School of Architecture and Planning (ETDs)

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Alternative Tenure Options as a Stepping Stone for Urban Land Reform: The Case of Kwa Mai Mai Muthi Market
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Mnguni, Thobeka; Maina, Miriam M.
This research uses qualitative methods to investigate the case of the Kwa Mai Mai muthi market located in the central business district of Johannesburg where over the decades informal traders have converted their trading units into residential homes. This case is used to respond to the research question, ‘To what extent is taking administrative action to improve land tenure by offering communities rights to occupy urban land feasible and necessary for advancing the urban land reform agenda?.’ The research acknowledges that popular approaches to improving tenure by converting insecure tenure rights to statutory ownership through the Deeds office has had limited success and resulted in efficiencies due to the high costs and the resources intensive nature of this approach. Instead, the research recommends a necessary transition to improving tenure in innovative, context-specific ways that work to build on existing settlements through taking low-cost and low LOE administrative action.
A bathhouse in Cyrildene - a phenomenological approach to the design of a bathhouse in Johannesburg
(2021) Kow, Alan
In Johannesburg, there is a lack of global bathhouse typologies. They either don’t exist or are in a form which caters to a niche subculture. Bathhouse culture has been around for hundreds of years and many people around the world take advantage of it as a form of communal bonding, relaxation and general hygiene. In addition to this, when done correctly, it has the effect of stripping away of social class and distinction as well as providing a safe and entertaining environment for those within its walls. This study aims to bring my personal experience of an East-Asian bathhouse into Cyrildene, a predominantly Chinese neighbourhood, that is slowly losing its cultural identity. Building on existing data on historic bathhouses from around the world, it asks: How can the concept of phenomenology be used to guide the design of an Asian style bathhouse in order to enhance the Asian/Chinese cultural experience and help in the revitalisation of Derrick street as a distinct cultural hub In Johannesburg? The main methodologies that will be used in this report will be from literature reviews on historical analysis of bathhouses around the world but more specifically in Eastern Asia. One on one interviews with the residents and shop owners living in Cyrildene as well as the owner/s of a spa. Observations based on mapping and photography will also be employed. The last will be the use of auto-ethnographic data from my own experiences. The main hypothesis of the report will be seeing if the bathhouse typology through the use of a variety of different programs that range from bathing to eating to sleeping in addition to the application of architectural phenomenological theories helps make it suitable for Cyrildene and thereby revitalise and strengthen the areas existing cultural identity.
Change the GOAL: Promoting sports & community engagement through the integration of FNB Stadium
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Ramsarup, Shreya; Kirkman, Deborah
South Africa has invested many billions of rands to build and renovate stadiums. This investment has some advantages, such as fostering national pride and boosting political and economic agendas. However, the benefit to the ordinary citizen is exaggerated. This is evident at the FNB Stadium, while used for elite sport, majority of the Soweto community do not come to the stadium. To the local community it a symbol of something beyond their lived worlds. Against this context my project explored how the FNB stadium can become a sport and cultural led space that locates local people at the center of its use identity. I explored the design of the stadium precinct as a mixed-use space with a focus on sport and football development, allowing opportunities for more people to better connect and understand what the stadium has to offer. This re-imagining of FNB as a stadium fostering broader community aims helps to break the pattern of the stadium as an alienated icon within this historically disadvantaged community.
Desire Lines: Addressing the Pedestrian and their Access to the Jukskei River Through Public Interest Design
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Smuts, Robyn; Felix, Sandra
In this thesis, the propinquity of pockets defined between urban schemes of Dainfern and Diepsloot is explored. As well as the overlap zones of various networks of urban goers. The possibility of developing the prospective benefits of these pockets will be outlined through the principles of public interest design (PIB), placemaking, and adventure playgrounds. This reinforces the ideals of ‘rights to the city’ and creates a feeling of citizenship by focusing on the commonalities of the urban goers. To create a community between otherwise divided groups. The research methodology is site and context-centred, revealing where conflicts may lie, and opportunities sourced. Doing this through the exploration of the materiality and features of the Jukskei River site, and the desire line paths that weave through it. The proposed design develops a productive, shared space that instigates common curiosity and skill development through addressing the propinquity of various urban goers and utilizing the rubble and waste that has accumulated on the site.
