Metropolitan Areas In South Africa Research Articles

Modelling Key Obstacles Hindering The Business Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises Within The Mangaung Metropolitan Area in South Africa

Modelling Key Obstacles Hindering The Business Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises Within The Mangaung Metropolitan Area in South Africa

Urban intensity and flower community structure drive monkey beetle assemblage in Cape Town

Background: Urban landscapes present an important opportunity for pollinator conservation, but little is known about the status and distribution of pollinator populations in urban habitats in Africa. This represents a major gap in the development of a global understanding of urban pollinators – particularly from the rapidly urbanising context. This study uses a speciose clade of flower-visiting beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Hopliini) to explore patterns of pollinator distribution in a major metropolitan area in South Africa. Objectives: We investigated community composition across gradients of urban intensity (defined according to the percentage of soil-sealing within 1 km2 of each sampling location) and socio-economic status to determine pollinator responses to these urban landscape effects. Methods: A selection of 142 sites were surveyed twice in the austral spring seasons of 2018 and 2019. Data were collected on habitat structure, flower diversity, and pollinator diversity. Results: The study found that different feeding guilds of monkey beetles favoured different levels of urban intensity and that beetle richness significantly correlated with flower richness. It did not, however, correlate with diversity indicating that abundance is less impacted than the number of species present. Monkey beetles with moderate sensitivity to urban intensity benefitted from the presence of preferred species of flowers. Conclusion: Overall, the findings demonstrate the importance of plant community assemblage in supporting urban monkey beetles. We recommend landscaping with preferred flower species in urban parks to support urban pollinators.

Incentive mechanism for promoting the uptake of green building in South Africa

PurposeThe green building (GB) market is maturing after years of practice; therefore, incentives for promoting GB should be adapted to reflect the market transformation. Adapting incentives can positively influence stakeholders' motives, which in turn change stakeholders' behavioural intention towards GBs. Hence, this study aims to examine the parameters influencing the decision to adopt GB and to ascertain how incentive mechanisms promote the uptake of GB in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachUsing a scoping literature review and a sequential mixed research method, primary data were acquired from GB experts in four South African provinces. In analysing the quantitative data, the factors were ranked hierarchically using the mean ranking technique and factor analysis was computed to identify the underlying GB incentives. The qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.FindingsThe results indicate that incentive payment from a utility energy efficiency programme, rebates and discounts relating to environmentally friendly materials and products and providing grants to homeowners and developers to go towards certification were the most essential monetary incentives for promoting GB. In the category of non-monetary incentives, recognition of consultant team members and developers and free marketing/good publicity were the most important incentives. The incentive mechanisms were subsequently categorised as “Economic incentives” and “Reward scheme and technical support”.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was confined to four metropolitan areas in South Africa. Nevertheless, the outcomes have practical implications for GB projects in general and may serve as a good reference for other provinces in South Africa.Originality/valueThe findings of the study are a valuable resource for stakeholders such as the government, municipal assemblies, professional bodies and the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) in developing effective incentive mechanisms to promote GB adoption. This study adds to the body of knowledge relevant to GB incentivisation in South Africa.

Investigating the E-Readiness of Informal Sector Operators to Utilize Web Technology Portal

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been acknowledged to be an enabler of small businesses, including those in the informal sector. However, determining the relationship between the perception of technology by informal service providers and the readiness to use technology is critical. By adopting a survey research design, this study investigates how the perception of a web technology portal (WTP) by informal sector service providers in the Cape Town metropolitan area in South Africa affects their readiness to use WTP to support their businesses. The study involved a sampled population of 419 informal sector service providers within the Cape Town metropolis. A conceptual framework consisting of constructs from the self-efficacy theory (SET), the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and the technology readiness index (TRI) was used as the theoretical reference for the study. We used a semi-structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale to collect data, which we analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results showed that discomfort (p = 0.330), effort expectancy (p = 0.630), innovativeness (p = 0.620), optimism (p = 0.740), insecurity (p = 0.110), facilitating conditions (p = 0.160), and internal factors (p = 0.180) all had a non-significant positive influence on e-readiness. On the other hand, self-efficacy (p < 0.001), performance expectancy (p < 0.030), social influence (p < 0.001), and external factors (p < 0.001) had a significant positive influence on e-readiness. Gender and business type, the moderating variables for respondents’ e-readiness, were found to be insignificant (p > 0.005) for e-readiness for web portal technology utilization. This study identifies the key variables that could influence the readiness of informal sector operators to utilize web portal technology. It also provides a guide for designers and developers of digital platforms and government policymakers on critical factors germane to providing technology support for the informal business sector.

