Theses and Dissertations (Town and Regional Planning)

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How can “smart cities” thinking benefit urban planning and development in South Africa? Learning from international smart city approaches
(University of Pretoria, 2020-12-02) Petzer, Engela; MRagoasha@csir.co.za; Ragoasha, Matsubu Valentine
South Africa’s cities face numerous challenges relating to socio-economic and spatial inequalities, institutional deficiencies, and fault-lines in the planning system. Despite the manifold strides made by the democratic government to transfigure the apartheid planning and governance system, urban challenges persist. Covid-19 has highlighted some of these challenges and in some instances, has worsened them. Nevertheless, South Africa seems eager to adopt the smart city concept in an effort to address urban issues. This study sought to investigate how South Africa can approach the smart city concept to best adopt it in planning and developing its cities. Because the concept is relatively new in Africa, and in South Africa in particular, the study recognised a great necessity in learning from countries that are already embracing the concept. The study deployed international comparative methodology, which was supplemented by case study approach to probe into Rwanda and Brazil’s approaches to smart cities. The key findings from the two cases were compared in a bid to draw “valuable” lessons for South Africa. It became clear from both case studies that context is important, that is, smart cities should respond to specific local challenges. Context in this regard was however found to extend to the current planning rationale; thus, approaches to smart cities should not neglect the planning principles and objectives as set out in the current plans and strategies. While both countries adopt smart cities within context, and in response to their unique challenges, how this was approached was found to be (justifiably) different. Rwanda approaches the concept within its national vision while Brazil lacks a national vision within which it pursue smart cities. Brazil’s approach was thus found to be proactive and smart cities are seemingly approached in an ad-hoc manner. An approach such as this does not always translate to improved quality of life and in some instances, has exacerbated the pre-existing issues of inequality. In its approach to the smart city concept, South Africa should not neglect its current policy context as well as the vision that was set out in the NDP. In this regard, smart cities initiatives can act as enablers of the national vison –just as Rwanda does. Moreover, at local level, smart cities should respond to the current goals of the IDPs. Bottom line is, smart cities should not set the country on an entirely new track, it should synergise with the exiting plans and policies. To remain effective, roles need to be clearly defined at the onset of any smart city strategy. More importantly, the public should be meaningfully engaged in the smart cities proposals and in decisions making around the smart interventions. This can go a long way in responding to communities’ specific needs.
Urban household uptake of water sensitive urban design measures : a comparative exploratory survey across the cities of Cape Town and Tshwane
(University of Pretoria, 2021) Du Toit, Jacques L.; Chilwane, Lethabo Ingrid Semakaleng
Population growth, climate change and increasing water consumption threaten the availability and quality of municipal water. In South Africa, climate change accelerates drought conditions leading to severe water shortages in areas such as the Western Cape. Cape Town came close to a day-zero due to drought conditions and excessive municipal water use, with households constituting the largest proportion of municipal water consumers. Water Sensitive Urban Design measures, such as rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling and permeable paving, may be used to help manage and curb municipal water use. This study aims to explore, describe and compare urban household uptake of these measures across the Cities of Cape Town and Tshwane to determine (1) past, present and future uptake, (2) factors influencing uptake, and (3) preference for municipal assistance to implement Water Sensitive Urban Design relative to other demand-side management instruments. A survey was conducted amongst households in standalone houses across suburbs and townships using a standardised questionnaire (N = 250). Significantly larger proportions of households in Cape Town compared to Tshwane took up measures, highlighting day-zero's possible effect. Significant factors were limited to existing water-saving behaviour, income, and home-ownership, while log- linear analyses suggest little difference in the influence of factors between Cape Town and Tshwane. Day-zero is therefore unlikely to cause a more permanent behavioural change in Cape Town. Municipal assistance to implement Water Sensitive Urban Design measures was the second most preferred demand-side management instrument, suggesting a preference for constructive rather than punitive instruments. There appears to be potential for the large scale household uptake of WSUD in South Africa. Therefore, indicating that it may be worthwhile for municipalities, as well as various other water authorities and service providers, to invest in WSUD. Recommendations are made for greater water sensitive urban planning in a South African context.
