither case did the moves prove permanenent, but within 6 months they were drifting back. Only a few of the young people remained, being better able to adapt to the changed conditions and the faster way of life.

The following are the population figures and distribution as at the 1970 census:

POPULATION AS AT 1970 CENSUS

Male Female Total Umzimkulu Village 205 228 433 Clydesdale 95 85 180 Rietvlei 61 62 123 Riverside 9 18 27 Bizweni 61 62 123 Insekeni 2 4 6 Strydfontein Farm 7

TOTAL 418 442 860

These figures have probably increased a good deal particularly in Rietvlei where there has been a notable influx of Coloureds displaced from deeper in the Transkei

GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

They fall under the jurisdiction and administration of the local Magistrate who acts as the channel for the Department of Coloured Affairs which has no direct representatative here.

For purposes of the "Coloured Parliament" they fall into the Outeniqua constituency but nobody seems particularly interested in this, with the impression gained that they feel its all a bit pointless.

1Local/. Local Government

Umzimkulu Coloureds fall under the Umsimkulu Village Management Board, to which property owners pay rates, the same as Europeans. They also pay water rates, rubbish and sanitation removal fees. They have no representation on the Board, or say in village affairs since bsing removed from the voters roll in 1971* Up till that date a few did exorcise their right to vote at the Board elections.

Rietvlei'is not a Township declared, hence it has no local authority or administration and no community services, the Magistrate deals with their affairs.

Clydesdale is administered by the Anglican Church with a resident European Priest in charge.

ZONING

In 1970 Umzimkulu village was zoned by the Transkei Zoning Board. It was divided into a Black Zone and a White Zone with no provision made for Coloureds.

This means that property owners can only sell to a member of one of the other groups. Businesses and Properties in the "Black Zone" can be Bold only to Africans; if no buyer can be found the property is offered to the Adjustment Committee which is the Bantu Trust, for fixr.ng of compensation, etc. Although there is as yet no compulsion to move the zoning has led to a strong feeling of insecurity and unease. And, directly after the zones were announced, to a good deal of friction and unpleasantness between the Coloureds and Africans.

ECONOMICS AND LABOUR

There are no reliable figures or source of information as to the exact division of labour or economic standards, but the following is correct as far as can be ascertained.

The men are either qualified artisans in the building trade, or unqualified labourers.

The former all work in the larger centres, particularly Durban, returning home for weekends. They are well paid, earning R3 000 a year and up. They mostly own their own pleasant homes and maintain a high standard of living, and have no difficulty, at present in finding employment.

The ordinary labourers are poorly paid, seem unable to find jobs, and are constantly drifting back here, or remain in Umsimkulu unemployed, or doing any odd jobs that become available. There is not much local work offered.

Girls find employment locally in stores, but prefer to go to the larger centres where pay is higher. Some travel daily to Ixopo but transport is difficult as the Railway Bus time table does not fit in with shop hours.

Traditionally the married women do not seem to work, except for a couple of teachers, mayhe because there just are no openings.

There is one family of business men and they own a large General Dealers Store and a Butchery. Prom them one gathers that the fact of being coloured makes it difficult to get good overdraft facilities from the banks, which is often a hardship when running a business.

On/. On Clydesdale the families live on two acres of ground and are being encouraged to grow vegetables for sale to augment their income.

AGRICULTURE.

There is little or no agriculture in the hands of Coloureds in this district.

There is a body called "The East Griqua land and Southern Natal Coloured Farmers Union" which deals with all interests affecting the coloured community - not only agricultural I gather, in the area. The Chairman is Mr G. Goldstone, P.O. Ifafa Beach.

EDUCATION

There are no Government Schools in Umziimkulu.

All the schools are Government Aided Church Schools and as such have to work on a very limited sum of money granted yearly according to the number of children, e.g. in 1973 for 128 pupils the Umzimkulu school grant was R191 to completely equip the scho 1 and provide free books, etc. This allocation is cut if the stock on hand is considered good. Any money spent over and above this amount comes from the tachers * salaries. "

In Government Aided schools the attendants, clearnere,etc. receive R3 per month in comparison with R30 in a.Government School.

Umzumkulu. One school which belongs to the Dutch Reformed Church - 4 teachers and 128 pupils from Sub A to Standard 5• The buildings consist of the original Church built in 1933 and 3 class rooms added over the year's between 1945 and 1958. They are adquate, but look dingy and gloomy!

Clydesdale. One school which belongs to the Anglican Church - 3 teachers and 73 pupils from Sub A to Standard 5* The building is the old Carpentry School. One large room with .temporary divisions erected for dividing into class rooms.

Rietvlei. One school which belongs to the Griqua Independent Church. 2 teachers a M ? pupils from Sub A to Standard 5» I have not seen the buildings.

The Administration of the schools falls, under the Education Department | of the Department of Coloured Affairs, Regional Office, Durban.

From Std. 5 'the children attend the Little Flower School in Ixopo. Trans­ port there and back is provided free by a bus under contract to the Department of Coloured Affairs, Children from the outlying areas board in the village in order to be nenr schools, and'so that they can get to Little Flower.

It is becoming more usual for children to carry on through to Matric. and a few are going on to higher education, mostly to Teacher Training Colleges. Nursing as a career has not.yet become popular.

CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS.

Three established Churches - Anglican, Roman Catholic and Dutch Reformed with the Apostolic Faith Mission having recently moved into the village and holding services in private homes. This is apparently making quite an impact.

There are no resident Coloured Clergy.

