I ANNUAL REPORT - Historical Papers, Wits University · 2013. 5. 14. · Annua! Report of the Acting Manager, Non-European Affairs Department, For period 1st July, 1950, to 30th June,

r n 1952

City of Johannesburg.

I

ANNUAL REPORTOF TH E

ACTING MANAGER, NON-EUROPEAN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

1st July, 1950, to 30th June, 1951.

Johannesburg :Printed by RADFORD. AD LIN G TO N, LIM IT E D ,

Marshall and Rissik Streets.

19089.

Annua! Report of the Acting Manager, Non-European Affairs Department,

For period 1st July, 1950, to 30th June, 1951.

To the Mayorand Councillors of the City of Johannesburg.

L a d ie s a n d G e n t l e m e n ,

I have the honour to submit the Annual Report of the Department for the period 1st July, 1950, to the 30th June, 1951.

NON-EUROPEAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.

The following members of the City Council constituted the Non-European Affairs Committee for 1950/51: —

Councillors: M. E. Bothner (Chairman).I j . V. Hurd, J.P. (Vice-Chairman).Mrs. N. Grant.H. W. Johns.H. C. Juta.I j . Spitz.

» C. G. Thompson, and theI Mayor, ex-officio.

During the year Councillor C. G. Thompson resigned and his place on the Committee was taken by Councillor I. A. N. Maltz.

STAFF.

The staff position remained fairly stable during the year.

The staff of the Department, as at 30th June, 1951, comprised: —

(a) Europeans: &Affairs Dept. Treasury TotalPermanent ... ... 108 9 117Temporary ... ... 70 55 125

(b) Natives:Graded Staff ... ... — — 90Police ... ... ... — — 548Labourers ... ... -— — 1,425

(c) Coloureds:Welfare Assistants and

Clerical ............... — — 7Others ... ... ... .— — 9

242

2,063

16

Total number of staff employed 2,321

Retirement of the Manager, Mr. L. I. Yenables.

Mr. L. I. Yenables, Manager of the Non-European Affairs Department from 1944, retired from the Council's service on the 30th June, 1951. Consequent on the retirement of Mr. Yenables, the Council appointed a small ad hoc Committee to consider the question of the re-organisation of the Department in light of its continued growth. At the time of writing, the Sub-Committee is engaged in finalising this report.

POPULATION.

The national population census for all racial groups was taken on the 8th May, 1951. The approximate figures furnished by the Director of Census and Statistics show the Non-European population in the Municipal area of Johan­nesburg as follows: —

Natives ... ... ... ... 355,390Coloureds ... ... ... ... 25,751Asiatics ... ... ... ... 15,412

N E .-1

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The preliminary figures in respect of the Native population fall far short ofthe estimated population. There is no doubt that this is due to suspicion on thepart of the Natives to official attempts to count them. It is probable, therefore, that large numbers of Natives who normally reside with relatives and friends in the locations purposely avoided sleeping in the locations on ‘ 4Census N ig h t/’ It is considered by this Department that, as a conservative estimate, at least 25 per cent, may be added to these figures.

The following table shows the approximate distribution of Natives ingreater Johannesburg as at 30th June, 1951: —

Urban Area:

Orlando Moroka Jabavu PimvilleWestern Native Township Eastern Native Township Wemmer Hostel Wolhuter Men’s Hostel Denver Hostel Mai-Mai Hostel Wolhuter W om en’s Hostel Municipal Compounds Sophiatown, Martindale and Newclare Pageview (Malay Location)

Licensed Premises

Industrial Compounds ... Trading Premises Others (schools, hospitals, etc.) Flats and Private Dwellings

Domestic Servants (estimated)Mine Labourers

Urban Area Total

Peri-Urban Areas (estimated)

Total

Peri-Urban Areas Comprising—

Alexandra Kliptown Ferndale Kensington B ...Jackson’s Drift and Vicinity Albertyn

Total

7,0005,4362,8298,400

23,665

65,5939,2501,280

6303,0004,220

83,973

65,41236,93121,20017,17213,2104,1885,7944.000 3,336

400120

10,00045,962

4.000

231,72523,665

60,00040,000

355,39083,973

439,363

INFLUX CONTROL.

The Department’s Influx Control Section, which was previously housed in a portion of the Pass Office premises, was moved in March, 1951, to a building especially erected for the purpose by the Council on land leased from the Govern­ment and adjoining the Pass Office premises.

Owing to the close identity of the work of the Influx Control Section and that of the Pass Office and the need for the respective officials to work in close collaboration, it is essential, both from the point of view of efficiency and the convenience of the members of the public, that these offices should be in close proximity.

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Generally speaking, the work of the Influx Control Section has had some beneficial effects, particularly in stabilising the Native labour market and in partly overcoming the prejudice on the part of employers of labour from engaging so-called “ town” Natives. However, the attempt to enforce strict control over the entry of Natives from outside areas into Johannesburg for the purpose of seeking employment has brought in its wake many undesirable practices. Unscrupulous persons, both European and Non-European, have endeavoured to prey on the credulity of rural Natives and have been making a lucrative living by the sale of forged documents. Eecently the South African Police discovered a Native printer who was printing and selling permits purporting to be issued by the Council, to enable Natives to enter the Johannesburg Municipal Area to take up employment. Investigations in this matter are still proceeding.

