GGH3702
ASSIGNMENT 2
ANSWERS
SEMESTER 2
ANSWERS
2022
CODE: 847300
, GGH3702_2022
Assignment 02:
Section A (Case study linked to the NDP section on Building economic
infrastructure)
The protest over faulty electricity meters in a township in Soweto on 21st May 2019
has resulted in all roads into and out of the township being blocked. Community
members blocked roads using burning tyres and rocks. In its response to the protests,
City Power were of the view that the protests were not only about meters, as there
were many other issues within the township. The spokesperson of the power utility
indicated that the programme of smart meters was a city-wide programme that had
been rolled- out to other parts of the city. The spokesperson also indicated that the
aim of the smart meters is to move to a smart grid. However, residents of this township
complained of not being informed about the programme. Resistance to the programme
and officials having access to the township has been mainly from those who have
bridged the electricity supply, meaning that they have unofficial electricity connections
which bypass the meter, enabling them to consume electricity without paying for it.
(Adapted from Roodepoort Record of 7 June 2019)
a) In your own words, explain what is happening in this case study and provide
reasons why you think this is happening.
(10)
b) In view of the causes of such protests, reflect on the possible implications
thereof on the sustainable economic development of this community, and the
municipality. Also consider the implications for the economic development of
the country as a whole. (20)
c) With regards to your own community, critically reflect on one challenge
regarding economic infrastructure that your community has experienced in the
recent past. Consider the causes and implication of this challenge. Discuss the
reaction of the community to this challenge and the extent to which it
contributed towards arriving at a sustainable solution.
(20)
Section B
Discuss (in an essay) the connections or links that exist between different
economic activities within South Africa or your country of residence, and how
these economic activities are spatially distributed. In the last part of your essay,
focus on debating the possible effects of these linkages on the economic
development of South Africa or your country.
(50)
ASSIGNMENT 2
ANSWERS
SEMESTER 2
ANSWERS
2022
CODE: 847300
, GGH3702_2022
Assignment 02:
Section A (Case study linked to the NDP section on Building economic
infrastructure)
The protest over faulty electricity meters in a township in Soweto on 21st May 2019
has resulted in all roads into and out of the township being blocked. Community
members blocked roads using burning tyres and rocks. In its response to the protests,
City Power were of the view that the protests were not only about meters, as there
were many other issues within the township. The spokesperson of the power utility
indicated that the programme of smart meters was a city-wide programme that had
been rolled- out to other parts of the city. The spokesperson also indicated that the
aim of the smart meters is to move to a smart grid. However, residents of this township
complained of not being informed about the programme. Resistance to the programme
and officials having access to the township has been mainly from those who have
bridged the electricity supply, meaning that they have unofficial electricity connections
which bypass the meter, enabling them to consume electricity without paying for it.
(Adapted from Roodepoort Record of 7 June 2019)
a) In your own words, explain what is happening in this case study and provide
reasons why you think this is happening.
(10)
b) In view of the causes of such protests, reflect on the possible implications
thereof on the sustainable economic development of this community, and the
municipality. Also consider the implications for the economic development of
the country as a whole. (20)
c) With regards to your own community, critically reflect on one challenge
regarding economic infrastructure that your community has experienced in the
recent past. Consider the causes and implication of this challenge. Discuss the
reaction of the community to this challenge and the extent to which it
contributed towards arriving at a sustainable solution.
(20)
Section B
Discuss (in an essay) the connections or links that exist between different
economic activities within South Africa or your country of residence, and how
these economic activities are spatially distributed. In the last part of your essay,
focus on debating the possible effects of these linkages on the economic
development of South Africa or your country.
(50)
