Colonial Legacy and the City of Tshwane: Seeking Spatial Justice

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to explore the legacy of coloniality inherent in the built environment of South African cities today, especially the City of Tshwane (Pretoria), and propose strategies to rewrite a more inclusive and transformative architectural legacy. As the historical (and current) seat of the South African government, Pretoria has seen much of the making of South Africa’s colonial (as well as pre and post-colonial) history. The remains of the architectural heritage speak of European classical ideals, battles for imperial power and colonial ways of life, and many of these heritage buildings could be seen to be struggling to represent a diverse and transformed nation. As the call has gone out to question the future of statues and monuments of problematic past leaders, it brings to light the question of our built history, heritage and the legacy it leaves. Colonial architecture heritage faces different avenues of conservation, such as forms of reuse or adaptive reuse; however, many are facing abandonment due to its inability to transform or adapt to the changing needs of society. Such is Berea Park Sports Club's case, abandoned and then vandalised, its ruins speaking of possibly becoming forgotten altogether. By investigating the reuse of the building and sports grounds through the themes of urban land reform, architectural hybridity and relevant heritage approaches, this project seeks to reimagine the legacy of the site and address spatial and social justice concerns left in the wake of the colonial city.