Another major difficulty in enforcing Influx Control is that it is known that the Natives whose applications for permission to remain in the area are refused, either do not leave the area or else congregate in places such as Alexandra Township or other Native-occupied areas in the peri-urban areas. It has also been noticed that since the enforcement of the Influx Control, Natives from all over South Africa endeavour to gain entry to the City through Alexandra Town­ship, where no such control is exercised. The result is that the Department has to closely scrutinise applications from Natives who claim to be bona fide residents of that Township.

During the year under review, the Influx Control Section dealt with 68,414 applications for permission to enter for the purpose of seeking or taking up employment. 20,603 applications were refused. Of the 47,811 who were approved a large proportion were applicants who were returning to previous employment.

) HOUSING.

Native.

During the year under review, a further 592 families were accommodated in the City Council’s housing schemes, while new applications for accommodation were received from 1,663 families. There was thus a net increase in the official waiting list of 1,071 families or an average increase of 89 per month. At the close of the year, 15,600 families were on the official waiting list and it is estimated that there are still some 50,000 families in need of accommodation.

The waiting list is now growing at an increasing rate^ovving to the fact that building ceased early in 1951 when the last of a furtheif/ 475/houses was handed over, completing the two outstanding contracts. The five “locations now contain some 28,400 houses and 4,000 shelters, housing an estimated total population of 229,100, giving an average density of approximately seven persons per dwelling.

The Yukuzenzele Scheme referred to in the previous report and a further scheme for the construction of 1,000 houses at Orlando West are under dis­cussion with the National Housing and Planning Commission.

Accommodation for single male Natives, employed in the City, also falls short of the demand. The Council’s hostels are overfull and 11,700 persons are waiting for beds. The net increase in this list averaged 74 persons per month over the year; 477 persons were placed and 1,362 new applications were received.

As an example of the shortage of hostel accommodation, it may be men­tioned that Wemmer Hostel with 2,818 beds has an estimated total population of nearly 7,000, i.e., at least 4,000 “ sub-tenants.” This figure was confirmed in a recent Police raid, when no more than 400 of the inmates failed to produce satisfactory evidence of legitimate employment in Johannesburg.

Dube Native Village.

The first five Dube houses have been constructed, using Native workmen trained at the Department’s Vocational Training Centre, under the supervision of a European foreman. The results were excellent and the first of these houses has been sold and occupied. Negotiations are proceeding for the sale of a second and for the building of others to the design of the prospective owners, with the aid of loans from the Government. Although enquiries are constantly received from Natives who are interested in the scheme and who can afford a house of a high standard, it is understood that in some measure hesitancy results from the fact that leasehold and not freehold tenure is offered. Although the lease is for a period of 99 years, the Natives who are contemplating putting their life-savings into a Dube house, do not believe that that they are offered full security of tenure.

Coloured and Indian.

The housing position of the Coloured and Indian populations is desperate. The continued industrial development of the poorer areas of the City has

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resulted in numerous evictions, leading to increased overcrowding in the remain­ing areas. Some owners have been good enough to stay eviction in many cases as a result of the personal intervention of the Mayor, which has provided tem­porary relief for certain families.

There are now 2,161 Coloured families on the Department’s waiting list compared with 1,900 a year previously, an increase of 261. No list is kept of Indian families but it is known that their plight equals that of the Coloureds and that there is continuous encroachment on the areas in which they may legally reside.

The planning of both Coloured and Indian housing schemes is proceeding as a matter of urgency and a further scheme for the erection of 125 houses at Noordgesig is under discussion with the National Housing and Planning Commission.

ILLEGAL TRADING.

It has been the Council’s policy to provide trading facilities for the Native locations by building shops which are leased to selected applicants. These applicants are required to produce evidence of experience and financial resources, sufficient for the undertaking.

With the limited amount of money which can be made available for this work, the demand for trading facilities in Orlando, Moroka and Jabavu in particular, cannot be fully met. In these townships a considerable number of unauthorised persons are engaged in trade. These ' ‘ illegal traders” avoid the cost of maintaining proper premises and their methods of conducting their businesses, especially in regard to standards of hygiene, cannot be properly con­trolled. /Action taken against them under the Location Regulations, assisted in restricting their numbers, but offered no solution to the problem.

During the year under review, a new policy was adopted of leasing sites on which traders could erect their own shops, either to standard specifications or to their own design, subject to the approval of the Council. Up to the 30th June, 1951, in Orlando, Moroka and Jabavu, 69 such shops have been erected and a further 35 were under construction. The shops are erected by Native builders under Council supervision and are all well constructed. The pro­prietors of owner-built shops have been observed to take great pride in their businesses.

Preference in the leasing of sites is given to persons who previously engaged in illegal trading but who are registered tenants and who have the necessary resources to set up a properly maintained business. The effect of this policy has been to reduce illegal trading to the point where it may be hoped shortly to dispose of it entirely.

The Medical Officer of Health, in his Annual Report for the year 1950/51, on Moroka, records— “ a considerable decrease in the number of illegal traders and an improvement in food handling generally.’ ’ The number of illegal traders in Moroka decreased from 172 to 57 during that year.

KAFFIR BEER.

