Institutional transformation and reorganisation of metropolitan government : an opportunity to effect a sustainable urban system

Abstract

Paper presented at the 20th Annual South African Transport Conference 16 - 20 July 2001 "Meeting the transport challenges in Southern Africa", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa. ABSTRACT: The author outlines the principal considerations that gave rise to local government transformation and reorganisation in Johannesburg. The author describes certain initiatives embarked upon in the process and then considers the development of a structure for the Planning Division. His contention is that the clustering of particular functions would assist and facilitate giving effect to a sustainable urban system for and in the metropolitan region. This is reflected in the nature of projects and initiatives that would be undertaken. It is also reflected in the remit of the political structure that would oversee the Planning Division. These matters are also considered briefly in the presentation. The author also concedes that there are other players in the administration whose activities and behaviour need to be managed and monitored to ensure area wide and cross-functional sustainability.