The/. The resident Anglican and Roman Catholic European Clergy minister to their congregations., while the Dutch Reformed Church is served "by lay preachers with an occasional visit from a parson.

There is nothing in the way of cultural groups or societies.

SOCIAL AND WELFARE SERVICES.

All matters under this heading are handled by the Magistrate. There are no Voluntary Workers or Public Bodies doing Social work in the area.

The Magistrate acts as the channel for the Department of Social and Welfare Services in Durban. He deals withs

Applications and Reviews and Pension Grants Applications for and Maintenance Grants Foster parents grants

At one time a Social Worker from Durban paid regular monthly visits, but now a probation officers comas only when requested by the Magistrate. There is no provision for Child Welfare, but the Department will deal with emergencies.

As the Magistrate cannot personally do all the investigations, visit the homes or follow up cases, it is felt very necessary that a social worker or welfare worker of the Department of Coloured Affairs be appointed for the district. One person could probably combine welfare work in Kokstad, Matatiele, Wmzimkulu and possibly Ixopo.

HOUSING AND TRANSPORT.

The Umzimkulu River flooded in May 1959 destroying most of the coloured peoples houses. This has altered the whole position of the coloured population. The Village M3.nagement Board put aside an area for their re-housing divided into 3 sections, one for a sub-economic housing scheme, one for an economic housing scheme and one for a home ownership area.

35 sub-economic houses were built. These are at present mostly oocupied by old people and pensioners. The monthly rental is from R3,15 to R3,90.

In the economic housing scheme there are houses. The rental is R4,56 per month.

Tha third area was surveyed into Lots to whichTitle can be obtained, and on these Lots people erected their own homes. There are 11 completed homes here and others ih varying stages of construction.

The whole scheme was upset by the Transkeien zoning of the village into two sections, black and white, with no provision whatsoser for coloureds. The whole of their granted area now falls into the "Black" zone. This has caused much unrest and worry and put a complete end to all improvements. There aro men who have been saving to buy and build their own homes, but this they can no longer do.

Home owners can now only sell to Africans, and people are afraid that once the first home gets sold there will be a panic selling of the others with a consequent loss of money.

They are afraid of the future, insecure, disillusioned and disturbed. This was a recurring theme throughout the interviews I had.

HEALTH/.. HEALTH

According to the.M.O.H. there has teen a general and obvious improvement in the health of the people over the past ten years. This is mainly attributable to two factors;

1. The boom in the building trade bringing in more money and better livingconditions. 2. The housing schemes erected after the 1959 flood. Prior to this they lived, blacks and coloureds mixed up together, in mud houses (hovels really) along the river bank in a slum area with no decent drainage or sanitation. After receiving their own area, and new houses a new feeling of pride in their standards resulted and a decided improvement in health.

Coloured people interviewed have expressed the thought that a clinic would be much appreciated. The nearest hospital catering for Coloureds is Greys in Pietermaritzburg.

The local hospitals at Clydesdale, Rietvlei and Ixopo are all mission hospitals catering for' Africans, with a small European section at the Ixopo. Hospital. All three will accept coloured ^ patients, but there are no facilities for them as a separate group.

SPORT AND RECREATION.

A hocky and a soccer club in both Umzimkulu and Clydesdale, but no subsidised Sports Fields. 7/hen possible (very occasionally) the Village Management Board does help in the maintenance, but they mainly depend on the local farmers to mow and scrape the fields.

There are two tennis courts in a state of neglect - and not used. There is a good sized hall of which they have the use in Umzimkulu.

Clydesdale has a choir and Umsimkulu a six piece band. The churches have Ladies Guilds with regular meetings. Apart from the above there are no recreational facilities and the men particularly feel this lack. Drinking is very prevalent.

Bored children are becoming a problem and the use of dagga is on the increase. V

It was suggested to me that regular film shows would be a great asset. The teachers have tried to inititate this through the Education Department., but have been unable to raise the necessary funds to buy a projector.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

Two.main themes have emerged:

1. Fear of the future due to zoning of the village - this has led to dissatisfaction with the present set-up, insecurity and unease. All feeling of belonging and permanenoy has gone even from families who have come from generations of local people. 2. From the more educated and articulate comes the warning that it is too late to try to appease the Coloureds. They are moving towards closer identification with the Africans — The Blacks - because the feel rejected by the Whites. They even begin to talk of themselves as "we Blocks". .

Tailpiece/. Tailpiece;

The Mobher, Father and all the children, except the last little girl arc- classified ’’Coloured". She was born in the hospital at Hardirg. as the others had been, but she was after race classi­ fication, so she is now "Other Coloured" - therefore something apart from the rest of her family.

o0o'

P.S. TO THE REPORT ALREADY SENT ON THE UMZIMKULU SITUATION.

I was nil own a letter yesterday written by an Umzimkulu land-owner to a local Coloured teacher asking for advice. it appears that he is very uncertain about the-future of the Coloureds in the Umzimkulu area avid has decided to sell and leave while he can still get another job and settle elsewhere fairly easily. He claims that he was told by the Magistrate that he can only sell to a Black, but on making further enquiries he has been informed that he cannot sell yet because it is still a Coloured area and hasn't been zoned Black as yet. He is wanting to leave as soon as possible and doesn't know what to doJ KOKSTAD

The Coloured Community in Kokstad is, on the whole, a rather depressed Community. The population of the Mt. Currie District numbers 3 659 Coloureds and I am told that 2 580 are actually in the town of Kokstad. * There are about an equal number o'f Whites in the community. We obtained the- following figures to give some indication of the difference in status between the two groups of almost equal numbers;

17 Coloureds receive a family allowance, while only 1 European does 119 " " " disability " " " 5 -Europeans do. 63 " " " maintenance " " " 7 " " 124 " " " old age " " " 81 " " 24 " 11 " war veteran " " 11 11 " 11

The Child Welfare Society reports that they have 20 European cases on their books and 94 Coloured cases. This means that 82$ of the aid is given to the Coloured group.