Universally accessible public transport systems: experiences with implementation in the thirteen integrated public transport network municipalities
(University of Pretoria, 2021) Oranje, Mark; GibberdA@dot.gov.za; Gibberd, Amanda Elizabeth
South Africa has a deeply entrenched relationship with the global Disability Rights Movement and the social model of disability, the roots of which were nascent as early as 1964 in Nelson Mandela’s Rivonia Trial speech. Since South Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994, steps have been taken through legislation and policy to give expression to disability rights. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 recognises disability equality together with race and gender equity and other rights. In 2007, South Africa was one of the first countries to sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and the UNCRPD was established as a national objective through the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2015 (WPRPD). The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000 references universal design, universal access and reasonable accommodation as tools to achieve disability equality through safe, equal and dignified access. From 2008, new regulations were applied to public buildings, public space, transport and housing, and new infrastructure standards were introduced to promote accessibility. The DoT’s Moving South Africa study (1999) identified barriers to all forms of transport for special categories of passengers. In 2007, the Department of Transport (DoT) developed the Public Transport Strategy to help guide, support and monitor municipalities in implementing accessible public transport systems, and 13 major municipalities were selected to test the implementation of the Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN): Johannesburg, Cape Town, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City, eThekwini, Polokwane, Rustenburg, Mbombela, Msunduzi, and Mangaung. A thirteenth was added in 2013/4, George. The Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG) was aimed at helping municipalities to accelerate the construction and improvement of accessible, affordable, integrated, efficient and sustainable public transport networks within the 20-year timeframe provided in Moving South Africa. The National Land Transport Act, 2009 mandates universal access in public transport. In 2016, in pursuit of this aim, the DoT published the Comprehensive Integrated Transport Plan, as well as the first standards for pedestrian crossings in line with WPRPD requirements. The DoT developed the Universal Design Access Plan (UDAP) for the 13 IPTN municipalities to record and measure progress towards a universally accessible transport system. This master’s dissertation examines and evaluates the implementation of universally accessible transport systems in the 13 IPTN municipalities, between 2010 and 2020, within this context.
Reshaping spatial planning paradigm in an attempt to achieve environmental justice in South Africa
(University of Pretoria, 2019) Coetzee, P.J. van V. (Johnny); CORNELNTI@GMAIL.COM; Ntiwane, Bongane Cornelius
South Africa, as a country and especially within the context of its geographies, remains scarred by the past apartheid regime. As a result, the country is still struggling with the problems of spatial transformation and inequalities. Recent indications suggest that the country is the leading unequal nation when compared with other states characterised by prevailing inequalities (World Bank, 2018). This study aims to answer the question of how spatial planning could be restructured in order to address environmental justice (EJ) to improve the performance of spatial planning. Planning theories provide procedures for undertaking planning and substance matters, but without proper guidance on the achievement of EJ. In addressing the main research question, the study debates EJ within the context of planning, the extent to which the South African spatial planning responds to EJ, and the factors perceived to enhance or impede the implementation of spatial planning towards EJ. These debates are reflective of the six dimensions of EJ that this study discusses which comprise distributive, recognition, procedural, and substantive justices, the capability approach, as well as just policy. The research study is cross-sectional in design and adopts a mixed-research approach so as to address the three research sub-questions. The sample of the study comprises seventyone municipalities selected from six provinces of South Africa. These municipalities include seven metropolitan, twelve district, and fifty-two local municipalities. The data collection methods include the administration of questionnaires in 71 municipalities, interviews of nine planning experts, and a corpus review (including literature, reports and legislation). The analysis of data includes both qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods, drawing its foundation from the philosophies of interpretivism and positivism. This study reveals that the concept of EJ is unpopular among municipal planners. Furthermore, it alludes to the fact that the first generation (rational, incremental, and mixedscanning) and second generation (advocacy, transactive and communicative planning) planning approaches lack the adequate incorporation of EJ dimensions. In addition, this study found that there exists weak recognition of EJ in municipal planning practices, notwithstanding that some South African planning Acts make provision for EJ in planning, at least to some extent. The results of the study reveal that municipalities in South Africa focus more on compliance than on being outcome-oriented in the implementation of spatial planning. The findings furthermore indicate that the lack of spatial planning prioritization, political pressure, inadequate tools of trade, and exclusion of context are the highest-ranking factors across four categories (structural, administrative, political, and contextual) perceived to impede spatial planning towards achieving EJ. The study further suggests that the adoption of spatial planning implementation (SPI) strategies, capacity building for political leaders on spatial planning, competent and skilful personnel, and public awareness and education are the highest-ranked factors that planners perceive as having the potential to enhance spatial planning in the achievement of EJ. The research introduces the thirdgeneration planning approach, based on EJ, with principles and propositions. The study also proposes a conceptualization of the SPI strategy to support spatial planning. Lastly, the study recommends guidelines for the implementation of EJ in spatial planning. The researcher concludes that the practice of EJ in planning requires extensive capacity building among planners, communities, sectors, and leaders.
Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation into Municipal Planning: Lessons from two South African Cases
(University of Pretoria, 2020) Du Toit, Jacques L.; amybeukes@gmail.com; Pieterse, Amy
The message that climate change response should be central to municipal planning is clearly communicated in policy, science, and practice; and given that municipal planning is the core function of local government, the task of climate change response mainstreaming lies with them. There is however limited guidance offered to municipalities on how to go about mainstreaming climate response into planning. This study explores how climate change response, with a specific focus on adaptation, can be mainstreamed into South African local government planning instruments and processes. The study is largely framed in critical pragmatism in that it looks into real-world situations and appreciates context-specific complexity to make recommendations relevant to practice. Using a comparative case study design, two cases where mainstreaming has been undertaken were explored. Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality in the Western Cape Province and Thulamela Local Municipality in the Limpopo Province were selected as atypical cases with core similarities and contextual differences, which are able to offer information on the phenomenon of mainstreaming. A qualitative content analysis was undertaken of their latest Integrated Development Plans and Spatial Development Frameworks for both the cases, and the Built Environment Performance Plan in the case of Cape Town. Individual interviews were done in one case and a group interview in the other. Participants included spatial planners, environmental practitioners, and an infrastructure planner, all of whom have been involved in planning, climate change response and resilience. Similar themes with different findings emerged from the two cases, indicating that planning processes and experiences are very context-specific. The themes or factors that emerged can contribute to success in one case and cause significant challenges in another. These factors are a) champions, leadership and momentum, b) networks, mobilisation and organisation, c) information gathering, use and sharing, d) capacity, resources and skills, e) institutional support and coordination, and f) intergovernmental relations and mandate. The study contributes to the fields of local government, municipal planning, climate change adaptation mainstreaming, and the intersection between these fields. Insights are provided into the factors and conditions that can either support or hinder effective mainstreaming of climate change adaptation into local municipal planning instruments and processes, and recommendations are provided to support more effective mainstreaming in local government.
The perceptions and experiences of residents towards different types of public spaces (a case study of Duncan village)
(University of Pretoria, 2018) Landman, Karina; hututrymore@yahoo.com; Hutu, Trymore
PPS (2014) indicated that public spaces are built environmental settings that offer social, economic and environmental benefits to the space users. Different types of public spaces offer social, economic and environmental benefits which lead to different space users to perceiving and experiencing the roles of spaces differently and this also means that users have different preferences towards the types of spaces that should be provided, where they should be developed and which activities should be accommodated in those spaces. Within South Africa, there is inadequate literature on perceptions and experiences of township space users. Within the country, especially in the City of East London, the perceptions and experiences of space users towards different types of public spaces have not been comprehensively explored. The research is aimed at investigating the perceptions, experiences, and preferences of local residents in Duncan Village towards different types and configurations of public spaces that would be able to fulfil a range of local needs in the area. The research study was completed through a qualitative research approach. The qualitative research approach was descriptive and exploratory in nature. The study used semi-structured interviews, participant observation, document review and graphic and other visual approaches to collect data and used an inductive approach to analyse the research data. The findings of the research study pointed out that residents of Duncan Village perceive the roles provided by streets (existing public spaces) differently. The participants experienced that the streets play important roles in Duncan Village through offering different activities such as commercial activities, exercising, and socialising. In the study area, streets are only existing public spaces that offer all activities which are supposed to be offered by other different types of public spaces. Participants experienced that the streets in the study area were affected by factors such as management, ownership, security, climatic conditions and planning and design. In terms of the preferences of residents, the research found that a public park, plaza, sports complex were preferred spaces to be developed in Duncan Village and streets were the only existing public spaces in the study area The findings of the research articulated that preferred public spaces should accommodate the following activities: business (formal and informal business activities); exercise (running, walking, jogging); and socialisation. With regard to the space users, the research found that all age groups (children, youth and adult) used streets. Considering the findings, it is suggested that the function of different spaces should be reconsidered and incorporate Crime Prevention through Environmental Design CPTED strategies, address all factors that affect the functionality of preferred different types of public spaces, and police surveillance.
