Kamiesberg Local Municipality

Kamiesberg Local Municipality is in South Africa.

Population

In 2001, 10,745 persons lived in Kamiesberg [ [http://www.demarcation.org.za/ Municipal Demarcation Board South Africa] ] . In the whole of Kamiesberg the majority of the people are of mixed ancestry, but most people are categorized as "coloured". The population numbers are insecure and can be double the number.

A typical village in Kamiesberg is Kharkams village: The average education level is 6.7 years. Electricity reached the village in 1999. Water is available in nearly every house. Villagers have access to health care once a week. Between the 11 villages in Kamiesberg, there are land belonging to villagers, where sheep and goats are kept.

Topography and climate

Kamiesberg municipality spans over three topographic zones. The area stretches from the sandy coasted lowlands (Sandveld), to the mountainous central Kamiesberg escarpment (Hardveld), and to the eastern plateau of Bushmanland. There are no perennial rivers in the area. Water is obtained from subterranean sources. Some of the water is pumped up by windmills, but most of the water to the communal areas is from natural springs. Many of these springs are semi-perennial, and the salt content of the water can vary from year to year causing problems. In 2003 the rainfall was Convert|131|mm|in|0|abbr=on in Springbok (Convert|100|km|mi|0|abbr=on north of Kamiesberg). Rainfall has on average decreased from 1970 to 1994.

oils and vegetation

Four main types of vegetation are found in the area: Mountains Renosterveld, Succulent Karoo, False succulent Karoo and Namaqualand Broken Veldt. However, overall plant life is in a deteriorating state, and non-edible, undesirable and poisonous vegetation is taking over.

ources of household income in Kamiesberg

Sample survey (2003) from three communal villages (only 74 saailande owners) shows farm income (3%), livestock income (3%), remittances (6%), small business (11%), government transfers (28%) and wage labour (49%).

Communal institutions

Like every other municipality in Namaqualand, Kamiesberg is governed by formal institutions. The most important formal institutions are: Kamiesberg Municipality located in Garies, Common management committee (Meentcommetee), Old Local Council and Transitional Local Councils (TLCs)

References