The first round impacts of COVID-19 for rural tourism in South Africa

Although the impacts of COVID-19 have been extensively debated there is only limited writings and research on the geographical implications of the pandemic. The aim is to investigate the immediate or ‘first round’ impacts of COVID-19 on the South African tourism space economy with specific focus directed at its ramifications for small town and rural tourism. The study utilises a local tourism data base which tracks information concerning the tourism performance of all local municipal authorities in the country. The results reveal that during 2020 a noticeable change emerged in the spatial patterns of tourism. The trend for the concentration of tourism development upon the country’s leading cities was halted and seemingly put in reverse by the impacts of COVID-19. Evidence exists of a weakening of the previously dominant position of (in particular) the major metropolitan areas in South Africa’s tourism economy. Instead, there is recorded a relative upturn in the fortunes of tourism in small town and rural areas of South Africa as a whole.

TRANSITION INTO VEGANISM: DRIVERS OF VEGAN DIET CONSUMPTION

compounds used to boost crop productivity have stimulated consumer and marketer interest in organic food. Organic ingredients are generally viewed as more nutritious, cheaper, cleaner and more environmentally sustainable. Society is currently witnessing a revolution in food intake and habits as people grow more health-conscious. Plant-based diets (vegan diet) are expected to become the next organic food for healthy living. The purpose of the study is to understand the impact of personal factors (health consciousness, subjective norms and perceived value) and product attributes on attitudes towards veganism and vegan diet consumption. The data for this research were collected from 377 students within the Generation Y cohort at an institution of higher learning within the Johannesburg metropolitan area in South Africa. A descriptive and exploratory analysis using quantitative techniques was performed using structured questionnaires. A structural equation modelling (SEM) procedure was applied to achieve the hypotheses testing using the AMOS (version 25.0) package. The findings demonstrated the role of motivational and marketing influences in shaping customer consumption patterns. Social influence, health consciousness, perceived value, product attributes, and attitudes towards veganism positively influence vegan food consumption among millennia in South Africa. The results suggest that the attitude towards veganism depends on both personal and social values. Motivations to preserve the environment and reverence for life forms seem to be mainly driven by personal values.Keywords: veganism, social influence, consumptionJEL Classifications: M3, M30, M31DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/irmm.11519

Decoding Western Festive Season Symbols and Rituals in Marketing Messages: A Bottom of the Pyramid Consumer Study in South Africa

This study explored the communication of marketing messages containing traditional, Western festive season symbols and rituals. Specifically, the research sought to understand the decoding of such messages portraying festive season symbols (like Santa Claus and Christmas trees) and rituals, by Afrocentric bottom of the pyramid (BOP) consumers. This qualitative study involved interviews with thirty-one participants in two metropolitan areas in South Africa. The study used a combination of semi-structured interview questions and treatments of two South African television advertisements and two newspaper advertisements depicting Western festive season symbols and rituals. The study revealed a broadly positive sentiment towards the festive season, where festive season activities allow participants to implement their Afrocentric cultural values of unity and collective responsibility. Findings also show that Afrocentric cultural values do affect the decoding of these marketing messages. There was also a variety of responses to marketing messages displaying the symbols of Christmas trees and Santa Claus, which were not common in BOP consumer households. The key recommendation highlighted by this study is that marketing messages communicated to South African BOP consumers should also consider Afrocentric values of unity and collective responsibility.