The perceptions and experiences of residents towards different types of public spaces (a case study of Duncan village)
(University of Pretoria, 2018) Landman, Karina; hututrymore@yahoo.com; Hutu, Trymore
PPS (2014) indicated that public spaces are built environmental settings that offer social, economic and environmental benefits to the space users. Different types of public spaces offer social, economic and environmental benefits which lead to different space users to perceiving and experiencing the roles of spaces differently and this also means that users have different preferences towards the types of spaces that should be provided, where they should be developed and which activities should be accommodated in those spaces. Within South Africa, there is inadequate literature on perceptions and experiences of township space users. Within the country, especially in the City of East London, the perceptions and experiences of space users towards different types of public spaces have not been comprehensively explored. The research is aimed at investigating the perceptions, experiences, and preferences of local residents in Duncan Village towards different types and configurations of public spaces that would be able to fulfil a range of local needs in the area. The research study was completed through a qualitative research approach. The qualitative research approach was descriptive and exploratory in nature. The study used semi-structured interviews, participant observation, document review and graphic and other visual approaches to collect data and used an inductive approach to analyse the research data. The findings of the research study pointed out that residents of Duncan Village perceive the roles provided by streets (existing public spaces) differently. The participants experienced that the streets play important roles in Duncan Village through offering different activities such as commercial activities, exercising, and socialising. In the study area, streets are only existing public spaces that offer all activities which are supposed to be offered by other different types of public spaces. Participants experienced that the streets in the study area were affected by factors such as management, ownership, security, climatic conditions and planning and design. In terms of the preferences of residents, the research found that a public park, plaza, sports complex were preferred spaces to be developed in Duncan Village and streets were the only existing public spaces in the study area The findings of the research articulated that preferred public spaces should accommodate the following activities: business (formal and informal business activities); exercise (running, walking, jogging); and socialisation. With regard to the space users, the research found that all age groups (children, youth and adult) used streets. Considering the findings, it is suggested that the function of different spaces should be reconsidered and incorporate Crime Prevention through Environmental Design CPTED strategies, address all factors that affect the functionality of preferred different types of public spaces, and police surveillance.
The contribution of shopping center development to happy cities
(University of Pretoria, 2018) Burger, Michelle; Zulch, Benita; u16022263@tuks.co.za; Essah, Kweku Ampiah
No abstract
Exploring the fragments of spatial justice in an attempt to promote spatially just development in South African urban regions
(University of Pretoria, 2018) Coetzee, P.J. van V. (Johnny); u10601130@tuks.co.za; Adegeye, Adefemi Olayide
For the past two decades in South Africa, there have been various efforts aimed at restructuring the distorted and fragmented spatial form, re-integrating the fragmented spaces and communities and creating sustainable development in general. These aspiring goals were not realised as expected, mainly due to an (un)just government and planning system. A major milestone was however achieved in 2013, after more than a decade’s efforts and struggles to develop the first real planning act for South Africa, namely the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 2013 (SPLUMA). It is enlightening to note that one of the five main planning principles on which the act is based, emphasises the notion of “spatial justice” which constitutes a policy of inclusion with regard to previously disadvantaged people as well as certain planning and development areas. The National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 also proposed normative principles for spatial development in South Africa of which spatial justice is one of these principles. The NDP 2030 requires an explicit indication of the ways in which to achieve the requirements of spatial justice. The term “spatial justice” had been missing from literature for more than 30 years, only to resurface in 2010 as a concept that was under-theorised at best. The question to be asked is “What is spatial justice and how can it change any landscape, most importantly the South African apartheid landscape?” The research at hand will investigate the concept of spatial justice by carrying out a metasynthesis of theories, discourses and concepts related to space, justice and the right to the city. The result of the meta-synthesis will assist in developing a working definition of spatial justice and the requirements needed to achieve it namely equity, democracy, diversity as well as just distribution based on need or merit. The study goes further in mapping and assessing spatial justice in certain key areas that were identified as critical nodes in an attempt to achieve spatial justice in a city using the City of Tshwane as a reference city. This revealed possible gaps and future opportunities in support of spatial justice e.g. how to integrate communities and where to provide additional public transport. Mapping and assessing spatial justice allow municipalities to plan better because of the fact that assessment provides important information for future planning and development, identification of priority projects and infrastructure as well as ultimately enhancing the budgeting process in the Integrated Development Plan.
Towards a narratology of planning - stories of a South African gold mining town
(University of Pretoria, 2019) Oranje, Mark; u02427745@tuks.co.za; Tesner-Smith, Desirée
The study had a dual objective, namely 1) to add to the body of knowledge of South African planning stories and 2) to consider the possibility of a narratology of planning. The study considered the role of narrative in four aspects of planning, namely 1) the use of narratives as a way of telling and understanding practice stories (stories of places or planning processes); 2) the narrative or elements thereof as a structure to make plans accessible and understandable/readable; 3) the use of narratives to enable “world-making” through planning and, 4) the reading of spaces (cities and towns) as narratives. In order to meet these objectives, the stories of Virginia, a gold mining town in the Free State gold fields of South Africa, were collected, interpreted and analysed. The study was mainly ethnographic in nature, relying heavily on personal interviews with long-time residents and former residents of the town. In addition, textual analysis was employed in a reading of the provincial and municipal plans pertaining to the town as narratives. The Virginia stories were read against six different, but integrated elements. These are: The notions of utopia/dystopia; the concept of hope as proposed by Bloch (1995); the construct of (post)modernism (with special reference to Berman (1988)); the Apartheid history of South Africa; selected planning trends/approaches/theories and the stories of selected other South African single industry settlements (Johannesburg, Benoni, Sasolburg and Secunda). The stories shared by the people of Virginia provided significant insights into their experience of their town and also into the many attempts made by the municipality (in earlier years) and residents of Virginia to improve the prospects of the town. The provincial and municipal plans that have a bearing on Virginia were found to have shortcomings when read from a narrative perspective. The Virginia study confirmed the value of applying not only the form of narrative, but also the art and science of narrative to the field of planning. While not as clearly indicated as for planning, such cross-disciplinary research was found to also have potential for the enrichment of the field of narratology.