The State Health Mental Clinic, which is operated from Maritzburg reports that in 1972 they had 574 Coloureds on their records receiving treatment and the figures to July 1973 are 444. These cases include epilepsy, manic-depressives and paranoiacs. (To me thse figures appear very high?).

The Social worker gives the reasons for the Coloured community being depressed as followss

(a) isolation in a rural area (b) inter-marriage - resulting in mental retardation, epilepsy, alcoholism and deaf and dub. (c ) few opportunities for employment (no industries) (d) more ambitious and intelligent ones tend to leave and go elsewhere. This point was made by several people, including the leading members of the Coloured community.

Although the Council claims that there is adequate housing the Child Welfare Social worker and the Coloured leaders claim that there is a shortage. This is being aggravated by Coloureds leaving Transkei towns and coming to Kokstad. Houses sold under the Group Areas removals were often founl to belong to several members of a family and the money received from the sale was divided between them. The result is that they did not use the money to build another house in the Coloured are^B: This has increased the h’ousing shortage. Throughout our investigatior^P we came across bitterness and antagonism towards the Whites over the Gr^up Areas removals - this seemed to be the biggest source of grievance from all levels. Many claimed that they were moved before adequate alternate accommodation had been provided. It would appear from our investigations (backed by the Child Welfare letter enclosed) that the - sub-economic housing scheme had been provided first, with just a few of the better type housing available, but no provision has been made for the better class Coloured, who is entitled to something better. The town clerk informed me that they are negotiating to buy a piece of land from the Government, which will be made available to Coloureds who wish to buy and build their own houses. This seems to be taking rather a long time, particularly as he informs me that the remaining 19 Coloured families still in the White area must be out by the 31st December 1973. I was told by a Coloured man that there were no plots available for purchase other than from another Coloured who wishes to sub-divide or sell his property in the Coloured area of the town.

There are no separate facilities for Coloureds at the local hospital. They are accommodated in separate wards whenever possible (much juggling and overcrowding). There are 5 Coloured Sisters nursing Coloureds and Africans (no Coloured nurses at all). For the Sisters

and/. and other Coloured staff (e.g. painter, seamstress, etc.) there are no separate change rooms. It is planned to have a 28-bed ward for Coloureds,but this has not materialised as yet. ' The hospital also run an out-patients clinic, which is hospital staff. This includes maternity services (ante and post natal treatment).

Sanitary services in the Coloured area are the bucket system and conservancy tanks. The Council say that w ter-borne sewerage is "under consideration", but the Coloured people are sceptical about how long this will take to materialise! They claim that the sewerage and lighting facilities are inadequate. Refuse disposal is carried out bi-weekly.

The M.O.H. reports a high incidence of measles, flu and gastro-enteritis.

Schooling and educations There are 3 schools for Coloureds in Kokstad. One of them is a high school and achieved matric status about 13 years ago. This is a Government school. The two primary schools are owned by the Roman Catholic Church and the Griqua Independent Church. The two latter are state-aided and go up to Std. 5* All 3 schools are in the White area and will have to be moved to the Coloured area. The Principal of the High School felt that it would be far more convenient to be in the Coloured area as most of the children lived on the other side of the town under the present set-up. This school is a pre-fab building* The Principal said that he had seen the plans for the proposed new school, which would be extremely good and he was looking forward to the day when it was completed and they could move in. The two primary schools are also situated a long way from the Coloured area, but as they are on church-owned property there is a certain amount of reluctance to leave the place which has been developed and built by the church. At the moment the Principal of the Catholic School is a White nun, but she will have to give up the post when the school is moved as it will become a state school. The Griqua school is right next to the Griqua church, which was built in Kokstad by Adam Kod and there is a good deal of sentiment attached to the buildings. Part of the school represents the oldest building in town and was used as the first school and church, while the existing church was being built. The site is right in the middle of the business iarea, and there is a good deal of speculation as to what will become of the land. The church was declared a National Monument some years ago to protect it under any Group Areas proposals. Ths Principal of the school said that the uncertainty as to when they would be moved is impeding progress at the school because they were reluctant to spend money on developments and improving buildings, which might only be for a couple of years.

(in certain quarters I encountered the feeling that Kokstad had been founded and settled by the Griquas under Adam Kok and now they were being forced out (without consultation). I spoke to the Chairman of the Consultative Committee, and he expressed the opinion that although the Coloureds were opposed to separation of that nature, he thought they should make use of all available channels to present their grievances and points of view. Others were more cynical and felt they should throw in their lot with the Black consciousness group).

Both the social worker and teachers expressed the opinion that there was a need for special classes at one of the schools for the mentally retarded children - there appears to be no provision of this nature at all. Other difficulties encountered by the High School ares

1. A big drop-out rate after std. 8. Parents are too poor to keep their children at school and want them to get to work. 2. The few who do matriculate tend to leave where opportunities are better, so the community is deprived of the best brains and leadership. 3. No training schools for Coloureds in the Transkei. 4. The allocation per child for equipment and stationery is inadequate.

