What is the setting in the book?

The main setting in Gordimer's, July's People, is a rural settlement of mud huts in South Africa contrasted with the former city life of the Smales (through recollections). The story is set in the modern day. Exact dates are not given, but the events presumably take place during the mid to late 80s or possibly even early 90s in South Africa. The characters recall events from the past, making it difficult to pinpoint a precise date or year.