Conversations on conversion : the Hatfield Square case study
(University of Pretoria, 2018) Du Toit, Jacques L.; niclesse.mariette@up.ac.za; Mariette, Niclesse Niclesse
Following the redevelopment of one of Pretoria’s most prominent social spaces, Hatfield Square, the character of the area surrounding the space is noticeably altered resulting in an apparent change in the perceptions of those who live in the area and who used the space. This study is aimed at understanding what these changes mean for the people (the former users and those familiar with the area) in terms of how they construct meanings around the conversion of Hatfield Square, particularly the impact on their social interactions and their use of the space. A qualitative study was undertaken within an interpretive-, social constructivist paradigm using a case study design combined with elements of phenomenology. Following Glaser’s classic Grounded Theory approach, the case of Hatfield Square was studied by capturing the experiences, opinions and perceptions of former users and allowing a preliminary theory to emerge from the data, namely the loss of unseen social synergy created by this unique space and how the conversion of this space left a void which cannot be filled simply by other functionally similar spaces. Data were managed and analysed using Atlas.ti, a qualitative data analysis software, bringing another dimension to the methodology as the use of qualitative analysis software is still relatively limited in built environment research. During initial data gathering a vast array of potential categories emerged and after distilling these through analysis, further data gathering, refined analysis and directed memoing, a core category emerged. Loss was the central theme in the data, in terms of opportunities, social space and sentimental value. This core of loss led to a comparison to existing literature on the implications of urban spatial change, discourse on changing public spaces, critical social theory and elements of emotional geography. This study has specific focus on the case of Hatfield Square and concludes that despite previous work done on the implications of converting spaces, planners and developers still fail to take cognisance of the unquantifiable social dynamics and fabrics that are equally as part of these spaces as their physical structures. As urban planners our focus is too often fixed on the physical environments and how to understand them in order to improve planning practices and policy. The plans we make and the environments we affect are ultimately for people, and accordingly, their success should be measured by how they function for those people and how they are experienced by their users. By providing increased knowledge on a phenomenon related to development and the change of spatial elements within our city, this study provides the opportunity for decision makers (including those responsible for planning as well as those shaping and implementing policies) to make more informed decisions with holistic views of potential impacts.
Mother bird, Hovering over the city : space, spirituality & a community-based urban praxis
(University of Pretoria, 2017) Oranje, Mark; De Beer, Stephanus Francois
In his thesis, Mother bird hovering over the city: space, spirituality and a community-based urban praxis, the promovendus adopted a trans-disciplinary, praxis-approach to consider participatory, critical and liberationist planning and city-building processes. His journey was about the soul of the city, embodied in its spaces and its people. It reflected on unfolding urban spaces, tracing dynamics in the Berea-Burgers Park neighbourhood of Tshwane’s inner city between 1993 and 2016. The narratives emerging from this neighbourhood was brought into conversation with a range of other narratives, hoping to discern and propose a vision for a community-based urban praxis. The journey originated from a deliberate option for the city’s most vulnerable people, hoping to contribute towards a city characterised by radical forms of inclusion, sustainability and justice. It recognised that space is not neutral and spatial constructs are shaped by deep value frameworks that are prejudiced, exclusive and oppressive, or equalising, inclusive, and life-affirming. What the promovendus sought to discern and outline was a spirituality that can infuse planning praxis and spatial thinking: making spaces that will mediate dignity, justice and well-being. Part I of the study considered a new epistemology, identity and methodology, expressed in the metaphor of “becoming like children”, requiring a new selfunderstanding for those involved in planning, city-building or place-making, but also amongst urban citizens and vulnerable urban dwellers: to reclaim their own voice and agency in processes of city-making. In Part II of the study, after describing and deconstructing urban spaces and discourses in a contextual-narrative way, a spirituality and ethic of urban space are developed. It argues for a radical shift from planning as bureaucracy and technocracy, to planning as immersed, participatory artistry: opening up to the “genius” or (S)pirit of space – the Mother bird – hovering over urban spaces, responsive to urban cries, of humans and earth alike, and inviting us to be co-constructors of new and surprising spaces, mending and making whole.
