The settlement patterns of the South African people with emphasis on the development of apartheid

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Authors
Duval, C. Michael (Cyril Michael), 1946-
Advisor
Dillon, Lowell I.
Issue Date
1974
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (D. Ed.)
Department
Other Identifiers
Abstract

Although much has been written on the subject of Apartheid, much of it has usually been concerned with the social and political aspects of segregation. Apartheid, however, is essentially a geographical solution to a cultural problem, It takes the position that friction between the various races of South Africa cats be eliminated by their physical segregation.The ultimate success of Apartheid will be determined by the Bantustans -- which are the areas set aside for the settlement of the black people of South Africa. If these can become self-sufficient independent areas then much of the uncertainty facing the future of South Africa would be diffused.In researching the chances for the success of Separate Development, the following questions become apparent:1. Is Separate Development economically feasible?This question emphasizes the point that the future possibilities of the policy of Apartheid, and their instrument the Bantustan, have to be evaluated with the needs of industrial South Africa in mind. The question becomes concerned not only with the possibilities for the success of the Bantustans, but the possibilities for the continued success of white industrial South Africa in the envisaged fragmented condition.2. Are the Whites of South Africa the guardians of western civilization in South Africa?The argument is central to the theoretical basis of Apartheid, because it implies an inherent ability on the part of black South Africans to incorporate western values into their cultures. The validity of this question has to be determined in order to attempt to Judge the soundness of the reasoning behind Apartheid and, consequently, its instrument the Bantustan.The dissertation deals with the settlement patterns of South Africa, the climatic and soil features of South Africa, as well as the political development of Apartheid, and the Bantustans. Each of the aforementioned areas is essential to any attempt to evaluate the practicalities of Separate Development.After examining the problems associated with Apartheid, I came to the following conclusions. Apartheid really does not have much chance of becoming totally successful, The main reason for this is that the Bantustans, as they are presently organized, have very little possibility of becoming viable independent states.I further found that the whole policy of Separate Development is fraught with uncertainties and appears to be breaking down in certain areas. A good example is Job Reservation -- an act whereby certain types of employment are reserved for Whites has been almost eliminated.Apartheid also has problems in its theoretical formation. The theory supports the position that the differences between the various ethnic groups of South Africa are so fundamental that they could not be overcome so that all races could live in ore political entity. There is considerable evidence, of cultural syncretisms for example, which tends to refute this position.