POSITIONING OF THE IN A NEW

Dr D J Bos

Department of Town and Regional Planning PU for CHE

Manuscript accepted September 1994

1 INTRODUCTION local circumstances. Suggestions and will not dominate other regions concerning the Vaal Triangle, made politically. The process of regional The underlying motivation for the provision for, inter alia: demarcation is, however, as important subdivision of national states into as the final product. Provision was smaller geographic areas, each consist­ • to be excluded from made to involve the leading parties ing of its own government with spe­ development Region H, to form from the start by holding regional cific responsibilities, lies in the wishes part of Development region C conventions to determine whether of the inhabitants to make their own (). groups (i) wish to be part of a particu­ decisions concerning certain matters lar region or not; (ii) need to manage which affect their daily living. This • Development region H to be di­ common interests joindy; and (iii) approach is based on the phenomenon vided into various sub-regions. wish to handle domestic concerns that countries often consist of disting­ autonomously. uishable units based on the following • The Vaal Triangle to be excluded factors: climatic and physical aspects from Region H and included in and in addition socio-economic com- Development region C (Orange 1.2 Points of departure munality. Free State). At the time the study was conducted it During the fore election period, a • The Vaal Triangle and the Wit­ was necessary to make certain decentralized unitary state was being watersrand to form one region and assumptions due to the fact that the considered for South Africa with its the Midrand/ area, another. number and size of regions as well as diverse population groups and their the status of boundaries as determined historical claims to specific territories, The Vaal Triangle regarded itself an by the objectives, the nature and in order to delegate power to second­ important role player within the larger extent of powers and the functions ary level authorities. The negotiation PWV area. In order to prevent a plan which regional government would process on constitutional affairs then “from above” being imposed upon the perform, had not yet been finalised. centred around matters such as the local community, a decision was made principle of regional governments; the to act pro-actively so that the Vaal The following points of view were demarcation and determination of Triangle can position itself through a agreed upon and adopted by a special regional borders; which political and process “from below” (the so-called working group to support the argu­ functional authority should be allo­ “bottom up approach”) with regard to ments made in this paper: cated to regional governments; and future regional governments. which sources of income should be • That the authority of the regional made available to them (Van Rensburg government would be entrenched 1993). 1.1 Aim and extent of study in the constitution.

In 1992 the National Party announced The aim of this study was to indicate • That the number of regional gov­ a system of regional governments, where the Vaal Triangle fits in among ernments would be determined by with the existing nine development regions as either subregion or as an the: regions as point of departure, as a independent region. Rational decisions model for a new constitutional dispen­ are imperative when taking into ac­ ° viability of regions; and sation. These suggestions were fol­ count the limited resources available to ° optimization of administrative lowed up by suggestions and points of increase the welfare of all South costs of the regional govern­ view of the ANC, the IFP and others. Africans. A holistic approach was ments. It was clear, however, that the posi­ proposed to demarcate the country into tioning of the Vaal Triangle in a new various regions which (i) are economic • That the existence of subregions South Africa was not a settled case viable and create a basis whereby and a degree of autonomy for these within the framework of these and sufficient prosperity/job opportuni­ regions would be acknowledged. other suggestions, and was not investi­ ties/tax income can be provided; and gated with the required sensitivity to (ii) can be controlled administratively • That the nine existing development