Since the acceptance by the Council of a Municipal monopoly system of brewing and supplying kaffir beer in Johannesburg, in terms of the Natives (Urban Areas) Act, the service rendered to the Non-European public has con­tinued to grow until the stage has now been reached where approximately 12,000 gallons of kaffir beer are brewed and sold per day.

The Department experiences increasing difficulty in coping with this enormous demand as its plant is hopelessly antiquated and inadequate. It is hoped to make a start during the course of the coming year on the erection of a modern brewery and malthouse.

Certain members of the Native Advisory Boards have been urging the introduction of the home-brewing system into the Johannesburg urban locations. This practice is permitted in Bloemfontein, Pietermaritzburg and one or two other towns in the Union. The introduction of home-brewing in these centres has not been without difficulty and it is understood that trouble is experienced in enforcing adequate control. In order to ascertain conditions at first-hand a tour of these towns where home-brewing is permitted was arranged, consisting of two representatives of the Joint Native Advisory Boards, accompanied by the Manager and the Assistant Manager. As a result, the Manager formed a clear impression that the introduction of home-brewing into the Johannesburg area would be a fatal mistake, quite incapable of control, largely because of the totally different conditions obtaining in the Reef locations from those in rural and semi-rural areas. The presence of many thousands of single mine Natives, living in some cases in fairly close proximity to the locations, is an additional factor which makes the introduction of home-brewing into this area an impossibility.

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To reduce the quantity of illicit liquor brewed by shebeen queens in the Native locations, it is intended to explore the possibility of providing beerhalls in certain selected Native locations with the idea of devoting the profits derived to specified welfare work and the provision of essential amenities in such locations.

During the year under review, the profit on beer amounted to £175,1317d., spent as follows:

Recreation and Social Welfare ... £47,738 13 0Bioscope Performances 3,827 6 2Capital and Maintenance Charges: Native

Townships 37,164 14 5Medical Services 58,445 1 10Grants-in-Aid and Gratuities ... 17,682 18 6Home Gardening 10,272 15 8

£175,131 9 7

CRIME POSITION.

The crime position on the Witwatersrand has deteriorated over the past twelve months and in many parts of Johannesburg the Native community is being terrorised by lawless groups, composed in many cases of youthful Tsotsis, who have reached the stage of being completely beyond the pale of all authority.

Another evil manifestation has been the emergence of the so-called“ Russian” gangs in certain locations, consisting almost invariably of the moreprimitive elements fairly recently arrived in the City from the rural areas. The position has grown steadily worse but an encouraging sign is the emergence of “ Civilian Guards” in the different Native locations. These Guards have been inaugurated by the Native tenants themselves with the object of clearing urban locations of the criminal elements. They are modelled on the war-time Civilian Protective Service but. in the absence of official recognition and approval by the South African Police, the present Guards are functioning without any authority. The movement is a spontaneous one, usually organised by prominent members of the Native Advisory Boards in the different locations. In general the pro­cedure followed is as follows: —

Patrols consisting of four or five Native males, who are tenants of the particular location in which they are operating, meet at some centrol spot, usually the Superintendent’s office or the Native Advisory Board Room, at 8 p.m ., and are allotted a particular section of the location to patrol. In some locations, such as Western Native Township, these patrols accompany the Municipal Native Policeboy on his routine patrol beat and in other cases they operate unaccompanied. The patrols accost any Native who is abroad in the township after 8 p.m. and demand an explanation from him. If the explanation is not satisfactory, the Native is compelled to appear before the Committee, consisting of Advisory Board members and prominent Native residents who decide whether or not the man should be handed over to the South African Police.

In the case of juveniles, parents are required to appear before the Com­mittee and give an explanation as to why their child is abroad after dark. If the parents aver that they have no control over the youngster, then the Com­mittee, with the consent of the parents, chastise him with a sjambok.

The movement originated in the Western Native Township but has rapidly spread to Orlando, Moroka and Jabavu and other Native areas, where similar organisations are now functioning. An unsatisfactory feature is that in some cases these patrols show a tendency to go beyond the powers conferred upon “ Peace Officers.” It is an unfortunate fact that activities of this description frequently appeal to rather irresponsible elements in the locations and con­sequently the operation and scope of the Civilian Guards needs careful watching and curbing where any indication of excess becomes apparent.

In general, however, your Acting Manager is of the opinion that these Guards are playing a worthwhile role in the locations and are proving of material assistance in the suppression of crime, the apprehension of evil-doers and particularly in the confiscation and collection of dangerous weapons.

Municipal Police.

The activities of the Municipal Native Police in the Townships have recently been intensified with good results. The following report from Orlando provides an illustration, and other locations are reporting similarly—

“ Until recently token patrols of Municipal Police patrolled the Town­ship on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The South African Police being very short of personnel could undertake practically no patrolling. With the increase of crime and lawlessness in the area, the Municipal patrols have been intensified— men have been taken off other duties and the patrols are operating from Friday evenings until midnight on Sundays, and the South African Police are assisting as far as possible.

The Municipal patrols have been very active and the following figures selected at random indicate the number of cases brought in during a single week at Orlando East—

Dangerous weapons ... ... ... ... 22Creating a disturbance ... ... ... ... 5Possession of Firearms ... ... ... ... 1

(Four cases during the past three week-ends.)

Attention is also being paid to passless and idle Natives.