Determinants of Entrepreneurial Intention among Generation Y Students within the Johannesburg Metropolitan Area of South Africa

Determinants of Entrepreneurial Intention among Generation Y Students within the Johannesburg Metropolitan Area of South Africa

Human dependence on natural resources in rapidly urbanising South African regions

Enhancing the governance of social-ecological systems for more equitable and sustainable development is hindered by inadequate knowledge about how different social groups and communities rely on natural resources. We used openly accessible national survey data to develop a metric of overall dependence on natural resources. These data contain information about households’ sources of water, energy, building materials and food. We used these data in combination with Bayesian learning to model observed patterns of dependence using demographic variables that included: gender of household head, household size, income, house ownership, formality status of settlement, population density, and in-migration rate to the area. We show that a small number of factors—in particular population density and informality of settlements—can explain a significant amount of the observed variation with regards to the use of natural resources. Subsequently, we test the validity of these predictions using alternative, open access data in the eThekwini and Cape Town metropolitan areas of South Africa. We discuss the advantages of using a selection of predictors which could be supplied through remotely sensed and open access data, in terms of opportunities and challenges to produce meaningful results in data-poor areas. With data availability being a common limiting factor in modelling and monitoring exercises, access to inexpensive, up-to-date and free to use data can significantly improve how we monitor progress towards sustainability targets. A small selection of openly accessible demographic variables can predict household’s dependence on local natural resources.

Criminalising homelessness and survival strategies through municipal by-laws: colonial legacy and constitutionality

The by-laws of South African municipalities are full of provisions criminalising the poor. For example, begging and sleeping in the open is prohibited in many cities. Hawking goods or providing services is restricted. Many of these by-laws are rarely enforced while others are enforced to provide a sense of security among the privileged by removing undesirable persons from the streets. Action against the poor is often presented as being taken in their interest; the homeless should live in shelters, beggars should find employment. But it is through the action against them that many lose their livelihood and what little they own. Clearly more could be done to assist the vulnerable. However, criminalisation is not a solution. The paper traces the colonial history of vagrancy laws and their relationship to by-laws criminalising outside living and survival strategies of poor persons in the four largest metropolitan areas in South Africa: Johannesburg, Tshwane (Pretoria), eThekwini (Durban) and Cape Town. It shows how vagrancy legislation and related by-laws have been, and are being, used for social control of the poor, who have throughout history been viewed as a threat to the elite. The article further explores the constitutionality of anti-poor by-laws and the prospects of a constitutional challenge before the courts.

Fluoride content of toothpastes available in South Africa.

The objective was to determine TF, total soluble fluoride (TSF) and insoluble fluoride (IF) concentrations in 22 fluoride toothpastes commercially available in South Africa. Samples were purchased from a major pharmaceutical and food retailer located in the two metropolitan areas in South Africa. TF and TSF concentrations were determined potentiometrically, in quadruplicate, following acid hydrolysis of the samples using a calibrated Combination Fluoride Ion Selective Electrode. IF was calculated by subtracting TSF from TF. Although TF content was found to be statistically significantly lower than manufacturer declaration (3.2x10-⁷; p≤0.05), 77.3% of the samples still contained adequate free, available/soluble F levels. Relative mean TSF content for toothpastes formulated with a calcium-based abrasive was 85% (sd ±14.5; n=6) as opposed to 98.6% (sd ±2.6; n=16) for those containing silica. The total fluoride concentration of all the toothpastes was lower than that declared by the manufacturers, with one in four having TSF concentrations of less than 1000ppm F. The relative TSF concentrations for the calcium-containing toothpastes were lower than for the silica-based products, reducing their preventive and protective potential. The results call for strengthened regulation and quality control of fluoride toothpastes in South Africa, as well as international efforts to improve related norms.

Tuberculosis infection control practices in a high-burden metro in South Africa: A perpetual bane for efficient primary health care service delivery.