Being, becoming and contributing in (and through) Planning
(University of Pretoria, 2018-03-31) Oranje, Mark; evhuyssteen@csir.co.za; Van Huyssteen, Elsona
The thesis, Being, becoming and contributing in (and through) Planning, provides an overview and reflection on an innovative narrative-based enquiry into personal and professional work-life experiences of planning practitioners. It is aimed at exploring competency development in planning as a future orientated practice, where practitioners are challenged to contribute in complex and adaptive local and global contexts. The enquiry draws on the fields of planning practice, planning education, sustainability leadership, lifelong learning, as well as professional and career development. The quest metaphor was used to stretch the exploration beyond formal professional education and complicated competency development frameworks and models, towards archetypical patterns, probes and paradoxes in complex and highly relational inner and outer growth experiences. In reflecting on that which seem to enable and impel planning practitioners to contribute in their work-life contexts, the enquiry reveals (and once again reminds us of) the potential value and generative capacity in the nexus between personal and relational practice experience of transformative growth, practice excellence and commitment to the unfolding collective future.
A meta-perspective on the dialogues on emerging information and communication technology (ICT) and the impact thereof on people, space and planning
(University of Pretoria, 2017) Coetzee, P.J. van V. (Johnny); Jenn.Mirembe@gmail.com; Mirembe, Jennifer
ICT and related e-technologies have had an enormous impact, not only on people and people’s spaces in all parts of the world, but also on urban space dynamics, the form and function of urban spaces and urban space networks and economies, and urban planning in general. Due to the rapid development of ICT in recent years, it is expected that these impacts will become more severe, unpredictable and complex in the future. The main aim of this study is to explore the nature and properties of ICT, as well as the ways in which ICT and related e-technologies are influencing people, space and planning. The study, which is exploratory in nature, draws on a meta-research approach, supported by a conceptual research approach, in an attempt to arrive at some meta-synthesis and perspectives of the various related discourses, studies and theories on the subject matter. The study presents fresh perspectives on the challenges and dynamics of ICT, as well as the nature, extent and speed of the influence and impact (positive and negative) of ICT and related e-technologies on people’s spaces, human conduct, emotions, urban space dynamics and morphology, and urban space networks. In relation to this, evidence is provided of the power of ICT, the ways in which the dominant e-powers are controlling society, and how ICT has (em)powered people, spaces and planning. The study further highlights the complexity and challenges of the emerging hybrid e-spaces and networks, which have resulted from the merging of physical and virtual spaces and networks. The study in the end also presents some realities and future possibilities (and threats), for both urban and rural regions in South Africa, with specific reference to the impoverished communities in remote rural areas that have been isolated and excluded from ICT opportunities. This study has identified many gaps in the knowledge field and could create a new awareness, understanding and interest, not only amongst researchers, but also amongst the various role players involved with the planning, development and management of urban and rural regions.
The extent to which government provided housing compared to self-help housing empower or further disempower poor communities
(University of Pretoria, 2016) Landman, Karina; lsekoboto@hotmail.com; Sekoboto, Lerato Motingoane
The Reconstruction and Development Programme and the People's Housing Process were both introduced in an effort to address the existing challenge of providing housing for low income earners in South Africa. Both these programmes had intended to empower its beneficiaries in the process. However, there is a lack of evidence to demonstrate whether this was achieved. The aim of this research was to determine the extent to which government provided housing compared to selfhelp housing empowered or further disempowered poor communities. The objectives of this research were as follows: to develop an understanding of what empowerment is; to identify determinants associated with empowerment definitions; to develop indicators that can be used to evaluate empowerment; to use the indicators to evaluate the presence, decrease or absence of empowerment in relation to the two selected study areas in the field investigation; and to compare the results yielded from the field investigation in order to draw a conclusion and respond to the main aim if the study. A field investigation was conducted between two study areas namely, the Lebone Development Trust (PHP project) and the Botshabelo 900 Pamper Construction Project (RDP project). Both these projects are located in Botshabelo, a township situated in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State Province. The data was collected from a total sample of 50 households in two phases. The intention of the first phase was to gain the beneficiaries' views concerning what empowerment means and from their understanding, confirm the determinants that can be used to evaluate empowerment in this study. These determinants, together with those identified in the literature review, were used to evaluate empowerment in the follow-up interview. The results of the study revealed that there were weaknesses and strengths in both the projects when comparing them with each other. Though there were no beneficiaries that were disempowered, the beneficiaries of the PHP project appeared to have been more empowered in some determinants than the beneficiaries of the RDP project.
