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| ISSUE:
Reducing levels of poverty |
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| In comparison to other
metropolitan areas in South Africa the CMA displays high levels of poverty. There is also
a significant level of inequality in the distribution of resources. |
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| Poverty in the CMA
results from a wide range of factors including a high rate of urbanization and population
growth without a matching growth in economic activity (section B:5 and B:6). Households
living in poverty face high levels of overcrowding and unemployment and inadequate access
to basic services. Due to urban sprawl these communities
are marginalised from economic and educational opportunities. This unequal access to
opportunities is made worse by social, spatial and political isolation. The exposure to
environmental degradation and high incidence and locality of crime and violence further
increases their vulnerability.
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| In 1995, about 37% of
the population of the CMA lived in poverty, earning less than R800 per month. The poverty
datum line is currently R1 100 per month per household. In
1996, 28.2% of the population were classified as youth dependent (0-14 years) and 6.1% age
dependent (over 65 years). The age group 15-64 years made up 65.7% of the population and
were considered the potential labour force. The dependency ratio was 52 meaning that for
every 100 economically active people there are 52 dependants.
There is great divergence in the range of the standard of living
between residential areas in the CMA.
Property related crime and social fabric crime (such as assault,
domestic abuse and alcohol abuse) comprise 63% and 21% of all crime respectively.
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The following indicators
are monitored by the Directorate: Corporate Services and the Directorate: Economic and
Social Development, CMC:
- Percentage of the population in poverty (household subsistence
level).
- Dependency ratio.
See a summary of all
Indicators on this website
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| Lobby your local
Councillor to place the issue of improving access to basic services and job creation on
your Council’s agenda. Get involved in NGOs and CBOs
that have strategies to improve the conditions of the urban poor.
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- Be productive.
- Explore opportunities for creating your own
small business.
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