Eco-vital[c]ity: Ecological Regeneration of the Robinson Deep Landfill through Microclimate Superstructures and Phytoremediation
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Leong, Keilun; Goncalves, Kevin
Landfills are essential to our society for waste disposal. However, they have many negative impacts due to contaminants that are released, polluting the air and ground as leachate seeps into the soil and nearby water sources, affecting the health of surrounding communities and the environment. This research report aims to re-naturalize and repair the Robinson Deep Landfill, which bears scars of exploitative industrial use, and attempts to rehabilitate the environment while mitigating the effects on the community. This will be achieved through phytoremediation techniques, using Sunflowers grown in Hydroponic farms, housed within greenhouses. The design for these facilities will consist of superstructures, greenhouses, and a waste-to-energy plant (incinerator) within a closed loop system. Additionally, the report seeks to generate economic opportunities that promote tourism, entertainment, and education through a recreational centre which will incorporate Biophilic Design and Parametricism to create a public space that will be beneficial to the community.
Exploring the effect of spatial planning in delivering access to socio-economic opportunities to address spatial inequality - The case of the Tswaing Mega Project and the Marikana-Soutpan community
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Malope, Kgomotso Mirriam; Izar, Priscila
South Africa is challenged by persistent spatial inequality inherited from previous regimes, which contributes to various socio-economic challenges and hinders the sustainable development of urban areas. Consequently, poverty tends to be more severe in previously marginalised areas where poor residents, the majority of them being black, still suffer from a lack of proximity to adequate socio-economic opportunities (Harrison & Todes, 2013). Several urban and spatial policies have been adopted and implemented, but spatial fragmentation persists. The Department of Human Settlements proposed adopting Mega Projects to develop large-scale, new housing projects integrated with infrastructure, in greenfield sites which are located in urban peripheries. Mega Projects also aim at attracting private sector investment. However, this strategy has been criticised for disregarding planning ideals of compactness and integration with existing economic centres and job opportunities, and for putting forward plans that lack details (Ballard, 2017; Turok, 2015). Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate how spatial planning and infrastructure investment could be used to promote access to socio-economic opportunities for marginalised people in spatially fragmented urban areas by focusing on the case of the Tswaing Mega-Project in the Marikana-Soutpan community in the periphery of the City of Tshwane. Unlike other Mega Projects designed on vacant land, the Tswaing Mega Project covers an already existing informal area, the Marikana-Soutpan informal settlement. Qualitative research methods informed the research, drawing from three types of primary and secondary data: (1) qualitative interviews, (2) documentation review and (3) participant observation. Research findings describe how the Tswaing Mega Project plan, launched in 2015, experienced delays and was eventually cancelled, with the adoption of the Upgrading of Informal Settlement Programme (UISP) in October 2022. Additionally, the long waiting period for government intervention and the lack of transparency from the government have proven to worsen the state of marginalisation for the Marikana-Soutpan Community. At the completion of this research project, the Marikana-Soutpan community is in for another, possibly long, waiting period as the UISP initiates. Therefore, this research speaks to the analysis that is critical of Mega Projects for offering poorly detailed project plans, lacking transparency, and lacking consideration of the complexities of human settlement development. Based on the findings, it is argued that the now-revoked Tswaing Mega Project has contributed to the further marginalisation of the Marikana-Soutpan community.