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) prevention, including infection control, is a key element in the strategy to end the global TB epidemic. While effective infection control requires all health system components to function well, this is an area that has not received sufficient attention in South Africa despite the availability of policy and guidelines.AimTo describe the state of implementation of TB infection control measures in a high-burden metro in South Africa.SettingThe research was undertaken in a high TB- and HIV-burdened metropolitan area of South Africa. More specifically, the study sites were primary health care facilities (PHC), that among other services also diagnosed TB.MethodsA cross-sectional survey, focusing on the World Health Organization levels of infection control, which included structured interviews with nurses providing TB diagnosis and treatment services as well as observations, at all 41 PHC facilities in a high TB-burdened and HIV-burdened metro of South Africa.ResultsTuberculosis infection control was poorly implemented, with few facilities scoring 80% and above on compliance with infection control measures. Facility controls: 26 facilities (63.4%) had an infection control committee and 12 (29.3%) had a written infection control plan. Administrative controls: 26 facilities (63.4%) reported separating coughing and non-coughing patients, while observations revealed that only 11 facilities (26.8%) had separate waiting areas for (presumptive) TB patients. Environmental controls: most facilities used open windows for ventilation (n = 30; 73.2%); however, on the day of the visit, only 12 facilities (30.3%) had open windows in consulting rooms. Personal protective equipment: 9 facilities (22%) did not have any disposable respirators in stock and only 9 respondents (22%) had undergone fit testing. The most frequently reported barrier to implementing good TB infection control practices was lack of equipment (n = 22; 40%) such as masks and disposable respirators, as well as the structure or layout of the PHC facilities. The main recommendation to improve TB infection control was education for patients and health care workers (n = 18; 33.3%).ConclusionAll levels of the health care system should be engaged to address TB prevention and infection control in PHC facilities. Improved infection control will address the nosocomial spread of TB in health facilities and keep health care workers and patients safe from infection.

Genetic characterisation of virulence genes associated with adherence, invasion and cytotoxicity in Campylobacter spp. isolated from commercial chickens and human clinical cases.

Virulence-associated genes have been recognised and detected in Campylobacter species. The majority of them have been proven to be associated with pathogenicity. This study aimed to detect the presence of virulence genes associated with pathogenicity and responsible for invasion, expression of adherence, colonisation and production of the cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. Commercial chicken faecal samples were randomly sampled from chicken farms within the Durban metropolitan area in South Africa. Furthermore, human clinical Campylobacter spp. isolates were randomly sampled from a private pathology laboratory in South Africa. Out of a total of 100 chicken faecal samples, 78% (n = 78) were positive for Campylobacter growth on modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate and from the random laboratory collection of 100 human clinical isolates, 83% (n = 83) demonstrated positive Campylobacter spp. growth following culturing methods. These samples were screened for the presence of the following virulence genes: cadF, hipO, asp, ciaB, dnaJ, pldA, cdtA, cdtB and cdtC. As expected, the cadF gene was present in 100% of poultry (n = 78) and human clinical isolates (n = 83). Campylobacter jejuni was the main species detected in both poultry and human clinical isolates, whilst C. coli were detected at a significantly lower percentage (p < 0.05). Eight per cent of the C. jejuni from human clinical isolates had all virulence genes that were investigated. Only one C. coli isolate demonstrated the presence of all the virulence genes investigated; however, the pldA virulence gene was detected in 100% of the C. coli isolates in poultry and a high percentage (71%) in human clinical C. coli isolates as well. The detection of cdt genes was found at higher frequency in poultry than human clinical isolates. The high prevalence rates of virulence genes detected in poultry and human clinical isolates demonstrate their significance in the pathogenicity of Campylobacter species.

Tuberculosis knowledge, attitudes and practices of patients at primary health care facilities in a South African metropolitan: research towards improved health education

BackgroundHealth education is important to empower patients and encourage their contribution towards tuberculosis (TB) control. In South Africa, health education activities are integrated into services provided at the primary health care (PHC) level. This study was conducted in a high TB burden metropolitan area in South Africa. The objective was to assess TB-related knowledge, attitudes and infection control practices of patients attending PHC facilities.MethodsIn September and October 2015, a cross-sectional survey using fieldworker-administered questionnaires was conducted among patients older than 17 years attending 40 PHC facilities in the Mangaung Metropolitan. Convenience sampling was used to select patients. Participation in the study was voluntary. Descriptive, inferential and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Statistical significance was considered at alpha <0.05 and 95% confidence interval.ResultsA total of 507 patients’ data were included in the analysis. Most of the patients knew that TB transmission is facilitated by crowded conditions (84.6%) and that pulmonary TB is contagious (73.0%). Surprisingly, the majority of patients also believed that one can get TB from sharing toothbrushes (85.0%) or kissing (65.0%). An overwhelming majority of patients perceived TB to be serious (89.7%), and concurred that taking treatment (97.2%) and opening windows to prevent transmission in PHC facilities (97.0%) are important. Being employed (AOR: 11.5; CI: 4.8–27.6), having received TB infection control information from a PHC facility (AOR: 2.2; CI: 1.5–3.4), and being a TB patient (AOR: 1.6; CI: 1.02–2.46) increased the likelihood of adopting good infection control practices.ConclusionThese findings highlight the need for health education efforts to strengthen accurate information dissemination to promote sound TB knowledge and attitudes among patients attending PHC facilities. Health education efforts should also capitalise on the positive finding of this study that information dissemination at PHC facilities increases good infection control practices.

