The course of influx control in the Bloemfontein/Mangaung municipal area, 1937-1986

Abstract

Influx control played a pivotal role in the regulation of black urbanisation in South Africa. In contrast to the virtually uncontrolled urbanisation of white people, the urbanisation of blacks was strictly influenced by decision-making processes involving influx control, labour canalisation, the relocation of blacks from so-called white areas to the so-called homelands, and the decentralisation of industries. From a socio-economic and political viewpoint black urbanisation remained one of the greatest problems the ruling National Party and local governments had to cope with after the Second World War (1939-1945). In this context influx control had a direct bearing on important socio-economic issues like township planning, housing, health and job-creation - issues for which the relevant local authority had a legal responsibility.