The rondavel has become synonymous with the settlements of the black people of South Africa but has also become a characteristic building type of European (white) folk building in white vernacular architecture. Although this building type was never considered a typical building type on farmsteads and of farm architecture of the Boland, it has become such a common phenomenon that it can now be considered part of white vernacular architecture. The occurrence and distribution of the rondavel in the northern part of South Africa reflects its popularity over the last hundred years. The rondavel occurs in six configurations: (1) as single isolated cone on cylinder structure, (2) as a conglomerate of separate rondavels, (3) as several rondavels connected to each other with foyers and passages, (4) as an independent annex to a larger rectangular dwelling unit, (5) as an addition built onto an existing rectangular dwelling unit or (6) as a single dwelling unit with the characteristics of an elongated rondavel with two of its sides parallel to each other (lozenge shape). The use and function of these buildings also varied depending on the needs of the landowner, tenant, housewife or workers.