Town and Regional Planning No 37, 1994 20 regions would be taken as depart­ Development Plan of 1975. By 1970 3 A SOCIO-ECONOMIC RE­ ure points in the determining of 9,02% of the total population of the VIEW regional borders. PWV complex was accommodated in the region, which, in 1975, was re­ In the following sections the popula­ • That differences between regions sponsible for 8,27% of th'e Gross tion, composition and economic activi­ regarding their population size, Geographic Product of this area (RSA, ties of the population are discussed areas and economies would be 1982:9). In regional and metropolitan briefly. The gross geographic product accepted. context, its position is, however, of the Vaal Triangle is placed in strengthened as 12% of the total popu­ perspective and tendencies are pointed • That strong regional governments lation of the PWV area was housed out. Underlying these aspects, the in which the inhabitants of the here in 1990, and 8,6% of the Gross absorption capacity of the Vaal Tri­ Vaal Triangle make their own Geographic Product (1988) was pro­ angle is discussed. For the discussion decisions, would be provided. duced here. official census figures are used, but as a consequence of drastic changes in • That the regions would have auton­ Road and rail systems spatially and growth over the past two and a half omy regarding their own function. functionally link the Vaal Triangle years, these figures are supplemented Functions would be efficiently with other nodal points in the greater with updated data where possible. performed on the lowest possible metropolitan area. This linkage has led level or through commercializa­ to increased settling near the transport tion. axes, the following being most im­ 3.1 Population size, composition portant: and growth • That the central government would have a reasonable source of income • The P156-1 and P157-1 freeways The total population of the Vaal for the financing of duties and to and the railway line connecting Triangle increased by 233 452 inhabi­ support the various regions. Sasolburg and in the tants from 1985 (540 142) to 1991 south, via Genniston and Kempton (773 594), representing an annual Park, with Pretoria in the north. growth rate of 6,2%. When this rate is 2 THE VAAL TRIANGLE IN determined for the black population NATIONAL AND REGIONAL • The freeway and railway link­ for the 1991-1993 period, however, it CONTEXT age, which stretches northwards seems that the growth was more than from Vereeniging and Vanderbijl­ 25 % per annum. This figure does not, The name Vaal Triangle, was origi­ park via / and however, take into account people on nally allocated to the towns Vereenig- Soweto to (Depart­ farms, domestic workers in backyards, ing, and Sasolburg, ment of Regional and Land Af­ etc. When the growth rate is deter­ which form a triangle adjacent to the fairs, 1992:10-11). mined for the period 1991 (official - Vereeniging and Vander­ figures) to 1992 (Vaalgro figures), it bijlpark being north of the Vaal River According to Geyer (1986:260) a reflects an increase of 94,6% per in and Sasolburg south of prospective development axis could be annum, with the Vereeniging district the river in the Free State. Meyerton, identified, stretching southward from showing the highest growth. This which is situated just north-east of the Vaal Triangle via Kroonstad and growth could mainly be attributed to Vereeniging, was functionally re­ the OFS goldfields towards Bloemfon­ the rapid expansion of the Orange garded as an inherent part of the Vaal tein. Farm/Poortjie areas in the nort».< which Triangle. places enormous pressure on: (i) the As a result of the urban centres Ver- provision of infrastructure; (ii) the The black residential areas eeniging, Vanderbijlpark and Sasol­ local treasury; and also (iii) has a and (situated within the burg being regarded by the Depart­ negative influence on the viability municipal boundary of Vanderbijl­ ment of Development Planning as part (expressed in terms of GGP per cap­ park), (in Vereeniging), of the PWV area, there are no official ita) of the area. The high growth rate Zamdela (in Sasolburg) and the re­ hierarchical index values known for of the Vaal Triangle is especially gional residential area for blacks, these centres. Should an urban devel­ significant when compared to the namely the Lekoa area, are all in­ opment index value be determined for estimated growth rate of 2,9% per cluded in the Vaal Triangle. This also all the centres in the RSA, however, annum for the PWV area. applies to the Coloured residential area Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging and Rust-ter-Vaal and the Asian residential Sasolburg respectively occupy the The urban population (semi-urban plus area Roshnee, which are both situated sixteenth, twenty-fourth and thirty- urban) increased from 1985 (472 522) in the municipal area of Vereeniging. third positions in such a hierarchy and to 1991 (716 043) at a rate of 7,2% In this study, all the above mentioned are thus individually comparable with per annum. In contrast, the non-urban are taken to fall within the area re­ towns such as Benoni, East London, population decreased in this period by ferred to as the Vaal Triangle. Witbank, Kimberley and Middelburg 10 069, which constitutes a decreasing (Bos 1991). Should an aggregate index rate of 2,6% per annum. The compo­ The Vaal Triangle forms the southern­ value for the urban complex be calcu­ sition of the 1991 population was as most part of the PWV complex as lated, a notable increase in their posi­ follows: Blacks - 71%; Whites - 24%; specified in the National Physical tion could be expected. - 3%; and Asians - 1%.

