(School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand., 2017) Mashaba, Reabetswe
From the late 1990s, townships have experienced substantial economic development. Townships have experienced increased spatial development and investments and housing is seen as an asset. This research report explores land use changes along a spine road, particularly in residents’ private space or properties. The research question addressed by this research report is; what activities are residents undertaking in their private space along Aubrey Matlala spine and what are the implications for land use management? The relevance of this research rises from the fact that it is undertaken in a peripheral township which has not been given much attention in literature.
This research is a qualitative research taken on the basis of a single case study. The research is aimed at exploring small-scale and often informal private developments, and associated activities that are found in residential properties. The research is undertaken in one of South Africa’s townships, Soshanguve and particularly along an activity spine, Aubrey Matlala Road.
The research investigates how residents along Aubrey Matlala road have attempted to maximize their assets and respond to socioeconomic opportunities that arise from developments. A related concern is the implications of these small-scale private investments in residential areas for land management in the context of post-apartheid spatial planning. South Africa’s changing landscape has not only had negative impacts on small-scale business activities, but has also provided opportunities that many residents have taken advantage of.