After sunset, the patrols concentrate on the main roads thus enabling residents to return to their homes without being molested as in the past.

The Station Commander, South African Police, Orlando, has frequently praised the work done by the Municipal Police.

The closest co-operation exists between the South African Police and this Department. Crime has diminished during the past two months and residents are now able to visit their friends more freely than before but the position is not all that could be desired /’

W ELFARE BRANCH.

The Department attempts to provide welfare services of all kinds to this vast population and wherever possible it encourages people to pay for what they get. Much of the work, however, is of a pioneer nature and in nearly every sphere the Native people have to be taught, e.g., to buy the right foods, to make their own clothes, to play healthy games, to run their own clubs, to organise concerts and generally to look after that side of their life which falls outside working hours.

There are naturally many other agencies in the field of welfare, notably the Government and voluntary organisations. An essential part of the Department's work, therefore, is co-operating with the Government and as far as the voluntary organisations are concerned, helping and encouraging them wherever possible. It is considered that the voluntary organisations do a tremendous amount of work which, if it were done by official bodies, would not only be more expensive, but probably less effective.

Experience in the last few years has shown that far more ought to be done if the problems of crime and juvenile delinquency are to be overcome. There should be a considerable amount of research into the facts concerning the lives, incomes and conditons of the Native and Coloured people. More women, cripples and blind persons should be taught useful occupations, such as sewing, cookery, knitting, etc. More boys should be trained as builders and tailors. A great deal more in the way of playing fields and instructors should be provided and cinemas built so that on the week-ends, which an industrial civilisation provides, thousands of workers can spend the time in innocent forms of recreation. The natural musical and artistic talents of the Native people have not been sufficiently encouraged and as this is an integral part of the life of any people, its frustration is harmful. The introduction of aptitude testing for the Council's Native labour force is suggested as a measure likely to result in greater economy and efficiency. The feeding of the Council’s own employees is also a pressing problem and the great increase in turnover at the Jubilee Restaurant is an indication that slowly the Natives are beginning to appreciate good meals served as cheaply as possible.

In any law-abiding community the people’s homes are of paramount import­ance and to build up pride in these homes the Department encourages home gardening and beautification of the townships with remarkable results. More of this work could be done with advantage, and there can be no doubt of the value not only to the people themselves, but to the townships as a whole.

During the past year a complete survey of the Non-European population of the Western Areas of Johannesburg has been undertaken, at the request of the Government. The Survey was started in June, 1950, and the fieldwork was continued from July to September with six temporary European assistants, as well as four temporary Non-Europeans. As the work entailed visiting 5,726

7

stands and getting particulars of 22,426 families, consisting of 77,259 persons, the number of field workers had to be increased by eight Jan Hofmeyr School students and six Witwatersrand University students. In order to obtain informa­tion on all families in the area it was necessary to do night and week-end work which was made very unpleasant by the hostile attitude of some of the popula­tion. As only three and a half months could be taken up with fieldwork, as the time limit set for the completion of the report was six months, the workers had to average 45 interviews per day. In spite of all efforts some 300 families could not be interviewed owing to their continuous absence from their homes. Thus it was not possible to avoid some inaccuracies in the final figures.

The report on the Western Areas was completed at the end of March, 1951. Copies were submitted to the Minister of Native Affairs and the Council.

A commencement has been made on a Sample Survey to act as a check on the previous report and to provide valuable additional information on urbanised Natives in general and specifically those residing in the Western Areas. The Government is again sponsoring the project by bearing half the cost (£1,500), and as it is to be of a highly scientific nature, the Council engaged as Con­sultant Professor E. Batson, of the Cape Town University, who is recognised as the leading expert on Sample Surveys in South Africa.

Since the beginning of June, field work has been in progress and it is anticipated that the report will be completed at the end of 1951.

Concurrently with the Sample Survey of the Western Areas, an economic survey has been commenced in Coronationville and Noordgesig Coloured Town­ships, as well as the waiting lists of applicants for housing in these townships. This Survey was necessitated by the requirements of the National Housing Comr^iission that only families with incomes below certain levels be housed in sub-economic schemes. In order to provide for the future it was found necessary to check up on applicants for houses as well as tenants.

In the course of the Western Areas Survey, a preliminary report on the Asiatics living in the Western Areas was prepared in order to give some idea of incomes, occupations and housing needs for this group. It is felt, however, that the Asiatics living in the Western Areas are not representative and that a complete survey of all the Asiatics in Johannesburg will be necessary. A rough plan for such a survey has been prepared, but in view of some uncertainty of the requirements of the Asiatic Land Tenure Advisory Board and lack of staff, this project has been temporarily shelved.

NATIVE W ELFARE SECTION.

Of a total of 378 applicants for Old Age Pensions and 240 applicants for Invalidity Pensions, 225 and 90 respectively, qualified during the year.

Although these pensions are paid to Natives in the townships by the Native Commissioner, all recommendations and applications are made by this Depart­ment. A first consideration is whether or not the applicants should be allowed to remain in Johannesburg, or whether it would be in their interest as well as in the interest of the local authority to have them either repatriated or admitted to some institution for indigent, aged and disabled Natives. Before any applica­tion is recommended, extensive investigations are made.