21 Town and Regional Planning No 37, 1994 According to Vaalgro figures, how­ sumption, which showed a rapid which direction are its linkages ever, blacks already constituted 84% growth at 17,1% per annum. Further­ within the broader region? of the total population in 1992. more, the manufacturing sector in­ creased its share of the total economy There are, however, as many defini­ of the region from 56% to 59% be­ tions or opinions on regions as there 3.2 Economic activity of the tween 1984-1988, and electricity and are disciplines using regions as divi­ population water consumption from 7% to 12%. sional criteria. Through demarcation The other sectors, however, either of regions, whether planning regions The employment figures of especially retained the same percentage share of or administrative regions, sub-regions the trade, transport, finance and ser­ the economy or decreased. or districts, attempts are made to vice sectors maintained high growth identify meaningful physical, eco­ rates per annum (1985-1991) of be­ nomic and social units, wherein a tween 8% and 13%. On the other 3.4 Absorption capacity of the certain degree of inter-dependence hand, employment in the manufactur­ Vaal Triangle (functional coherence), homogeneity ing sector increased by only 2,8% per as well as regional affinity exists annum, whereas employment in Taking into account the waiting lists among the inhabitants. In other words, mining, electricity and construction for housing, a survey among black the regions should be a combination of decreased by 1,8%, 1,6% and 0,9% town managements showed a backlog the homogeneous as well as the func­ respectively. The relative decline in in housing and serviced sites of ap­ tional regional concept, which, to be employment in the manufacturing proximately 40 000 - 50 000 units. useful, should take into account ad­ sector, in terms of the total economic ministrative boundaries. A regional active population, can probably be As far as unemployment is concerned affinity or communal sense is import­ attributed to: (i) the fact that industries the total number of unemployed in the ant, however, as this could lead to are becoming more capital intensive; community in 1991 was 70 794, of rational joint decision-making with a (ii) the rapid growth of the trade, which the black population constituted view to increasing prosperity in parti­ transport and financing sectors; (iii) 92%. With the help of the Employ­ cular regions. the large percentage of persons whose ment Research Unit’s report which economic activities are not satisfac­ estimated the percentage unemploy­ The following criteria are generally torily described or are unemployed. ment as 14%, it could be calculated accepted as points of departure for the that these figures might be as high as demarcation of regions. To a certain The 1991 statistics show that 58% 80 000 (1991) and 179 000 (1992). extent these criteria were used to (449 762) of the community of the The economy, measured in terms of determine boundaries of RDA’s, Vaal Triangle have no income at all, the GGP growth rate of 3,7% per development regions and RSC’s and 12% (90 694) earn between RIO 000 - annum, does not have the ability to could serve as point of departure in R29 999 and 8% (62 605) earn be­ create jobs for the population which is the demarcation of regions for re­ tween R1 000 - R2 999 per annum). If growing at a rate of 6,2% per annum gional governments. The criteria are: the average income per income group or in terms of the Vaalgro figures, is used, the calculated per capita in­ 94,6% per annum between 1991-1992. • Existing administrative boundaries come amounts to R4 976 per annum. • Physical considerations • Natural resources 4 POSITIONING OF THE VAAL • Nodality 3.3 Gross Geographic Product TRIANGLE • Socio-cultural aspects • Economical potential and feasibility In 1988 the Vaal Triangle contributed In order to position the Vaal Triangle • Regional coherence 8,6% towards the total GGP of the within regional context, it is necessary PWV complex (compared to 7,7% in to identify, as a point of departure, a Population dispersion, population 1984). Twenty percent of the produc­ region with the urban areas of the density and the occurrence of infra­ tion in the manufacturing sector within Vaal Triangle (more specifically structure are often viewed as demarca­ the PWV complex is concentrated in Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark and tion criteria. It is often used in con­ the Vaal Triangle, which gives the Sasolburg) as core of die region. junction with criteria determining area a certain “technological” charac­ Especially the following critical ques­ nodality, to indicate “zones of low ter. tions must be answered: intensity” with regard to, for example, densities and occurrence of infrastruc­ The total GGP of the Vaal Triangle • Should the core exist undivided or ture. Where the Vaal Triangle, how­ grew at a rate of 3,7 % per annum for not? ever, is part of a greater metropolitan the period 1984-1988, whereas the area, these criteria are not as relevant total PWV complex only showed a • Does the Vaal Triangle with its as in predominantly rural areas. growth of 0,66% per annum. This inter-dependent region form an growth can be attributed mainly to the autonomous region, or does it consistent growth of the manufacturing function as a sub-region of a larger 4.1 Characteristics of regions sector at 4,1% per annum, transport region? and communication at 5,9% per an­ Typical characteristics of a region, num and electricity and water con­ • If a sub-region, what are and in more specifically a planning region,