Analysis of conflict in managing sectional title properties
(University of Pretoria, 2017) Boshoff, Douw G.B.; u13172434@tuks.co.za; Ndala-ka Dlamini, Nathaniel
The aim of this study was to establish whether or not conflict existed in residential sectional title schemes and if so the causes thereof. Residential sectional title properties, unlike conventional residential freehold properties, imposed co-ownership, co-management and expense sharing amongst owners in this type of development. This means that owners in this development are not just owners of sections that they purchased and exclusively occupied, but they were also jointly responsible for the administering, controlling and managing of the common property in the scheme in which they had become owners. This dissertation revealed that, despite their popularity, sectional title properties might be marked by conflict which can affect the smooth and efficient operation of this type of property ownership. Causes of conflict include violation of the scheme rules by owners or residents, trustees' failure and/or refusal to adhere to their bodies' corporate rules, conditions or restrictions, financial mismanagement or misappropriation by the trustees and managing agents, power struggle amongst individuals over the control of the body' corporate resources, lack or poor understanding, amongst owners and their trustees, of how this type of development works, and disrespect of the bodies corporate and its members by their managing agents. This study suggests compulsory information disclosure to prospective and current owners regarding the requirements and obligations of owners in this type of development. Further, that there should be regular and compulsory trainings for the trustees. Accordingly, the study suggests how conflict in multi-owned properties can be mitigated and ensured that the ownership of this type of property can be protected.
An insider-outsider's exploration of planning knowledges roles uses and construction in a post-1994 metropolitan setting : eThekwini Municipality
(University of Pretoria, 2017) Oranje, Mark; u14095565@tuks.co.za; Moonsammy, Subhatri Tholsie
The 21st century calls for new approaches to urban planning theory and practice, in the context of failed but unchanging approaches to planning (UN-Habitat, 2009). What is increasingly clear is that there is an urgent need for the 'worlding' of planning epistemology, theory and practice to emerge from within a context, a place that considers the real, the practical, the basic and the strategic essentials beyond the generalisations of theory and practice that emerge from elsewhere (Roy, 2009; Parnell, 2016). This research draws from practice within the global south, from an important and ordinary city, Durban, South Africa. It delves into the everydayness of planning practice - it explores and uncovers the importance of land use planning knowledge as a point of focus, confrontation and an opportunity to (re)think practice. The research identifies planning knowledges as a deliberate 'space' and a future research agenda to theorise from and for planning practice. A multi-conceptual framework was used in this research, in a practical and advocacy manner to guide and make sense of the empirical findings. In particular, communicative planning theory, institutionalism, the culturisation of planning, power and rationality, and phronesis proved to be useful and relevant. The research uncovers the narrow and 'expert' defined approach to constructing land use planning knowledges, professionally and institutionally. It reveals the many roles of such knowledge, in particular the spatial development framework, lower levels of spatial plans and town planning schemes. The research also uncovers the philosophy, ideology, interests, agendas, relationships, power, conflicts and compromises embedded in the (re)development of land use planning knowledge for practice. It both confirms and 'maps' the social relations involved in the (re)development of planning knowledges for practice, including the making of national and local government planning legislation. Multiple qualitative research methods were used in this research, including institutional ethnography, focus groups, and the review of key documentation and interviews with a multiplicity of stakeholders. Beyond understanding the contemporary dynamics of land use planning knowledge in practice, the research explored what a multiplicity of stakeholder knowledges could mean for planning. What emerged are two very separate planning ideologies. The first is steeped in traditional planning concerns, informed by the planning profession both within and outside the municipality, where 'more of the same' is advocated - planning with more clout, more or better legislation and improved linkages to municipal budgets. Conversely, a new planning ideology arises from engaging with a multiplicity of stakeholders and their knowledges, where knowledge is practical and engages with realities of African urbanism, and continues to confront traditional planning approaches and waits to be recognised. In giving importance to this alternate ideology and belief system for planning, the society that lives, uses and negotiates the production of space as a daily occurrence is considered and in doing so, new planning opportunities and theorisation for practice emerge as possibilities. The study concludes with a contribution to local situated planning theory, recognising a local version of communicative planning theory. The study offers a theoretical framework that connects and integrates African urbanism, planning theory and planning practice. In theorising with and for planning practice, the study concludes with a theoretical framework for land use planning, as a dominant and everyday experience of municipal practice. In addition, the research nuances and enriches dominant themes in planning theory. Finally, the study demonstrates empirically the use of and exploration with social science research; and its possibilities to identify multiple actors and knowledges as an opportunity to create practice-informed relevance in planning.