Throughout the year there has been an influx of aged as well as crippled Natives, who have come to Johannesburg to obtain the higher pension paid to City Natives (£1 per month as against 15s. in the towns and 10s. in rural areas). When it is found that applicants have no right to live in the townships, arrange­ments are made for their immediate repatriation to the country. When such Natives have no-one capable of caring for them in the rural districts they are taken to the Bantu Refuge, Germiston, which is the only institution of its kind caring for aged and destitute Natives.

Whenever pensioners come to live with their children in Johannesburg, a transfer of their pension is not effected by the Government Native Affairs Department before a full investigation into the circumstances of the families who are to give shelter to these pensioners is made. Transfers are only recom­mended when the pensioners will in no way increase the burden of the tenants or the responsibility of the local authority.

Figures relating to Poor Relief are as follows: —Cases continuing from previous year ... ... 68New Cases ... ... ... ... ... 169

(Out of 332 applications, 24 cases were renewed and 174 cancelled.)

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Generally speaking, the work of the Influx Control Section has had some beneficial effects, particularly in stabilising the Native labour market and in partly overcoming the prejudice on the part of employers of labour from engaging so-called “ town” Natives. However, the attempt to enforce strict control over the entry of Natives from outside areas into Johannesburg for the purpose of seeking employment has brought in its wake many undesirable practices. Unscrupulous persons, both European and Non-European, have endeavoured to prey on the credulity of rural Natives and have been making a lucrative living by the sale of forged documents. Recently the South African Police discovered a Native printer who was printing and selling permits purporting to be issued by the Council, to enable Natives to enter the Johannesburg Municipal Area to take up employment. Investigations in this matter are still proceeding.

Another major difficulty in enforcing Influx Control is that it is known that the Natives whose applications for permission to remain in the area are refused, either do not leave the area or else congregate in places such as Alexandra Township or other Native-occupied areas in the peri-urban areas. It has also been noticed that since the enforcement of the Influx Control, Natives from all over South Africa endeavour to gain entry to the City through Alexandra Town­ship, where no such control is exercised. The result is that the Department has to closely scrutinise applications from Natives who claim to be bona fide residents of that Township.

During the year under review, the Influx Control Section dealt with 68,414 applications for permission to enter for the purpose of seeking or taking up employment. 20,603 applications were refused. Of the 47,811 who were approved a large proportion were applicants who were returning to previous employment.

1 HOUSING.

Native.

During the year under review, a further 592 families were accommodated in the City Council’s housing schemes, while new applications for accommodation were received from 1,663 families. There was thus a net increase in the official waiting list of 1,071 families or an average increase of 89 per month. At the close of the year, 15,600 families were on the official waiting list and it is estimated that there are still some 50,000 families in need of accommodation.

The waiting list is now growing at an increasing rate^awing to the fact that building ceased early in 1951 when the last of a furthei('475jiouses was handed over, completing the two outstanding contracts. The five “locations now contain some 28,400 houses and 4,000 shelters, housing an estimated total population of 229,100, giving an average density of approximately seven persons per dwelling.

The Yukuzenzele Scheme referred to in the previous report and a further scheme for the construction of 1,000 houses at Orlando West are under dis­cussion with the National Housing and Planning Commission.

Accommodation for single male Natives, employed in the City, also falls short of the demand. The Council’s hostels are overfull and 11,700 persons are waiting for beds. The net increase in this list averaged 74 persons per month over the year; 477 persons were placed and 1,362 new applications were received.

As an example of the shortage of hostel accommodation, it may be men­tioned that Wemmer Hostel with 2,818 beds has an estimated total population of nearly 7,000, i.e., at least 4,000 “ sub-tenants.” This figure was confirmed in a recent Police raid, when no more than 400 of the inmates failed to produce satisfactory evidence of legitimate employment in Johannesburg.

Dube Native Village.

The first five Dube houses have been constructed, using Native workmen trained at the Department’s Vocational Training Centre, under the supervision of a European foreman. The results were excellent and the first of these houses has been sold and occupied. Negotiations are proceeding for the sale of a second and for the building of others to the design of the prospective owners, with the aid of loans from the Government. Although enquiries are constantly received from Natives who are interested in the scheme and who can afford a house of a high standard, it is understood that in some measure hesitancy results from the fact that leasehold and not freehold tenure is offered. Although the lease is for a period of 99 years, the Natives who are contemplating putting their life-savings into a Dube house, do not believe that that they are offered full security of tenure.

Coloured and Indian.

The housing position of the Coloured and Indian populations is desperate. The continued industrial development of the poorer areas of the City has

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Mobile vans of the Department of Social Welfare have been handling the distribution of State-aided Products. This has been a great help to the tenants as a large number in the township belong to the lower income group.

During the year the street lights in the township were turned on. This ceremony was performed by the Chairman of the Non-European Affairs Com­mittee, Councillor M. E. Bothner, and was attended by a large number of tenants and members of the Department. The good effect of street lights has already been felt as there has been a decrease in crime and an increase in the number of social functions, etc.

The roads in the townships generally are still in bad condition. However, work has been commenced with levelling and several roads have been built up and graded.

During the year a Savings Club was started in the township. Although the Club has only been in operation since May, over £27 worth of savings certificates have so far been sold.

In February of this year interested tenants started a Youth Club in the town­ship. The Club has grown beyond all expectations and is now divided into Junior, Adolescent and Senior Sections. An Adult Advisory Committee has done most of the work in organising functions held by the Club, and it has been largely due to the splendid work done by them that the Youth Club is the success it is.