Town and Regional Planning No 37, 1994 22 which are relevant to this study, are which basically boils down to the Vaal Triangle to the north. In the following: uniting that which belongs together terms of the new White Paper (1993) within such a region. on environmental management, it will • The region should be large enough make sense to demarcate regions in to bring about substantial changes • Regions should be regarded as accordance with environmental units with regard to the population dynamic regions that need to be such as natural drainage systems. distribution and the creation of job adjusted as circumstances change Since the erection of structures against opportunities for example, in the (Bos & Geyer 1992). steep inclines involves a number of case of a metropolitan area (com­ problems such as effective access pare Howard’s concept of new routes and services, and high cost of towns surrounding London). 4.2 Criteria for the demarcation construction, it is also unlikely that the of regions Vaal Triangle and the • The region should be small enough will ever develop into a continuous to grasp the planning problem in In the following section the criterion metropolitan region. This separation its entirely. Seen thus, the problem used for the demarcation of regional will probably be maintained as a result (and the effect it has on a certain boundaries will be discussed briefly. of the occurrence of dolomite in the area) should eventually demarcate same areas. As a result of excellent the region. transport routes, however, the rough 4.2.1 Existing administrative and terrain has little influence on the func­ • The region should possess a nodal planning boundaries tional interaction between the Wit­ core or cores which functionally watersrand and the Vaal Triangle. interact with its environment. The Vaal Triangle is divided by a probably outdated provincial border. The only buffer effect the hydrography • The internal interaction (intra- The district borders were, for the of this area displays, is the fact that regional) should be greater than the greater part, accepted as “given re­ Frankfort is separated from the Vaal external interaction (inter-regional). gions” and served as building blocks Triangle to a certain degree by the This can be measured in terms of with regard to the economic or statisti­ Vaal Dam. service areas of the commercial cal regions, planning regions, develop­ and industrial sector, purchasing of ment regions, regional service coun­ raw materials, commuting to work­ cils, as well as the guide plan areas. 4.2.3 Natural resources places and all types of communi­ These regions are supposed to be cation. demarcated according to the norms set Although natural resources are not a for functional regions. The Vaal “criterion for demarcation” per se, • The region should be comprised of Triangle is divided into two economic they do contribute to the economic heterogeneous elements displaying regions for statistical purposes, but is potential and viability of a region. inter-dependence and a functional considered a sub-region of Planning Only three natural resources have a unity. Region 42, as well as Development bearing on this area. Water, being one Region H. The provincial border did, of them, cannot, however, be claimed • Regions should possess a homoge­ however, play a role in the demarca­ by the Vaal Triangle, as the run-off of neous economical structure or be tion of regions for regional service the Vaal River is supplemented by homogeneous with regard to a councils. A combination of the Vaal schemes such as the Tugela-Vaal particular problem. This is neces­ Triangle RSC and the Northern Free which are financed by state funds. The sary in order to apply an appropri­ State RSC area corresponds by and area is especially known for the occur­ ate development approach in an large to the Vaal Triangle area with its rence of low-grade (estimated at area which is in step with: possible inter-dependence areas as 2 411 million tons) and clay (Mintek indicated in paragraph 4.2.4. 1993). However, the GGP figures for ° the development phase in which 1988 show that the primary sectors an area finds itself; (including agriculture) represent only 4.2.2 Physical aspects 5% of the total GGP of the Vaal ° the location of the area with Triangle. Furthermore, a decline of regard to the core area, the The most common physical aspects 7,5% per annum was experienced in intermediary or outer periph­ used for the demarcation of regions the primary sector during the 1985- ery. are topographic and hydrographic 1991 period. barriers, geology, nature areas, and • Administrative boundaries and the occurrence of natural resources. districts, should be taken into The topographic surveys clearly show 4.2.4 Nodality consideration. This is important, that the Vaal Triangle is bordered to seen against the background of the north, west and east by an area The following are significant with information which is usually avail­ with rough topography forming a regard to nodality: able on a district base. buffer zone and a physical watershed between the Witwatersrand and the The Vaal Triangle as a nodal core • A region should take into account Vaal Triangle. This buffer zone co­ complies with the characteristics of a the regional affinity or loyalty, incides with existing district borders of “dispersed city”. A dispersed city is

23 Town and Regional Planning No 37, 1994 described as a number of urban cen­ tres being united into a higher order centre, namely a metropolis, by means of increasing functional interaction (Nieuwoudt 1983:285).