Exploring the sub-national spatial and economic development impacts of the African Growth and Opportunity Act 2000 (AGOA) in Lesotho
(University of Pretoria, 2017) Oranje, Mark; u13409973@tuks.co.za; Lekunya, Kelebone
Rapid and sustainable economic growth and progressive social and spatial development through industrial development, has been a persistent challenge for the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A commonly held "solution" to this challenge has been to provide access of manufactured goods from the SSA-region to the dynamic markets of the affluent North. This perceived wisdom led to the passing of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2000 by the 200th Congress of the United States of America. In this exploratory study, the experience of Lesotho with AGOA, with specific reference to the economic and spatial development outcomes of the Act in the country, is explored. The findings of the study reveal that the larger settlements where the AGOA-factories are located have shown little improvement, neither from an economic, nor from a spatial perspective. The same applied to villages to which AGOA factory workers sent their remittances. This was due to the meagreness of the remittances a function of the low wages paid in the factories and the resulting limited disposable income to support small-scale businesses in these villages. While AGOA did result in the creation of tens of thousands of job opportunities for unskilled and semi-skilled Basotho youth, it did not provide them with portable skills for use after leaving the factory floor. AGOA was also not found to have motivated the youth or local entrepreneurs to tap into the manufacturing sector. On the spatial development side, a number of landlords in the larger settlements subdivided their land and built residential rental units for the factory workers. Some landlords also sold their land illegally and informally, resulting in haphazard land development. The research findings suggest that, while "trade and development boosting tools", like AGOA, may be useful in providing term-based job opportunities for unskilled workforce, they will most likely not have as significant a positive impact on (1) the local economy, (2) the creation of an indigenous industrial class, or (3) the building of sustainable human settlements. Other supporting instruments, in addition to tools such as AGOA, will need to be developed locally, to achieve these goals. In addition to the research findings providing an insight into the experience of Lesotho with AGOA, they should also be of assistance to scholars and policy-makers working on the development of trade-driven tools in support of struggling regions.
Future-orientation Of Municipal Planning In South Africa : the case study of Makhado local municipality
(2016) Petzer, Engela; kjpsebola@gmail.com; Sebola, Kgomotso Jackson Phillip
Planning in the 21st century finds itself hesitant in providing hope for a better future. The foregoing is due to complex and dynamic process such as urbanisation and globalisation that have created an unknown and uncertain future. As such, Literature reveals that little attention has been given to the relationship between planning and its orientation to the future. Meng (2009:48) goes as far as contending that “planning has been reduced to solving today’s problems rather than creating a vision of the future”. As a result, the aim of the study is to investigate whether local government’s planning systems, approaches and interventions are informed by a proactive engagement with the future; if so, what is the nature of such engagement.
Exploring the sub-national spatial and economic development impacts of the African growth and opportunity act (agoa) in Lesotho
(University Of Pretoria, 2016) Oranje, Mark; LEKUNYA, KELEBONE
Rapid and sustainable economic growth and progressive social and spatial development through industrial development, has been a persistent challenge for the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A commonly held “solution” to this challenge has been to provide access of manufactured goods from the SSA-region to the dynamic markets of the affluent North. This perceived wisdom led to the passing of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2000 by the 200th Congress of the United States of America. In this exploratory study, the experience of Lesotho with AGOA, with specific reference to the economic and spatial development outcomes of the Act in the country, is explored. The findings of the study reveal that the larger settlements where the AGOA-factories are located have shown little improvement, neither from an economic, nor from a spatial perspective. The same applied to villages to which AGOA factory workers sent their remittances. This was due to the meagreness of the remittances – a function of the low wages paid in the factories and the resulting limited disposable income to support small-scale businesses in these villages. While AGOA did result in the creation of tens of thousands of job opportunities for unskilled and semi-skilled Basotho youth, it did not provide them with portable skills for use after leaving the factory floor. AGOA was also not found to have motivated the youth or local entrepreneurs to tap into the manufacturing sector. On the spatial development side, a number of landlords in the larger settlements subdivided their land and built residential rental units for the factory workers. Some landlords also sold their land illegally and informally, resulting in haphazard land development. The research findings suggest that, while “trade and development boosting tools”, like AGOA, may be useful in providing term-based job opportunities for unskilled workforce, they will most likely not have as significant a positive impact on (1) the local economy, (2) the creation of an indigenous industrial class, or (3) the building of sustainable human settlements. Other supporting instruments, in addition to tools such as AGOA, will need to be developed locally, to achieve these goals. In addition to the research findings providing an insight into the experience of Lesotho with AGOA, they should also be of assistance to scholars and policy-makers working on the development of trade-driven tools in support of struggling regions.

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