From July, 1950, the Department has undertaken case work amongst Coloured people suffering from tuberculosis. Assistance is granted in the form of special T.B. food parcels, hospital comforts, assistance with rental and other essentials.

Contributions of second-hand clothing from the public have been received, but in no way correspond to the constant appeal for clothes.

RECREATION SECTION.

The most important event during the year for this Section was the formal taking over of the Bantu Sports Ground by the Council on 1st February, 1951. A sum of £5,000 was voted to erect a substantial fence and this work has been almost completed.

An agreement is being entered into with the Johannesburg African Football Association for the use of the ground in winter and the allocation of gate money. The use of the ground by tennis players and other organisations is being reviewed. By the use of modern machinery a sloped oval arena is being created and in time a first-class sports ground with two football fields, four tennis courts, an athletic track, basketball courts and improved seating and latrine accommodation will be provided. Considerable revenue is expected to accrue to the Council and to Native sports organisations. It is hoped that other spectacles, such as tribal dancing, choirs, boxing, cinemas, etc., will be arranged.

The generous donation of a fine hall in Jabavu by Mr. M. I. Isaacson, in memory of his wife, has been of great benefit to all the people of that township

Although one football field has been levelled at Orlando, it is disappointing to report that owing to shortage of funds three large playing areas, constructed by means of the tipping of rubbish, are still unused for lack of soil covering and grass. These areas are—

(a) Near the subway at Orlando.(b) Between Coronationville Township and the railway line.

(c) The area adjoining the western boundary of Western Native Township.

A fourth area consisting of a flat slimes dam at Eastern Native Township has not been covered for the same reason.

Grounds in Use for Organised Sport.

Western Native Township:

Eastern Native Township:

2 Soccer Fields 21 Rugby Field 15 Netball Courts 32 Tennis Courts 12 Softball Pitches 2 Soccer Fields 11 Netball Court 12 Tennis Courts

High Jump Pits Long Jump Pit Cricket Pitches Club House

1 Golf Course Cricket Pitch Hall

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Pimville: 1 Soccer Field 1 Club House1 Netball Court 1 Golf Course2 Tennis Courts 1 Hall

PimYille Stadium: 1 Rugby Ground 9 Tennis CourtsOrlando Central: 2 Soccer Fields 2 Cricket Pitches

1 Rugby Field 1 Club House3 Netball Courts 1 Golf Course2 Tennis Courts

Orlando West 1: 1 Club House 1 Golf CourseOrlando West 2: 1 Soccer Field 1 Golf CourseWemmer: 1 Soccer Field

1 Club House1 Swimming Bath

Moroka: 2 Soccer Fields 1 Softball Pitch1 Netball Court 1 Club House

Jabavu: 2 Soccer Fields 1 Softball Pitch1 Rugby Field 1 Cricket Pitch5 Netball Courts 1 Club House1 Tennis Court 1 Hall

Bantu Sports Ground: 2 Soccer Fields 4 Tennis Courts2 Netball Courts 1 Club House

(Church)Slimesf Darn: 1 Soccer Field 2 Netball Courts

Four adult Athletic meetings took place during the year. Three meetings were held at the Bantu Sports Ground and were very successful, both from a spectator and a financial point of view. One of these meetings was held for the purpose of selecting a team to compete in the National Championships. Another Athletic meeting was held at the Vocational Training Centre, but was not very successful due to the small number of competitors from centres other than the School.

During the year the Department assisted in the formation of the Johannes­burg and District Amateur Boxing Association. The first Johannesburg and District Boxing Championships were held during June and it is pleasing to note that five of the ten boxing titles were won by members of the Municipal B oys’ Club. The tournament was a financial success. Two boxing tournaments were held by the Municipal Clubs at the Communal Hall and Western Native Town­ship Hall respectively. Attendance was satisfactory and the performance of the boxers was of a high standard.

Annual school athletic, football and basketball meetings were held in all townships and the annual inter-school football, athletic and basketball meeting was held at the Vocational Training Centre during November.

During the summer the Wemmer Swimming Baths were used by all the children in the central area.

The Huntley Club was opened during the latter part of the year and activities take place during the mornings, afternoons and evenings.

A Club at the Mavis Isaacson Hall was opened during the month of April. Activities have been organised during the mornings and afternoons.

A schoolroom in Orlando West 2 is being used on two nights of the week for boxing and weight-lifting classes. The environment and the conditions under which the Club has to function, however, prevent it from being as successful as desired.

Boxing, weight-lifting, physical training, body-building and games have been introduced into Club programmes at the following clubs: Phefeni, Baza-Baza, Pimville, Huntley, Western Native Township Hut, Denver Men's Hostel, Jubilee, New Mai-Mai and Eastern Native Township.

Cultural and other leisure-time activities for adults were organised and practical assistance given to the Johannesburg Bantu Music Festival Committee in organising their Annual Festival, and also to the Johannesburg Local Com­mittee for Non-European Adult Education. This latter Committee runs the Polly Street Art Centre where painting, weaving, calligraphy, book-keeping, ballroom dancing, leatherwork, housecrafts and tuition in piano and violin are carried on, as well as night school.