5. No hoarding facilities at all available in Kokstad for the children who coma from out-lying areas and the Transkei. Local people are becoming increasingly reluctant to board children in their homes as they frequently don't get paid and the state grant for boarding has been reduced, while the cost of living has gone up.

There are not sufficient opportunities for good jobs in Kokstad for men. Apart from teaching and some good jobs in the building trade there are few industrial openings for Coloureds as yet. A big improvement over the last 5 years has been the increase of employment of Coloured women as stnp assistants and as typists and machine operators in offices. Quite apart from the obvious economic advantage to ttose women, it has been very good for race relations. These people are •■ifficient and pleasant and work side by side with Whites in almost every shop and business in town. I am informed that the average counter assistant is paid about R40 and that the Banks are starting matriculants with R120.

There is a chronic shortage of motor mechanics in town, and the opinion has been expressed that there could be extremely good openings in this field for Coloured men. It is strongly urged that training facilities should be provided for Coloureds to become qualified mechanics. *

Although Kokstad is essentially a farming community, the number of Coloured employed on farms is very few. There would be openings for good foremen, managers and mechanics but they do not seem keen on going onto farms far from the town. I understand that it is very often the women who object to being isolated from other Coloureds (unless they could have a car to get to town). There also appears to be no encouragement in the educational system for Coloureds to take an interest in agriculture.

Interview with the Town Clerk:

I was informed that Group Areas was proclaimed in 19&5* already mentioned 19 families still have to be removed by the end of the year, For these families he tells me there are 21 houses available. It would appear that these houses are of a sub-economic nature and will probably be these that are now being built joined on to the existing houses (see the Child Welfare letter). I checked on this in the Coloured housing scheme and see that these extensions are in the process of being made.

He also informed me that the money for the moving and building of new schools will be made available in the 197^/77 budget.

The town planning scheme has been approved and the map was shown to me. Provision has been made for business, residential and industrial sites and good sites for sports fields and public conveniences. As part of the centenary celebrations last year the Council built a very nice Community Hall with a board room, library 'and kitchenette. The Coloured leaders are pleased with this hall and I'm told'that the library services supplied by the Cape Provincial library are very much appreciated. (A further improvement has been the institution of the Mental Health Clinic run by the State Health Dept, and mentioned elsewhere).

The Town Clerk informed that the Consultative committee is to be replaced by a management committee for Coloured people, which will eventually receive full Municipal status and allow the Coloureds to administer their own affairs. He informs me that Kokstad is one .of about five towns being granted this. I understand that there will be 3 faominated members (1 by the Municipality, 1 by the Administrator and 1 by the Minister) and 4 elected members to be elected by full adult suffrage (and not just rate­ payers) .

Some/. Some Coloured leaders I ®poke to were sceptical about this management committee and felt that it was just another "smoko screen". However, most seemed ready to support it and try it out and see what eventuated. One point that I would like to stress is that I was told repeatedly that the Coloureds w r e very bitter about being removed from the Common Voters' roll and more recently about the loss of their Municipal vote. Many expressed equal antagonism to the United Party for now advocating a separate voters' roll for Coloureds.

Prom my own observations I would say that the greatest difficulty in achieving anything is a lack of unity amongst the Coloured people and a tendency to form "factions" on nearly every issue,. Also in a rural area they are more backward and suspicious of change. In a community like Kokstad, there is also a decided lack of initiative and drive in fields where something could be done for themselves. The leaders, who are intelligent men with initiative, find it frustrating, at times, to cope with this situation.

EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE KOKSTAD MUNICIPALITY EY THE ______CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE, dated 14th May 1973______

On 18th August 1970 at the Ordinary Council Meeting a deputation from the Kokstad Child Welfare Society was received and, amongst other points made, the unsatisfactory condition of housing for Non-Europeans was stressed. To quote from your minutes "Father O'Toole felt that Council was not giving the Society the co-operation which was expected and that, unless improved relationships were brought about, the Society would discontinue the services being rendered. These then would become the responsibility of the Council".

Today, we would like to re-iterate the feelings expressed by Father O'Toole on that occasion, because despite our willingness to co-operate with Council and the request of the South African National Council for Child Welfare that we be consulted on matters of housing, Council has chosen to ignore us. The Town Clerk, Mr Meintjies, informed our Sub­ committee that the Community Development's decision as to the type of house needed here was based on a socio-economic survey carried out by Mr Slabbert, the Health Inspector. It is surprising that Child Welfare was not invited to assist with this survey as they have an intimate knowledge of the people concerned and their needs.

Whilst appreciating that Council is very restricted by the conditions laid down by the Department of Community Development, we nevertheless feel that Council approved these conditions and recommendations without fully exploring all possibilities to improve on them.

The Child Welfare Society agrees that further sub-economic housing is necessary but it is appalled that the site chosen is the actual site of the original sub-economic housing scheme - which remains as damp and and unhealthy as it ever was. To add two new units to the original semi­ detached houses means that the small amount of garden available to eadh home will be halved and also that there will be twice the number of people concentrated in this small area. This would be understandable where there was a shortage of land, but that is not the case here.

If the Housing Scheme was not already a slum, this addition of 40 more units in the same place will certainly ensure it. The sub-economic housing scheme is better than nothing and we are grateful that it exists, but I think that we must all agree that it will never be a credit to our town. If it is not already too late, my Society appeals to Council to build these new units on a different site.

