HSY2603
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: APRIL 2026
, HSY2603 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE APRIL 2026
QUESTION 1: Living Conditions in Cape Town during the Early 19th Century (10
marks)
Cape Town in the early 19th century (circa 1806-1830s) was a far cry from the beautiful
city we know today. It was characterised by overcrowding, poor sanitation, disease, and
significant social inequality (Study Unit 1, p. 13).
Key living conditions included
Poor urban planning and infrastructure: The streets were narrow, mostly unpaved,
and drainage was poor. There was no proper system of refuse removalm rubbish
was thrown directly into the streets or into water canals (Study Unit 1, p. 14; also p.
51).
Disease and unsanitary conditions: People were generally unaware of the hazards of
dirt and pollution. Diseases such as typhoid, tuberculosis, and dysentery were rife.
The situation was somewhat mitigated by the "Cape Doctor" (strong southeasterly
winds) and heavy rainfall, which helped clean the streets periodically (Study Unit 1, p.
14).
Overcrowding and poverty: The majority of people were poor including poor whites,
poor blacks, poor coloured people, and slaves living under crowded and unsanitary
conditions. Poor whites and poor blacks lived in close proximity to each other (Study
Unit 1, p. 14; also p. 51).
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: APRIL 2026
, HSY2603 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE APRIL 2026
QUESTION 1: Living Conditions in Cape Town during the Early 19th Century (10
marks)
Cape Town in the early 19th century (circa 1806-1830s) was a far cry from the beautiful
city we know today. It was characterised by overcrowding, poor sanitation, disease, and
significant social inequality (Study Unit 1, p. 13).
Key living conditions included
Poor urban planning and infrastructure: The streets were narrow, mostly unpaved,
and drainage was poor. There was no proper system of refuse removalm rubbish
was thrown directly into the streets or into water canals (Study Unit 1, p. 14; also p.
51).
Disease and unsanitary conditions: People were generally unaware of the hazards of
dirt and pollution. Diseases such as typhoid, tuberculosis, and dysentery were rife.
The situation was somewhat mitigated by the "Cape Doctor" (strong southeasterly
winds) and heavy rainfall, which helped clean the streets periodically (Study Unit 1, p.
14).
Overcrowding and poverty: The majority of people were poor including poor whites,
poor blacks, poor coloured people, and slaves living under crowded and unsanitary
conditions. Poor whites and poor blacks lived in close proximity to each other (Study
Unit 1, p. 14; also p. 51).
