Landman, KarinaMakakavhule, Kundani2022-10-312022-10-312021Karina Landman & Kundani Makakavhule (2021) Decolonizing Public Space in South Africa: from conceptualization to actualization, Journal of Urban Design, 26:5, 541-555, DOI: 10.1080/13574809.2021.1880885.1357-4809 (print)1469-9664 (online)10.1080/13574809.2021.1880885https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/88030Cities and public spaces are changing. Many movements such as ‘Black Lives Matter’ are questioning the meaning of public space in post-colonial contexts. This paper focusses on the decolonization of public space in South Africa as a strategy to achieve spatial transformation. Drawing from seven years of in-depth research, the discussion explores the concept of decolonization and proposes a 3-stage process for decolonizing public space, supported by examples and implications for spatial practice. The paper shows that although fundamental spatial transformation necessitates radical mental transition, decolonization should move beyond the decoloniality of the mind towards physical intervention in public space.en© 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an electronic version of an article published in Journal of Urban Design, vol. 26, no. 5, pp. 541-555, 2021, doi : 10.1080/13574809.2021.1880885. Journal of Urban Design is available online at : https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/cjud20.CitiesPublic spacesDecolonizationSouth Africa (SA)Spatial transformationEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-04SDG-04: Quality educationEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-05SDG-05: Gender equalityEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-10SDG-10: Reduced inequalitiesEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-11SDG-11: Sustainable cities and communitiesEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-16SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutionsPostprint Article