The/ The Child ?vrelfare would like to see sites for self-build available to the Coloured community, possibly a lease-purchase scheme and definitely more 4-roomed houses. To encourage existing Coloured landowners to have their land surveyed for sub-division and sale, Council might consider a scheme to assist them pay for the sub-division.

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The Kokstad Child Welfare Society roceivea a subsidy of R600 p.a. from the Municipality and this merely covers the expenses for one month out of the year. The Municipality leases a building to the Child Welfare for R20 a month. The money to cover expenses has to be raised locally and the Society employs two fully qualified social workers, (l full time and 1 part time). On the case load carried there should be 2 full time workers. There should be a Coloured social worker.

% GRAHAMSTOWN

The survey conducted by R. Ridd and R. Edmonstone S.J. (1972) reveals very clearly the stagnant and deprived nature of the Grahamstown Coloured community. A summary thereof is attaohed.

This is evidenced firstly in the relatively slow population growth rate of the community. The figures would lead one to hypothesise that there has been a steady flow of migrants away from this small country town with its restricted field of economic enterprise and with few openings for skilled artisans and semi-skilled operatives. There are a few small scale industrial establishments in Grahamstown, including three bakeries, a brickfields, two potteries, an electric globe factory, and an establishment making eccesiastioal and academic robes. The only other employment opportunities are in the government service, principally teaching, nursing, the Post Office and the S.A. Railways; there are several construction companies, a small service sector, and then of course there is domestic service, private and in the large educational establishments. The large and rapidly growing African population competes for the few occupational opportunities which exist. The 1970 census revealed that there were 25 517 Africans in Grahamstown. In July this year over 900 African males were unemployed.

The economic standing of the Coloured community is clearly very low. No less than 37,9% of the households investigated had an income equal to or below the secondary poverty datum line, and 60,4% were equal to or below the effective minimum level. These low incomes in their turn reflect the occupational distribution of the sample, which included only 3 professional males, 39 skilled artisans, 31 semi-skilled operatives and domestic workers and 19 unskilled workers.

Not only is the majority of the working population concentrated in the semi and unskilled occupations, but both the skilled and semi-skilled occupations were relatively poorly paid. The highest incomes earned were just over R200 per month (teachers and contractors); skilled incomes ranged from R120 to R200 per month; semi-skilled incomes netted between R20 and R80 per month, and unskilled wages ranged up to R40 per month. Female wages are even lower. The majority of such income rates are far below the Grahamstown primary poverty datum line established for August 1972, for a family of six, namely R60,62 per month. The municipal rentals vary from R3,00 to R7,00 per month which would bring the secondary poverty datum line to between R63 to R67 per month. No public transport is available for Coloureds in Grahamstown.

A memorandum prepared by Mr D.Alberts of Rhodes University shows a significant difference in physical development between White and Coloured children. White boys are taller and heavier at the age of 15 years, and are able to jump further. This is in part indicative of their comparatively low socio-economic standing.

Low family income relates directly to poor housing conditions. Thus nearly all the residents of poor quality or backyard dwellings (83%) were living below the minimum effective level. And no less than 58% were living below the secondary poverty datum line. In the most recent municipal housing scheme at Scott's Valley incomes were almost as low, and these are people who have recently been moved from slum dwellings.

There is an acute shortage of accommodation and several families were found to be living under trees in the veld. The average family household consisted of 6,25 persons, and normally included several generations. Thus dependency rates were high; 46% of the sample were under 17 years, and 8$ were over 60 years. A high proportion of household heads (32%) were over 60 years of age. The educational level of heads of households was exceedingly low; thus 23% of those in the sample had no education, 40% had been to primary school, 25% had achieved Stds 6 - 8, 6% Stds 9 and 10 and 3% had some post secondary school training at college or university. Not only is the community an economically deprived one. It is structured in such a, way as to inhibit spontaneous regeneration and progress. Parents or grandparents ground down to hopelessness hy ignorance and, poverty and lack of opportunity, their horizons limited hy their own lack of education and experience, are unlikely to spur their children or grandchildren to the efforts needed to climb out of the vicious circle of poverty, deprivation, procreation and poverty.

Just how limited their horizons are is demonstrated by their very strong associations with Grahamstown. More than half were born in Grahamstown and 85^ came from within a radius of 100 miles. A large proportion had never lived anywhere else, and felt firm identification with Grahamstown. Very few envisaged the possibility of moving away at some future stage. They are bound thus by inclination and by limited means and skills to the place, and the place itself■offers no stimulus to social aspirations or ambitions. Indeed those with social aspirations and ambitions flee itj

The Political Structures:

Grahamstown falls within the East London constituency and returned; ._ a member of the Labour Party to the Coloured Representative Council. Because the powers of this council include the all-important aspect of education it should be of some importance to the local community. However, there is little political activity or discussion, and what there is is confined to election periods.

In terms of the Group Areas Act (No. 36 of 1962) the Minister of Community Development may, after consultation with the Administrator appoint either a management or a consultative committee, or he may appoint an investigation committee to determine whether it would be advisable to institute a fully fledged local authority for any Coloured Group Area. ’nVhat is envisaged in this legislation is a series of tutelary institutions which will enable the Coloured community to gain experience in local self-government.

Grahamstown has now advanced to the stage of having a Management Committee, appointed for the first time in May of this year. It consists of five members appointed by the Administrator of the Province, two nominated by the Minister, and one by the City Council. All subsequer^B Committees will consist of three nominated members and a number of members elected by all adult owners or occupiers of property to the value R200. The Chairman of the Committee is designated by the Administrator. .