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The Annual Exhibition of Arts and Crafts was held during October and attracted very favourable comment from numerous European and Non-European visitors.

The organisation and running of W om en’s and Girls* Clubs progresses satis­factorily.

Adult Advisory Committees are formed in some centres and the aim is to have a local committee attached to each Girls’ Club. The total membership has doubled itself during the year. The number of meetings has increased from 25 to 36 per week. The following new activities have been started during the course of the year: Lino-cutting, feltwork, painting in oil colour on material, softball, swimming and tennis.

Cinema Shows.

A total of 1,108 Departmental cinema shows were given during the year— an increase of 71 compared with last year. Great difficulty is still experienced in obtaining suitable programmes owing to dollar restriction and there is great diversion in taste between the sophisticated Natives of the townships and the more illiterate types in the compounds and hostels. Every effort is still made to add educational films to each programme. The surprisingly popular feature of the programme to-day is the advertising 4‘ shorts” which are of a fairly high stan­dard of entertainment and are in many cases the most popular part of the programme.

EMPLOYMENT BU REAU .

TJie table below indicates the number of Non-Europeans who registered at the Employment Bureau, the number of enquiries received from prospective employers and the number of Non-Europeans placed in employment for the years indicated: —

Registered Enquiries Placed1949/50 1950/51 1949/50 1950/51 1949/50 1950/51

Females 819 959 1,587 1,450 296 318Males ... 8,365 9,343 10,660 14,150 9,507 12,843

Total ... ... 9,184 10,302 12,247 15,600 9,803 13,161

There has been no improvement in the supply of female domestic servants, despite all the efforts made to recruit these. Females show a degree of choosiness far in excess of males and show a marked preference for those jobs which permit them to sleep in their own homes. In jobs other than flats (which are usually serviced) females demand that they be provided with electrical appliances, such as polishers, vacuum-cleaners, etc. The net result is that it is virtually impos­sible to supply the needs of the lower income groups, and the small number of female domestics coming to the Bureau almost invariably go to the higher income group suburbs.

The Bureau experiences no difficulty in finding suitable females for jobs in Municipal service and in commerce and industry. There is always a keen interest in such jobs, mainly because of higher wages, but also because females in these fields work ordinary office hours as a rule.

Male domestics are as difficult to find as females and there was a definite drop in the number offering themselves for service in this field. However, males are not nearly so “ choosy” as females, hence they are easier to place.

Although there was a marked increase in the number of demands made on the Bureau for labour from Municipal Departments, no difficulty is experienced in meeting all demands. It continues to be a matter for regret that Municipal Departments, on the whole, insist that their Native employees must sleep in compounds. Should this condition be relaxed, urban Natives would willingly enter Municipal service, with the resultant stabilisation of the urban Native population so affected.

Commerce and industry are the fields of work most sought after by the urban Native population and the number of placements has increased by about 150 per cent.

A special effort was made to find congenial employment for the better- educated type of Native, compatible with his higher standard of education. A number of firms are now employing these educated Natives in a variety of clerical posts, and the number of enquiries for such Natives has shown a gratify­ing increase. This, it is believed, will contribute considerably to diminishing the feeling of frustration experienced by these young men when they find them­selves unable to obtain employment other than menial work.

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Although Coloured persons are generally difficult to place in Johannesburg owing to certain prejudices against them, there was, nevertheless, an increase in the number of Coloureds placed, namely, 117 as against 75 during the previous year.

The Department has co-operated with agencies seeking to combat juvenile delinquency, and during the year under review, the number of placements of these lads was more than doubled, viz.: 165 as against 80 during the previous year. Of the total of 165 placed, 11 came from the Native Youth Board, five from the Diepkloof Reformatory and one from the Probation Officer, Union Social Welfare Department. Three came from the Bantu Lads’ Hostel.

It is difficult to exaggerate the difficulties involved in finding employment for disabled people and patience and persuasion must be constantly employed. Nevertheless, 46 disabled persons were placed, who might otherwise have joined the ranks of beggars who to-day clutter up the streets of the City.

The Department also assists a variety of agencies, organisations and individuals to find employment for various difficult and distressed cases.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE.

The enrolment and distribution of pupils is as follows: —Builders ............... I 27Builders II 19

Carpenters ............... I 25(Jarpenters II 19Carpenters .................. I l l 9

Tailors ............... I 26Tailors .................. II 23Tailors .................. I l l 12

61

160

There are 100 day boys and 64 boarders. The general discipline and health of the boys was good and the spirit of the establishment seems to be a good one. A list of old students is kept and it is hoped to form an “ Old Students’ Associa­tion” not only to maintain links with the School, but to make available a list of skilled young men who can be offered employment when it occurs.

A great amount of building is going on in the townships— school classrooms, shops, buildings for Natives themselves on sites leased by the Council, and staff quarters for institutions and churches. Many of these jobs are carried out byboys from the School, but there is a lack of continuity in such work which hasseriously affected their morale. As an example, boys who have taken three years at the School and are qualified to do building or carpentry have been found acting as messengers and thus wasted the training which was provided for them. The need for the opening up of avenues of employment for these trainees cannot be over-emphasised.

The School has now been provided with electric power for light and this could be used to train the students in the .use of small power-driven tools suchas saws, drills, planes, etc.