The empirical findings with regard to buying patterns, industrial linkages (Claassen 1985 & Sasolburg Town Council 1992) flow analysis of trans­ port as well as the service areas of government offices such as the Re­ ceiver of Revenue and Internal Af­ fairs, services such as education, hospitals, prisons and co-operations, and the distribution of newspapers, confirm the interwovenness of the Vaal Triangle as a core. According to this, it would appear that any regional demarcation not dealing with this area as a unit, will be detrimental to the growth and development as well as the planning and coordination in the area. Most of the earlier spatial develop­ ment plans and strategies such as the Spatial Development Strategies for the PWV, 1981 and 1992, and the demar­ cation of Planning Region 42 as well as Development Region H, dealt with the Vaal Triangle as a unitary area.

The sphere of influence of the Vaal FIGURE I: Results from a gravitational analysis Triangle was determined with the aid of a gravitation analysis, flow analysis Frankfort was demarcated as shown in strong linkage between the latter based on empirical observations and Figure l 1. This demarcation is con­ mentioned areas and the Witwaters- the determination of service areas of firmed by the flow analysis regarding rand, which challenges the existence government offices, service institu­ trade as well as transport and telecom­ of such a line of division. It is recom­ tions, co-operatives, etc. Break-point munication. In the northern part of the mended that district borders which distances between towns were deter­ Vaal Triangle it would appear that, coincide with a physical buffer zone mined by means of the gravitation according to a 1991 transport study, a and watershed, namely Gatsrand, be analysis and are shown in Table 1. definite “watershed” exists between upheld, rather than drawing a line the Orange Farm/Poortjie area and between these black townships which A functional region consisting of the Sebokeng/Evaton (Department of are adjacent to each other. Vaal Triangle as well as the districts Transport, 1991). However, recent of Parys, Koppies, Heilbron and surveys by Putco (1993) also show a A second gravitation analysis was conducted in order to indicate func­ Table 1: Calculated Break-points tional interaction between the Vaal Triangle and the remainder of the Towns Population Distance Break-points PWV area. The fact that an axis ex­ (urban - 1991) between measured ists, indicates intense interaction as Vaal Triangle from well as potential interaction between and towns Vaal Triangle these cores.

Kroonstad 81 761 137 km 93 km In order to determine the presence of Potehefstroom 127 373 89 km 56 km the development axis-phenomenon, Geyer’s (1986) model for its measure­ Bethlehem 50 061 208 km 152 km ment was used. An urban development index (UDPI) is calculated for each Standerton 43 010 139 km 103 km core in the PWV area with 1991 values which represent the “size” and 174 533 75 km 44 km “weight” of a centre. In order to take Heidelberg 39 851 51 km 38 km into account the interaction between centres and their positions in relation

Town and Regional Planning No 37, 1994 24 to one another, which contribute to an area’s total development potential, a new value that depicts the “total devel­ opment potential”, was determined. These index values were plotted and Pr«toria joined by iso-geometrical2 lines which WiNattrsrand clearly indicate the existence of a development axis between the Vaal Triangle and the remainder of the PWV complex (see Figure 2). Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional represen­ Wrtbank tation of this phenomenon. The rela­ tive economic potential of the Vaal Triangle compared to the Witwaters­ 0.050 rand and Pretoria can also be observed +5.00 in this figure. These iso-geometrical lines can be used by planners for example, to determine where new nodes should be located for job cre­ ation. The best location for nodes are on or as close as possible to the exist­ 1 20 ing channels of communication. These can be used for the arrangement of physical and economic space and to relieve congestion in urban cores (to foster the deconcentration process 5.001 from the Central Witwatersrand area). FIGURE 3: Three-dimensional representation of the Development Axis The latter two possibilities thus refer Phenomenon using Topi Values (1991) to the interwovenness of the Wit­ watersrand and Vaal Triangle with dence between the Vaal Triangle and the Witwatersrand; flow analysis of regard to absorptive capacity and the rest of the PWV area is also evi- transport; socio-economic linkages possible solutions to accommodate the dent in industrial linkages; the pres- (measured in terms of the number of growing population. The interdepen- ence of head offices of industries in telephone calls); as well as services such as electricity and water supply and the road network.

