Socio-demographic neighbourhood change: A case study of Stellenbosch

Abstract

Neighbourhoods form an integral part of the urban structure and neighbour­hood change has a direct impact on the functioning of urban areas. Neigh­bourhood change is a continuous and highly individualized process. The aim of this exploratory study is to examine the changing social space of Stellen­bosch, as reflected in its neighbour­hoods, in order to aid optimal urban planning, management and quality of life. The unique and changing charac­ter of neighbourhoods was corrobo­rated in this study. Census data of 1980 and 1991 were analyzed and profiles of change were compiled on both town and neighbourhood level. General trends, deduced on the town macro-level, expedited identification of significant change on the micro-level of neighbourhoods. An interpretation of the disparate socio-demographic change that the neighbourhoods witnessed during the study period is provided and the implications for urban management, infrastructure and quality of life in Stellenbosch are broadly outlined. The methodology utilized in this research is recom­mended for similar studies of other towns and cities.