Hypothesis 2

Map of Zwelisha 3
Background information 4
Data Collection 5,6,7
Questionnaires/Interviews 8 to 19
Photographs/Maps 20 to 22
Analysis & Synthesis of 23 to 24
Data and Findings
Strategies 25
Recommendations & 26
Solutions
Conclusion 27
Bibilography 28

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 HYPOTHESIS

The number of informal settlements is rising in South

Africa due to problems with housing, urbanization and
inequality. People are often developing in low-lying
areas and near the Ohlanga River, leading to fatalities
and flooding. The number of people that can fit in the
housing means there is a lack of essential services
leading to problems for health and safety while the
growth is making the improvement complicated.

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3|Page
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT
ZWELISHA
Zwelisha is known to its residents as eZwelisha and Amaotana. It is not a town, but a
settlement on the periphery of the bigger Amaotana and Inanda area. Zwelisha is located to
the northwest of Durban and forms part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in
[Link] is located within the area which is also known as Inanda Valley.
Zwelisha is a sub-part of the Amaotana township. Places within Zwelisha include Zwelisha
Community Hall, situated on Zwelisha Road. Zwelisha is geographically located on the
outskirts of residential areas such as Amaoti and Trenance Park. Zwelisha is not a large
distance from the urban center of [Link] in Zwelisha experience various challenges:
they have some poor quality housing, and also some excellent housing provided by the
government. Challenges in the area include the provision of basic infrastructure such as
water and electricity, unreliable water supply, and roads that are sometimes graveled.
Efforts are being made by authorities like the police and Reaction Unit South Africa to
combat the levels of crime and violence [Link] is a school in Zwelisha, and
various social organizations providing support and services to [Link] plays a role in
the wider history of South Africa. The surroundings of Zwelisha played an important role in
the fight against apartheid. Zwelisha predominantly has residents who speak Zulu, and have
strong community values in respect of the family and friendship bonds. Attending church,
playing soccer and socialising are valued activities within the community.

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DATA COLLECTION
TYPE OF HOUSES

INFORMAL DWELLING

RDP HOUSES

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FORMAL HOUSES

ROOMS FOR RENT

FOREIGN TUCK SHOP

UNPLANNED BUILDINGS

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SPORTS GROUND

MOBILE TOILETS

FLOOODING

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QUESTIONNAIRE/INTERVIEWS

[Link] Female Ummemezi rd

2. Zandile Female Umganu rd
[Link] Male Ummemezi rd
[Link] Male Umkhanyakude rd
[Link] Male Umgadankawu rd
[Link] Male 20303 Street
[Link] Female 20302 Street
[Link] Female Ezwelisha Dr
Granny
[Link] Male Umnqwe rd
[Link] Zini Female Venus rd
[Link] Female Mvini PL
Hlophe

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PHOTOGRAPHS/MAPS

COMMUNAL SANITATION

LOCAL PRE-SCHOOL

DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

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SATELLITE IMAGE OF ZWELISHA

BRIDGE TO ZWELISHA FROM PHOENIX

ZWELISHA COMMUNITY HALL

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LAND POLLUTION

AIR POLLUTION

LOCAL TARVEN {NOISE POLLUTION}

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ANALYSIS AND SYNTHESIS OF DATA

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

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FINDINGS
The graph shows that unemployment and the need to live near places of
employment are the main causes of the rapid increase of informal settlements
in Zwelisha, each contributing 25%. Lack of proper housing also plays a major
role at 18.2%. High land costs and rural-to-urban migration both contribute
13.6%, while natural disasters have the lowest impact at 4.5%. Overall,
poverty, urbanisation, and housing shortages are the main reasons for
settlement growth in the area.

Based on the graph, the most significant finding is that crime and theft are
major concerns, reported by all ten participants and accounting for 37% of all
responses. Additionally, the area faces substantial economic shifts, with 22.2%
noting increased competition and a combined 25.9% reporting fluctuations in
customer volume. These results suggest that while Zwelisha's business
environment is active, it is heavily burdened by security issues and
infrastructural pressure. Based on the graph, the Zwelisha area faces significant
environmental challenges, primarily driven by water pollution (21.9%) and a
substantial unidentified factor (21.9%). Together with land degradation
(15.6%) and soil erosion (6.3%), these findings suggest a region under severe
ecological stress, requiring urgent intervention to protect local resources and
public health.

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STRATEGIES THAT CAN BE
IMPLEMENTED TO REDUCE THE RISE
OF INFORMAL SETTLEMENT
1. Legal ownership of land
2. Proper planning / rezoning
3. Providing proper building material
4. Provision of proper housing e.g. RDP houses
5. Improve infrastructure e.g. roads
6. Provide basic services e.g. potable water & sanitation,
electricity etc
7. Monitoring and policing to maintain safety & security

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RECOMMENDATIONS & SOLUTIONS
I, Sabelo Mathaba, recommend that the government and
local municipality provide affordable housing, proper
sanitation, clean water, electricity, and waste removal
services in Zwelisha. More job opportunities and skills
development programmes should also be introduced to
reduce poverty and unemployment. Communities must be
educated about the dangers of building houses near the
Ohlanga River and in flood-prone areas. Better urban
planning and environmental management can help reduce
pollution, overcrowding, flooding, and the spread of diseases.
Working together as a community can improve living
conditions and create a safer, healthier environment for
everyone in Zwelisha.

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CONCLUSION
I accept the hypothesis because the information collected
clearly shows that informal settlements in Zwelisha are
increasing due to housing shortages, poverty, and
urbanization. The evidence also shows that overcrowding,
flooding near the Ohlanga River, and poor access to services
create serious health, environmental, and safety problems
for residents.

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1. [Statistics South Africa]([Link]
2. [Department of Human Settlements South
Africa]([Link]
3. [eThekwini Municipality]([Link]
4. [South African Government News
Agency]([Link]
5. [South African Cities Network]([Link]
6. [Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
(CSIR)]([Link]
7. [United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-
Habitat)]([Link]
8. [Department of Water and Sanitation South
Africa]([Link]
9. [Environmental Affairs South
Africa]([Link]
10. [World Bank Urban
Development]([Link]
evelopment

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