4.2.5 Socio-cultural community

Homogeneous language groups, which are grouped together in a regional context, assist in eventually acquiring a regional identity but also act posi­ tively in arousing a regional affinity or regional communal sense. This can Witbank reduce the cost of political interaction and determine the degree of stability within regions (Du Pisanie 1991:22). For the purposes of this study, the 1991 census was processed to observe groupings within the PWV complex and the Northern Free State. It ap­ ■siiiSmiiiSiiSimiSiSiiiSiSSSiiiiiSiiiS55E55i 5)a5i Vaal Triangle pears that especially South-Sotho, a and Zulu (to a lesser de­ gree) form the dominant groupings within the Vaal Triangle which differ ■ from main groupings in the rest of the 35.00 50.25 80.75 PWV-area. The percentages with TO I 0.10 0.20 regard to language used most, are 0.25 0.40 0.50 0 . 70 indicated in Table 2.

FIGURE 2: The PWV Complex: Measurement of the Development Axis Although South-Sotho is also found in Phenomenon

25 Town and Regional Planning No 37, 1994 Table 2: Language Grouping within and South Sotho, could be made; to mines, as is currently the practice. the Vaal Triangle - 1991 Furthermore, company tax is not (% of total population of • The Vaal Triangle may be included automatically reducible to regions, district) in the larger region to the south since: (i) companies can pay tax in the where similar groupings of the region in which their head offices are District Zulu South Afri­ population are found. situated; or (ii) where their auditors Sotho kaans are situated. Vanderbijl- 16% 48% 13% park 4.2.6 Economic potential and As a result of the abovementioned viability shortcomings with regard to fiscal Vereenig- 14% 23% 30% income as an indicator of the eco­ ing The degree of autonomy of a region nomic abilities of a region, GGP Sasolburg 7% 39% 33% will be a deciding factor when deci­ figures are usually considered a reas­ sions are being taken concerning the onable indication of an income base Average 14% 39% 21% economic abilities of a region, and and thus have been adapted. Table 3 for Vaal whether the region will be able to shows how the Vaal Triangle with its Triangle execute its autonomous regional func­ interdependence area compares to the tions. A final decision will, however, proposed SATSWA regions (Satswa the remainder of the PWV complex, only be reached through negotiation. It 1992). It is therefore clear that in its presence north of the Vaal Triangle is therefore difficult to determine the comparison to other regions, and with is less significant. South of the Vaal running costs of regional governments regard to all the noted attributes, the Triangle, the percentages of particu­ at this stage. Two sources which can Vaal Triangle fares poorly with and larly South-Sotho increase further, as reflect the economical capability of a without its dependence area, with the illustrated in the following examples: region, namely GGP figures and a exception of GGP per capita, which is Heilbron (59%); Koppies (69%); region’s fiscal income basis, were second to Region H. Parys (54%); Vredefort (50%); Lind- used to ascertain the income. The ley (74%); Frankfort (44%) and fiscal income basis is, however, not Kroonstad (58%). The consideration readily available for all regions. 4.2.7 Future spatial planning as of socio-cultural attributes of popula­ part of the PWV complex tion groups has two important implica­ Fiscal income base is not easily deter­ tions: mined according to the current base of The planning point of view of the tax collection, since statistics on in­ Department of Regional and Land • If the Vaal Triangle were to re­ come are not available on a regional Affairs (1992) is that preference main part of the greater PWV basis. Certain revenues, such as per­ should be given to areas that are well area, a sub-regional division, sonal income-tax and value added tax, situated with regard to existing devel­ which would, to a great extent, are easily obtainable. The latter values opment corridors - like the Vaal give the Vaal Triangle an indivi­ may, however, not be directly compa­ Triangle - and are supported by the dual regional identity with regard rable on a district basis as a result of, existing road and rail networks. The to language used, i.e. Afrikaans for example, value added tax refunds future prospects and planning of the