One of the objects of the School should be to turn out men who can not only erect the walls and roof of a house, but plaster the walls, paint and decorate them, make the furniture, curtains and furnishings. Simple plumbing should be added to the syllabus.

The School continues to receive subsidies from the Union Education Department and an approach is being made to the Government with regard to the registration of the students in the new Native Building Workers’ Act.

Parents’ Day is held at the end of each year and at the half-year parents and visitors are invited to see the work of the School.

CATERING SECTION.

There has been a great increase in turnover in the two restaurants run by the Department. To meet this increased demand, additional tables have been installed and in the coming year it is hoped to open a small canteen and a better- class restaurant. In addition to the serving of prepared meals, produce from the Native Trust Farms and State-aided Products are disposed of.

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The total increase in takings at both Restaurants this year over the last two years was £4,532.

HOUSECRAFT SECTION.

During the year a beadwork class was started at the Bethany Home in Orlando West and an extra club per week was held at the Orlando West No. 2 Club. Improved club premises are now available at the Mavis Isaacson Hall at Jabavu. The accommodation positon at Pimville and Orlando West No. 2 is not satisfactory.

A weekly domestic science class is held for the first and second year women students of the Jan Hofmeyr School of Social Work. In 1950 the cookerysection of the course was covered and in 1951 the needlework section is being-done.

The cookery demonstrations for domestic servants, which are held once a week at the Mai-Mai and in the Union Church Hall at Rosebank, continue to be well attended by domestic servants. The courses consist of eight weekly demonstrations, the fee for each course being 5s. (reduced to 2s. 6d. for late entrants). The fees are usually paid by the employers.

In* February, 1951, a cobbling section for men only was opened at the Sheltered Employment Depot in Orlando and is making good progress. The transfer of some men from the general section to the cobbling section in February resulted in lower attendances in the former.

In the cobbling section, the salary of the Instructor is paid by the Cripples'Care Association and the purchase of equipment is financed by the same Asso­ciation. The Association also subsidises the feeding for the midday meal at the Depots and wages for learners.

NANCEFIELD GARDEN.

A start has been made with a grass nursery, to provide the considerable amount of grass required for turfing of sportsfields. Over 10,000 young trees from seedlings and cuttings have been cultivated and 1,000 of them, consisting of 26 different varieties, are already planted in the various townships. Five thousand rose-cuttings have been laid in for rooting and will be budding during the early summer. These roses will be planted out in the Superintendents’ office gardens, Communal Hall gardens, Library gardens, etc., to do away with the need for planting annuals. Fifty thousand tree-cuttings of Pop ulus, Lombardi, Platanus acerifolia and Platanus orientalis have been made.

The growing of vegetables has been reduced this year and more ground planted with young trees, including 500 oaks.

The beautification scheme has not developed as fully as was hoped owing to such difficulties as damage by animals and the problem of transporting stones and soil. The gardens round the Orlando Communal Hall have been laid out in terraces and the Library and Superintendents’ office gardens are a beautiful sight in the summer months.

The garden scheme has developed in a satisfactory way. The enthusiasm among the Natives is very high and not all the applications can be accepted. According to the judges in the Garden Competition, the standard of the gardens was better than in previous years. Entries for the Flower Competition werehigher than last year and a great improvement in the quality of the exhibitswas seen. This scheme has now been extended to schools and churches.

On 27th January, 1951, the Annual Show in the Orlando Communal Hallwas opened by Councillor Mrs. Grant and a large crowd of visitors showed keen interest in the excellent exhibits.

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FINANCIAL.

The following figures summarise the financial aspect of the Department’sactivities for the year ending 30th June, 1951: —

Income. Expenditure.

Government Assisted Sub-Economic Hostels ... £21,987 £40,309Government Assisted Sub-Economic Housing 263,915 349,248Other Hostels ..................................................... 51,330 92,768Other Housing ... ... ... ... 89,522 286,878Jabavu Camp ... ... ... ... 7,285 15,084Moroka Emergency Camp ... ... ... 133,145 161,283Other ... ... ... ... ... 117,842 67,213Coloured Social Welfare ... ... ... — 2,358Coronationville ... ... ... ... 34,354 44,416Noordgesig ... ... ... ... 15,245 29,411Prospect ... ... ... ... ... — 3,997Claremont ... ... ... ... 201 4,156Kaffir Beer ... ... ... ... 414,023 414,023

£1,148,849 £1,511,144

Shortfall ... ... ... £362,295.

CONCLUSION.

I would like to place on record my very deep appreciation to the Chairman and members of the Non-European Affairs Committee for their unfailing help and assistance during the course of the year under review. It would be quite impossible to carry out the difficult and varied aspects of this Department’s activities without the friendly interest and backing of the Committee.

I would also like to pay particular tribute to the support received from the Town Clerk, Mr. Brian Porter; the City Treasurer, Dr. I. Q. Holmes; and the City Engineer, Mr. H . Schrader; without whose assistance much of the work done during the year would have been impossible.

In conclusion I am under an obligation to the members of the staff for their loyal and efficient services rendered most cheerfully throughout a difficult year.

I have the honour to be,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Your obedient servant,

November, 1951.

W . J. P. CAEE,Acting Manager.

Collection Number: A2628

NON-EUROPEAN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT (Johannesburg)

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Location:- Johannesburg

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