Future Proofing Architecture: Intelligent design processes of an AI-Innovation center in Newtown
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Wilson, Liam Robin; Triana-Martinez, Gustavo
In the ever-evolving realm of architecture, tools used by architects and related professionals have transitioned from rudimentary sketches to sophisticated digital simulations. Today, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands to redefine this lineage of tools, offering both challenges and opportunities. This thesis delves into AI’s transformative potential in architectural design processes specifically within a South African context, exploring its influence from conceptualization to the final design stages. Through a systematic methodology, the research herein investigates and compares the conventional architectural design stages, the current state of AI and its practical applications in architecture. I have carefully selected a handful of AI-driven software tools that have been instrumental in forging a generative design process. Central to this exploration, is the design of an AI Innovation Centre for Witwatersrand University in Newtown, Johannesburg. This Centre is not just a building but a manifestation of my core argument: that AI, when understood as a tool in the architect’s evolving toolkit, can profoundly influence design outcomes in a manner that far outreaches human capabilities. This study further importantly addresses the ethical implications of AI in architecture, advocating for a collaborative approach that not only complements human expertise, but that illustrates the pitfalls and certain biases inherent to AI. Through this comprehensive exploration, this thesis underscores the need for architectural spaces to evolve in response to AI-driven operational changes, while ensuring designs remain rooted in human-centric principles.
Heirloom between the tracks— Revealing hybrid landscapes of rest and reflection at Langlaagte Cemetery
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Skudder, Emma Catherine; Hart, Brendan
Situated in a sea of grass alongside the Johannesburg railway lines, lie rows of graves lost in an overgrown landscape. Some marked, some unmarked, all invisible to the passer-by. This landscape is rooted between multi-cultural communities with a heritage dating back to the origins of Johannesburg. Paarlshoop, Langlaagte-North, Mayfair-West and Brixton border its edges, which establishes the core of this research— the site. To understand the intricacies of the site, is to understand the project intent. Where there are graves, there is abandoned heritage, lost memory and forgotten stories. Where there are railway buildings, there is existing community claim to be enriched. Where there are grasses, shrubbery, and treelines there is connection to agricultural pasts. Heirloom between the tracks, bridges the urban lifeways of the site with a heritage-focussed centre weaving together old and new, facilitating the surrounding community and providing a space for memory. With a contextual, history-driven, and postcolonial lens, the beacon of this thesis was using methods of remembrance, acknowledging the site’s unavoidable histories, tying back into the surrounding community through revealing, engaging, and re-inscribing. Spaces of commemoration and recreational landscapes, stitch new narratives onto the site for a multifunctional, small-scale heritage hub. This hub ties together archiving, storytelling and making spaces, with spaces of skills-development and contextually functional service provision. By establishing this site-centred facility, micro-industry, heritage, and identity are re-rooted and fed back into its surrounds, nurturing the existing conditions upon which they reside, establishing an architectural tapestry, a quilt, an heirloom.
In the Era of Global Shocks: A Needs Inquiry on State Provided Housing During and After the Covid-19 Pandemic
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Mogale, Lebogang Lucia; Klug, Neil
South Africa, like many countries of the South is confronted by a housing crisis, especially in Metropolitan areas. This is because Metropolitan areas are experiencing rapid population growth and, in the process, creating a demand for low-income housing. The state-provided low-income housing, implemented as a remedial intervention, has faced spatial, procedural, and administrative scrutiny, among others. Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought housing and human settlements into the spotlight, raising both opportunities and challenges with the resilience of state-provided low income housing. The study has used the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic to emphasize and make apparent the various types of housing and settlement needs that should be prioritised to potentially mitigate the impact of future global shocks such as pandemics. Global shocks trigger resilience thinking that is linked to spatial attributes that can potentially reduce and mitigate the impact of disasters and risks. This indicates an opportunity of supporting ‘resilience thinking’ with existing social realities. The study speaks to this gap by diving deep into theoretical discourses of housing needs and practical needs as determined by participants perceptions. This was done by adopting a case study design that follows Wilhelm Dilthey's philosophy of hermeneutics. The Case Study context used was Palm Ridge extension 10 where Breaking New Ground Housing and Military Veteran houses were allocated in November 2019. Interviews were conducted with both municipal officials and beneficiaries of subsidised housing to inquire in-depth about their considerations of housing needs and how they can be met. The findings of the study indicate that there is a correlation between what is perceived as housing needs during the pandemic and some principles of resilience thinking. It identifies two types of housing needs necessary for mitigation, coping, and recovery from the Covid 19 pandemic. The needs identified are technical housing needs which are concerned with the physical structure of a house and settlement, and soft dimensional housing needs which are more symbolic of the relationship residents have with their houses and the overall neighbourhood. Moreover, the study emphasises that the translation of housing needs from theory to practice is to a certain degree challenged by institutional deficiencies. Although state-provided housing is challenged, it has proven a resilient measure in the era of the pandemic when housing insecurities were on the rise. Neighbourhoods like Palm Ridge can potentially adopt evolutionary and transformative resilience due to their flexible nature to cater to changing needs. Therefore, it is apparent that needs inquiry is a complex issue that can be leveraged to stimulate the adoption and development of bottom-up and collaborative responses to shock mitigation.