Characteristics and outcomes of gunshot-acquired spinal cord injury in South Africa.

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) caused by assault present a unique challenge facing the healthcare system, in that very little is known about how these injuries manifest compared with other causes of injury. Understanding the nuances of gunshot SCIs could contribute towards better care provision. To determine the characteristics of gunshot SCI and compare both injury characteristics and outcomes between gunshot SCI and all other traumatic causes taken together. The gunshot SCI sub-cohort was derived from a 1-year prospective, population-based study, including both tertiary-level hospitals providing SCI care in the Cape Metropolitan area of South Africa (SA). All consenting 145 survivors, after a window period of 7days, were included, and their demographic and injury characteristics were captured according to the International SCI Core Basic Data Set. Further, selected secondary medical complications (outcomes) were prospectively and routinely assessed throughout acute care. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe and compare characteristics and outcomes, respectively. Of the 145 survivors of traumatic SCIs, 45 (31%) injuries were caused by gunshots. The gunshot SCI group consisted mainly of males (n=43, 96%), and the average age of injury onset was 26 years. Most survivors of the gunshot SCI group were paraplegic (69%), had complete lesions (69%) and vertebral injuries (96%), and presented with significant associated injuries (84%). When comparing gunshot SCI with all other traumatic causes, significant differences were found in relation to demographic and injury characteristics and adverse outcomes, indicating that those survivors with gunshot SCI were typically younger males with complete paraplegia, had more frequent secondary medical complications, and a longer hospital stay. This study contributes to the knowledge base of survivors with gunshot SCIs in a region of SA. Efforts should be made to reduce the occurrence of all gunshot SCIs, since those injuries affect survivors negatively in terms of injury characteristics and adverse outcomes.

Genetic characterisation of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from commercial broiler chickens in the Durban metropolitan area, South Africa.

Antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus in human and veterinary medicine is a serious worldwide problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of S. aureus in commercial broiler chickens as well as to establish antimicrobial susceptibility and the distribution of genetic determinants conferring resistance and virulence. One hundred and ninety-four samples were aseptically collected from broiler chicken slaughterhouses and retail outlets around the Durban metropolitan area in South Africa. Microbiological and molecular methods were used to detect the presence of S. aureus as well as its resistance- and virulence-associated genes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to confirm the presence of S. aureus by amplifying the nuc gene. Approximately 54% of 194 samples were positive for S. aureus. The disc diffusion technique was used to investigate antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the S. aureus isolates to a battery of 10 antimicrobial agents, namely ampicillin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, erythromycin, cefoxitin, kanamycin, streptomycin, tetracycline, vancomycin and trimethoprim. The results demonstrated that S. aureus isolates of abattoir origin had a high level (79.4%) of resistance to tetracycline, followed by ampicillin, vancomycin, cefoxitin, trimethoprim, erythromycin and streptomycin with resistance rates of 65.1%, 61.9%, 60.3%, 58.7%, 57.1% and 46.0%, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus isolates of retail origin exhibited higher antimicrobial resistance prevalence rates than those of abattoir origin. Tetracycline had the highest resistance rate (100%), followed by cefoxitin (91.7%), erythromycin (83.3%), streptomycin (83.3%) and kanamycin (66.7%). All isolates were resistant to two or more antimicrobial agents. Out of the four virulence genes that were screened, only two were detected (coagulase and protein A); however, their prevalence rates were very low. All antimicrobial resistance genes screened were detected (mecA, BlaZ and tetK), although their prevalence did not correspond with antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Irrationality In South African Crime Of Possession And Use Of Nyaope And Its Possible Influences On The Missing Health Oriented State Interventions For Nyaope Addicts