The City Council is obliged to consult the Committee on all matters which affect the Coloured community. The Committee has the right to inspect Council buildings, works and assets in its area, and to report on them and to make recommendations to theCouncil. They may also report on the work and functions of Council employees. They may investigate and report on the enforcement, amendment and repeal of Council regulations and on the levying of rates and charges and on the expenditure of funds.

It is obvious that the ©ffioa

Local Amenities.

There is a high school and four primary schools. The high school has only just started to offer matriculation subjects, and there is apparently a high drop out rate. Many young people leave school very early, and find no place on a labour market already overcrowded by their elders. Technical education is available at night for artisans and apprentices; however the night school which has existed up to now has now ceased to function and is greatly missed.

A good basic infra-structure is there. However, it is obvious that adult educational facilities, to increase literacy, and to enable * persons to improve their qualifications are urgently needed.

There are five general dealers' shops and a butchery all owned and operated by Coloureds. A cinema is in the process of being built and there are several successful building contractors. However, entrepreneurs are limited both in scope and in numbers.

There is no Post Office, in spite of the fact that the town is a fair distance from the top corner of the Coloured area. Nor is there any form of public transport. Apart from the main access road, the roads are unpaved and poor. The street lighting is inadequate. The | Coloured zone appears straggling and unplanned, a depressing and unstimulating environment.

RECOMMENDATIONS;

1). The immediate appointment of a Coloured social worker would help to uplift those families in need. The Management Committee has recognised this need and is trying to obtain the services of a qualified worker. They are being frustrated in their efforts for they find that they are not eligible to receive a subsidy. Such a provision would appear to be in direct conflict with the government wish to have Coloureds direct and participate in their own social regeneration.

2). A first requirement would appear to be the adoption of an imaginative and future oriented plan for housing development with the stress on home ownership, low cost construction, and 'do it yourself building'. Much can be done by a local authority to assist individual initiative, e.g. loans at low rates, supply of basic building plans and bulk purchase of building materials. The area needs to be physically transformed. There is no reason why it cannot be, through the efforts of the community itself.

3). The laying out of suitable recreation and play areas, the provision of a S'vimming bath, the planting of trees and chanelling and kerbing and paving of roads, the provision of adequate lighting. The Grahamstown Municipality has neglicted its responsibilities in this respect in the past, and needs to remedy the situation.

4). The institution of compulsory education, the improvement of the existing education structure, the provision of facilities for adult education, and the provision of schemes to help the young teenager who does not continue at school, to find a productive niche in society.

5). The industrial and commercial development of the town is essential if the growing population is to find work opportunities. Government departments, for instance the Railways and the Post Office might well find it advantageous to relieve their staff shortages by opening semi­ skilled and skilled occupations to Coloureds. And existing jobs need to be more highly paid. The Wage Board determinations, even the most recent, appear to be highly unrealistic when related to the local poverty datum line* 6). Entre-prenaurship should he increasingly encouraged hy the Coloured Development Corporation, which is already active here.

7). Basic to the regeneration of this community would appear to he the appointment of a Community Development Officer who would help the community to realise its own needs, and point the way to fulfilling them. Many improvements at a welfare, educational, sac.ial and aesthetic level can come about through determined and informed community action. But some assistance is needed to motivate a community in moving to fullfil its needs. It is the role of a community developer to sup ly this motivation. \ \

% 1

% 8) The eo-v-amrnon-b haq officially deolared that the nominated members of the Coloured Peoples Representative Council will be abolished as from 1979* This means that in the election in October 1973, 20 members will be nominated for the next five years, albeit for the last time. It is imperative that your Commission should recommend in an interim report before these nominations are made) that the nomination process should n ^ W ^ „ be used to turn elected majorities into minorities, but rather to ensure the representation of minority groups and interests. TRAVEL/MOBILITY PATTERNS OP THE COLOURED PEOPLE IN GRAHAMS TOWN IN RELATION TO THEIR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES -~R. RIDD AND R. EDMONSTONE, S.J.

A SUiGIARY

The survey, of which this is a summary, was conducted by the writers during the months of May to August 1972. Their findings are set down in 6 chapters, as follows:

1. The origins, development and present facilities of the Coloured peoples' Location in Grahamstonw. 2. The Survey - Aims and Conduct. 3. Composition and structure of the households. 4. The economic situation of the sample householder. 5. Association with Place. 6. Travel Patterns and Mobility Indices 7. Concluding Remarks.

1. Chapter 1 deals with the historical, demographic and social context of the Coloured People in Grahamstown. Believed to have been resident in Grahamstown since its inception, title deedb were made available for Coloureds in the Hottentot village in 1855> on the payment of the sum of £1.

Coloured population statistics for Grahamstown indicate a slow community growth rate. Figures for the period 1921—1970 show an increase of 2 970 persons. Proportionately the Coloured groups' increase in Grahamstown has not kept pace with figures for S.A. as a whole.

Facilities at present available are of a low standard generally.

(a) Housing.

Broadly, there are three categories noted in the survey - types A, B and C.

A - privately owned and generally of a better standard. B - Municipal housing C - Backyard dwellings, a large -proportion of which are mere hovels.

Due to a housing shortage, there is overcrowding, and several families were actually found to be living under trees in the veld.

(b) Churches and Schools.

The largest churches are those of the Roman Catholic and Congrega- tionalists. There are also churches of the Old and New Apostolic congregations, and several for other denominations.

