What characterizes a township in apartheid South Africa?

In apartheid South Africa, townships were designated areas where non-white populations were forced to live under restrictive government policies. These areas were typically characterized by minimal facilities and inadequate infrastructure. Townships were often established on the outskirts of major cities and were overpopulated with limited access to basic services such as running water, electricity, sanitation, and healthcare. The living conditions in these townships were often substandard compared to those in areas designated for white citizens, highlighting the socioeconomic disparities enforced by apartheid policies.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of townships. Wealthy neighborhoods and suburban developments suggest affluence and well-planned infrastructure, which were not characteristic of townships. Integrated communities imply a mix of different racial and ethnic groups living together, contradicting the segregationist policies of apartheid that placed non-white populations in isolated areas. Thus, the correct characterization of townships as urban areas with minimal facilities encapsulates the intent and impact of apartheid legislation on non-white South Africans.