This article exposes possible effects of the application of the provisions of South African Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992 on Nyaope drug addicts. This Act criminalises possession and use of dependence producing substances including Nyaope home-made drug concoction. It assesses the impact that criminalisation of possession and use of dependence producing substances including home-made drug of Nyaope has on Nyaope drug addicts. It encourages state policies enhancing health oriented interventions for addicts instead of criminalising Nyaope drug abuse related possessions. It views the current Criminal justice orientated approach to curbing the Nyaope scourge as one sided. It argues that, this approach ignores health based approaches. It maintains that criminal justice oriented approaches encourage drug trafficking and inspire high statistics of drug abuse. It recommends a dual fight against Nyaope addiction involving delinquent control mechanisms and access to counselling and treatment of Nyaope drug possessors who are also abusers. It pursues the opinion that addicts need not be exposed to the criminal justice system before their health status is considered. It also recommends that health oriented mechanisms be paramount in the State’s attempts to weaning Nyaope addicts from addiction and criminal activities. Due to limited published academic material focusing on concerns on the scourge of Nyaope in several metropolitan areas in South Africa, this article uses desk top research. It accessed online sources entailing newspapers comments, conference proceedings and published audio media debates containing conversations by concerned public and Nyaope addicts. It drew legal perspectives on Nyaope from a few unreported court cases and police arrest scenarios exposed in media reports.

Upstream Flows of Water: from the Lesotho Highlands to Metropolitan South Africa

The aim of this article is to consider the mountains of Lesotho as suppliers of water to the Gauteng metropolitan area in South Africa. By analysing the hydropolitics of the Southern African region in the context of politics of scale, the focus is on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), a transboundary water transfer project between Lesotho and South Africa. The goal is to link hydropolitics with territorialities. The LHWP has resulted in a reproduction of the asymmetrical relations between and inside the metropolitan and mountain areas of both countries. Coalitions of actors have emerged from these new relations that the transfer has produced, and as such, this project should be analysed as a hydraulic assemblage in which three distinct scales of territorialities are clashing or cooperating with each other: the regional scale, made up of South Africa’s political and economic elites, who seek to direct Southern Africa’s water resources towards the thirsty region in and around Johannesburg; the scale of the Lesotho government, which has a nationalist policy of monopolising any social and spatial stakes for the benefit of the national territory; and the scale of the Maloti communities, which claim their rights as a transnational Basotho nation and autonomy in the face of interventionism from the Lesotho state.

Computational considerations in building inter-firm networks

We rarely associate social networks with the movement of freight vehicles. Yet, taking a network perspective on supply chains has seen a strong interest in recent literature. It allows for a variety of system-level analysis that is not possible when taking a single focal firm view as is often the case in more classical supply chain approaches. Creating the network of connectivity on which the analyses are based can be quite a daunting and computationally challenging task. In this paper we create a large-scale network from the movement of commercial vehicles in a metropolitan area in South Africa, using the direct trip between consecutive facilities as a proxy for a tie, or dyad, in the network. We analyse how density-based clustering parameters influence the completeness of the network—that is the number of nodes included—as well as the computational burden of extracting the network. The results of the multi-objective analysis confirm the sensitivity of the resulting network, and suggest much smaller search radii and fewer points per cluster. We also report on a number of node- and network-level properties of the complex network using the proposed clustering configuration on the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole network in South Africa.

A spatial analysis of gating in Bloemfontein, South Africa

Abstract Growing trends of fear and insecurity in cities have sparked the re-visitation of gating, posing significant problems for citizens and policy makers alike. Gated developments are a global phenomenon occurring in diverse countries in both the developed North and developing South. Metropolitan areas in South Africa have also witnessed a rapid increase in the number and spread of gated developments since the late 1980s. Development of enclosed neighbourhoods has become increasingly popular, gaining widespread support for their utopic lifestyle and safety features. On the whole, high levels of crime and fear of crime have led to the construction of defensible space, in the form of gated developments, resulting in elevated levels of segregation. This paper provides a spatial analysis on gated developments in the non-metropolitan setting of Bloemfontein. The pattern and timeframe of gating in this city is shown to be similar to those found elsewhere in South Africa and, indeed, globally. Overall, it is the contention that gating is a trend not only seen in large metropolitan areas, but across the entire urban hierarchy of South Africa, and, as a consequence, requires investigation far beyond its metropolitan regions to more fully understand gated developments.