There are four primary schools and one high school - with a total school population of 1 645 pupils in the location. A high drop-out r^te from primary school is evident.

(c) Health There is one (Govt.) clinic in the Coloured area and one old age home for 35 people. Hospitalization is provided at the main Settler's Hospital some miles away. *

(d) Stores/Shops

There are few in number, and shopping is carried out fairly extensively in the White suptrmarKet and shops - despite distances involved. There is one large recreation hall. Some of the Churches have their own halls. Sporting facilities are abysmal (See Annexure - Memorandum prepared by Rhodes University Sports Officer).

Thus a general picture emerges of a grave shortage of facilities, those at present available being of low standard and inadequate.

2. The main purpose of the Survey was two-fold — firstly to build up a picture of actual living conditions of the Coloured people, and^ secondly to gain some insight into their outlook, as revealed by their mo.bility and attitudes towards travel.

To this end a sample of 100 households was taken, and the house­ hold heads were interviewed. The survey report deals fully with difficulties encountered in this process. As municipal records of householders were inadequate for purposes of the survey, a pilot study to establish the actual number of people living in the designated area had to be undertaken as a preliminary to the actual survey,

3. The total sample population was 618 - of this number 318 were ^ defined as children. There was a large number of dependant c h i l d r * ^ in the sample - 46,5$ were under 17 years. 8.3$ of the sample^ w population were over 60 years. This in effect left 42,5% economically active to support the rest.

There was a high proportion of women as household heads. It was also noted that the household heads were, to a significant extent, from the older age groups, especially in the case of the women.

The average size of the household was 6,25 members. This would point to, amongst other things considerable sharing of dwellings by different generations of the same family.

The general educational standard was low - 60$ household heads not having more than a primary school education (of these, no less than 23$ never went to school at all).

These factors all point to the existence of a depressed and closed group based on a family situation which makes it hard to enage in^elf- help and upliftment, or to break out.

4. Incomes showed a large discrepancy between the few who topped R200,00 plus per month, and the comparatively large group below R30,0

The occupational spread showed:

(1) the income differential between professional and skilled workers, and the unskilled, and (2) the substantial male/female wage gap. The mean income of males wasi R73 and for females R20,8 per month. In terms of income of hoiseholds against household size it appears that 37,9$ of households have an income equal to or below the secondary PEL, and 60,4$ equal to or below the E.M.L. (These calculations were based on the Grahamstown PDL for August 1972 - R.U. Wages Commission.) I feel that this factor alone, illustrates starkly the plight of he Grahamstown Coloured community.

5. This chapter deals with the strength of association of the Colourec community with Places. In raply to questions relating to place of birth, residence, identification with Grahamstown and attitudes toward, moving away, the static nature of the community emerged very strongly. More than half interviewed ware born in Grahamstown, and 85/o came from within a radius of 100 miles, A large proportion had never lived anywhere else, and felt firm identification with Grahamstown. Very few envisaged the possibility of moving away at some future stage,

6. In an examination of the extent to which the associations of the Coloured community extended to places outside Grahamstown the sedentary nature of the group was further illustrated. A Mobility Index (M.I.), using as indicators (a) distance of places visited, (b) frequency of visits and (c) duration of visits was drawn up. This index showed that out of a possible maximum total of 63 units per person there was a generally low index - with variations from 0.00 (no travel) to 44.4. Only one quarter were above 15.0, one half were 6.00 or less, and one quarter were smaller than .25

Emerging from the ince x values was a marked correlation between mobility and housing type, the better housed being generally better travelled as well. At the impressionistic level, I was struck by the number of respondents who travelled on ce a year - to Port Alfred - on New Years Day. MEMOHATJIXJM

This repojp-t «rs oomplied cn toLa.l t or -ti»e inJian and. Coloured communities of U rn hams to vm who approached me for advice and guidance with regard to the immediate requirements for recreational activities. Before this memorandum is tabled I would like to impress upon the authorities concerned, that recreational activities play an important role in the development of any community. The frustrations that are experienced by certain groups in our community are far greater than anything that could be similarly attributed to other groups, due mainly to the lack of facilities and poor living conditions.

The basis of clean and healthy living, level-headedness and good behaviour is derived from adequate facilities which allow one to relieve one's frustrations and tensions by enjoying outdoor recreation. This is certianly not the case with the Coloured community. The facilities for out-door recreation are absolutely distressing. These so-called facilities givs rise to frustration, depression and in no way help to allow the community to enjoy any out-door recreation whatsoever. There are many more factors that could be put down, but the most important ones which substantiate this report for better out-door recreational facilities are as follows:-

(a) keeping the inhabitants off the streets cf the community, which would lower the crime rate. (b) physical fitness which would make for a healtheir community, - which is not the case at the moment. (c) bringing together of people, which would result in a better social standard.

The Lavender Valley playing field is far below any standard that is required by a sporting body. The field is not level, big patches of gravel are present, there is no drainage and it is not big enough to lay out an athletic track. The community is involved in the following sports:

Rugby, Soccer, Hockey, Cricket, Netball and Athletics

So straight away it brings to the fore that the facilities of one fluid are completely inadequate to cater for the needs of all the above sports. This does not, at this stage,inalude the 5 schools that are in the area.

Mention must now be made of the fact that there is no maintenance on these fields whatsoever. The individual clubs or schools have to pay for the cutting of the grass and the purchase of lime to mark out the field. This is done without any financial assistance from any department. This is a very sorry state of affairs. The schools do not have any area laid out for playing fields, so that they also have to make use of the single field that is available to this.area. Ths schools do not have that amount of finance to lay out for maintenance and marking of the field.