Table 3: Comparison of Salient Features of Regional Proposals

REGIONS POPULATION AREA KM2 GGP 1990 GGP/Capita POP/km2 (’000)

Vaal Triangle 773 594 3 554 7 071 552 9 141.17 217.60

Vaal Triangle & Inter­ 927 628 13 005 7 584 468 8 176.20 71.30 dependence area

SATSWA Option 1 3 916 833 238 862 21 629 549 5 522.20 16.40

Region A and part of B 3 804 500 390 349 31 674 600 8 325.56 9.75

Region C 2 693 800 128 399 14 745 600 5 473.90 20.98

Region D and part of E 5 989 653 174 695 18 042 519 3 012.28 34.29

Region E and parts of F 7 684 367 97 803 35 014 866 4 556.64 78.57

Remainder F and G 6 210 403 167 760 29 931 863 4 771.33 37.02

Region H 7 909 200 23 894 91 099 954 11 518.23 331.01

TOTAL 38 208 756 1 221 762 241 838 951 6 329.41 31.27

Town and Regional Planning No 37, 1994 26 PWV complex as explained in the neity within regions, which in turn economic functional area, namely the spatial development framework, stress promotes regional affinity. A regional PWV area, which is also the core of the integration of problems and solu­ identity and the degree of stability the national economy. Development tions within metropolitan context. The within regions are however insufficient problems as well as solutions could be deconcentration of the population over to ensure a communal sense. The addressed with financial support of medium and long term in the Vaal input of communities is most impor­ Region H to accommodate rapid ur­ Triangle will further exert pressure on tant. During a regional convention banisation which takes place. Revenue existing services; the supplying of held on 15 May 1993, the representa­ can be applied locally to develop the housing, as well as the creation of job tives of various institutions and town area to its full potential. Linkage to opportunities. If the Central Wit- councils unanimously decided to be the south on the other hand may hold watersrand deflects its problems to part of an autonomous region, if it the threat of funds being channelled surrounding areas such as the Vaal was shown to be viable. The districts out of the area to assist in the develop­ Triangle, it is to be expected that the involved were Vereeniging, Vander- ment of an extensive and relatively latter would have to be supported bijlpark, Sasolburg, Heilbron, Parys, poor region. financially in order to increase its Koppies and Frankfort. No concensus absorptive capacity with regard to among the representatives exists how­ From a local viewpoint it is important services, housing and job opportuni­ ever, if this option was not available. that the Vaal Triangle be planned and ties. Such an approach in itself also developed as a functional unity which indicates the interwovenness of prob­ would be beneficial to the region as a lems and solutions within the metro­ 5 RECOMMENDATIONS whole. politan context. Viewed against the background that With these as the most important strong regional governments should be considerations, it was therefore recom­ 4.2.8 Regional affinity and com­ promoted, it is important from a mended that: munal sense national point of view that firstly, the number of regions be kept to a mini­ • The Vaal Triangle should remain The process of regional demarcation is mum so.as to: (i) reduce the duplica­ undivided. as important as the final product, tion of institutions, and (ii) assure the namely the region itself. The “emo­ establishment of an affordable admin­ • The Vaal Triangle be regarded as a tional value” of communities should istrative and governmental dispensa­ part of the PWV-complex for be tested in order to determine which tion. Secondly, the subdivision of the planning purposes on the grounds communities wish to be part of a national core (which clearly forms an of its functional and economic certain region, have the desire to interdependent area) is from a plan­ interwovenness within the greater jointly manage collective interests and ning point of view, also not accept­ metropolitan area. to handle domestic affairs autono­ able, because problems related to mously. The allowance in the demar­ urbanisation and the solution thereof • The Vaal Triangle be accepted as a cation of regions for consideration to require an integrated approach. subregion within the PWV-com- be given to the socio-cultural back­ plex, which will allow for the grounds of the population can aid in From a regional point of view the Vaal desired degree of autonomy. obtaining a greater degree of homoge­ Triangle forms part of a socio­

NOTES

1 Similar interdependence areas probably exist in other areas adjacent to Region H. The periphery of these interdependence areas can, however, be distinguished from those parts of the region situated inside Region H on the grounds of a lower intensity of interaction with the rest of the PWV area.

2 Iso-geometrical lines join points with equal relative values to each other.

27 Town and Regional Planning No 37, 1994 REFERENCES

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