Due to the lack of fields the soccer and hockey clubs have ceased to exist. This is the start of a decline that, with the growth of the community, wil} soon become a major crisis, and this field will not bo adequate to cope with the added numbers. Therefore more clubs will have to cease being active. The following breakdown will showthe inadequacies of the facilities;- (i) Rugbyi Jhere are 6 senior and 7 junior teams with a member­ ship of - 250 players. Three matches are played every Satur­ day, so that it is impossible for any other winter sport to operate. The High School uses the field on Wednesdays to play matches. In comparison European schools each have a minimum of 2 rugby fields. (ii) Cricket: There are 5 senior te ms and 4 junior teams, with a membership of - 135 players. Matches are played on Saturdays and Sundays. The High School uses the field on Wednesday afternoons. In comparison European schools each have a minimum of 2 fields.

(iii) Netball; There are 3 teams including a school team, who at the moment are playing on a make-shift field marked out at the end of the rugby field (and this cannot be properly marked out and is not level). (iv) Soccer: Cannot exist as there is no space or time for them to play. (v) Hockey: Same as (iv) above. (ii) Athleticst The 5 schools are now starting athletics and as the ground is at the moment it is completely unsuitable for staging any athletic meeting. Furthermore, there is no space for laying out a standard track of minimum size.

A breakdown of the facilities in comparison between the two communities with regard to schools and clubs are as follows:-

Coloureds: George Dickinson 380 Grahamstown Primary School 407 St. Mary's 545 Dick Shepherd 200 Mary Waters High School 354 No sporting facilities available except that of Lavender Valley

Euorpean Schools; St. Aidan's 134 - Four fields at their disposal St. Andrew's 471 - Four fields at their disposal Kingswood 500 - Four fields at their disposal Graeme 419 - One field, but are allowed to make use of City Lords and also use Rhodes fields on certain occasions P.J. Olivier 530 - Use City Lords at the1 moment. %

I have not included the girls schools at all because I think that, at this particular stage it is irrpl^vant. Aleo I bavo rot included the Rhodes iacx 1 i. uxeiiictdt; dvdj.xd, bxo tc* 'Jxiw wnon requxred. A jlx Coloured Primary schools use the Lavender Valley field for physical training as well.

To summarize, there are 1886 school children and 485 adults - a total of 2371 people and this does not incMe the soccer and hockey clubs who make use of this one _£ield. In the Ruropean area there is on^ rugby club with a membership of - 80 who have a field, a soccer club of - 25 who have a field. The schools with a total number of 2054 scholars have a combined total of at least 15 fields at their disposal.

Of a breakdown of the age groups in the community, the percentages are as follows:

Age 6-7 18.6 7-16 27.9 17 - 25 20.2 26 - 30 13.6 31 - 59 11.5 60 and over 8.3

The/. Th© accumulative percentages—

Age 7 - 16 36.5 7 - 25 66.7 7-40 80.3 7-59 91.8 60 and over 100.0

The 1970 census figures were 4 875 people in the Coloured community in Lavender Valley. Out of this number, as can be seen, there are 2 371 school-children and adults who make use of recreational facilities. This is 50?? of the total population. In the percentage age breakdown from age 6 - 40 one can see that this constitutes 50$ of the population. Therefore it is now completely clear and without doubt, that 50$ of the Coloured community are youths and require outdoor recreational facilitiss.

With regard to maintaining, hiring and leasing the fields I would like to state the following facts:-

The average monthly income taken over 100 households was R48 per month. It c-in be shown that 37*9$ 'ire below the secondary poverty datum line and 60$ below the minimum effective level. This surely must point out that there is not enough money available for these people to supply the financial needs for the maintenance of Lavender Valley. To summarize it can be clearly seen that it is- imperative that some sort of combined facilities are provided:

(a) for the schools and (b) for the public.

In 1971 the Coloured Community requested R15,000 from the Department of Coloured Affairs for improvement to the Lavender Valley area. In November 1972 a Mr Steyn from the Department of Coloured Affairs from the Free State came done on an inspection tour as Mr Sieburger of the Fort Elizabeth branch was ill. Mr Steyn then spoke to the Coloured Advisory Board and explained to them that they would probably get R5,000 for improvements to facilities. Since that date nothing has transpired with regard to the R5,000.

In 1969 tests were carried out by students of the Rhodes University Physical Education Department, to ascertain whether there were any signifi- 1 cant similarities or differences between the European and Coloured races of school-going age. Two groups of 15 year olds were assembled and tested. The following table shows the differences:-

Test done with 15 year olds

EUROPEAN COLOURED DIFFERENCE

HEIGHT 5'5" 5 *2" 3" WEIGHT 122 lbs 101 lbs 21 lbs

Results prove very specifically that the European boys in this age group are taller and heavier than their counterparts:

Standard Broad Jump Test

EUROPEAN DISTANCE COLOUR'D DISTANCE DIFFERENCE

AGE 14 - 14§ 6'7" 5*7" 12" 14§ - 15 6'2" 5 ,9" 5" 15 - 154 6 ’ 10" 5*11" 11" 154- x 164 7*5" 5 *11" 18" These tests have also proved that the Coloured pupil does not have sufficient

Collection Number: AD1715

SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF RACE RELATIONS (SAIRR), 1892-1974

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