Inheriting Resonance: Regenerating Indigenous African Musical Pedagogy Through an Education and Culture Centre in Newtown
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Bopela, Bonnie; Gwebu, Nomonde; Felix, Sandra
Indigenous African Music requires spatial interventions to counter its erasure in a South African education system that has historically prioritised Western Art Music. This research analyses the relationship between African musical pedagogy and architecture. It aims to address the erasure of musical knowledge through an architectural design that evokes regeneration in an urban setting. Using Pallasmaa’s theory of phenomenology as a guiding focus, this research contextualises African music and how it manifests architecturally. The haptic and embodied architectural experiences defined by phenomenology are inherent within African music. By focusing on the musical bow instruments at the centre of many tribes across Southern Africa, the intrinsic qualities of these instruments are translated and abstracted to form an embodied architectural design intervention embued with an African musical identity. This research argues that phenomenological architectural design methodologies can regenerate, preserve and sustain indigenous musical knowledge(s) for future generations.
Melville strip[ped]: Creating a School of Arts to rejuvenate 7th Street
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Görner, Sebastian; Daskalakos, Christos
This research report is focused on the suburb of Melville, Johannesburg. The issue of failing social and economic systems is defined and a new intervention is proposed. This intervention is a mixed-use development containing a School of Arts, Retail Spaces and Apartment Units. The report covers precedents and case studies for the proposed interventions as well as similar design principles and areas within South Africa and international examples. As the site on 7th Street in Melville is the center point of this report, an in-depth analysis has been done to determine all aspects that influenced the design of the intervention. The design process is directly linked to the research findings, precedents and site analysis. After this the design development is documented. The final outcome of the research report is a completed building set within Melville's 7th Street as a method to turn the failing economy around and to bring the community back together.
Pedestrian in King: To what extent is the City of Windhoek's Vision 2032 to pedestrianise part of Independence Avenue successfully bringing value to the street?
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-11) Muzwembiri, Brain Mapato; Goncalves`, Kevin
A street, which the researcher regards as a public space, should offer the pedestrian an environment that is safe to walk, comfortable, and encourages social interaction. Global North and Global South cities have prioritised cars in the street. The conflict between cars and pedestrians has resulted in less pedestrian infrastructure, minimal pedestrian activities, and the pedestrians needing to be more prioritised. Theories and concepts such as livable streets, shared streets, or fully pedestrian-only streets have attempted to regain the street from cars and prioritize the pedestrian. In Namibia, the City of Windhoek has proposed pedestrianizing Independence Avenue in the city’s downtown area. From a scholar’s perspective, the present research investigates the potential sociocultural, transport, economic, environmental (built and climatic) successes and pitfalls of pedestrianizing Independence Avenue.
Revitalizing the vintage: Supporting novel ways of living for older adults in Galicia, Spain
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Vila, Sabela Rey; Gantner, Garret
The abandonment of rural areas has been an issue of concern for several decades in Galicia. Past endeavours to revive abandoned villages have primarily concentrated on strategies such as reforestation, museumification, tourism, and resettlement. However, as far as the research shows, none of these approaches have tackled root causes or focused on assisting the remaining populations, who are primarily elderly individuals. To fill this gap, this thesis draws on a range of different themes including the spatial organization of villages, the abandonment of Galician villages and its causal factors, various approaches to revitalizing abandoned villages, the needs of elderly people, as well as the architecture, landscape and imaginaries of Galician culture. For the design of typologically varied buildings, the study of heritage and conservation theories, and theories on elderly care were explored. Specific design requisites for the elderly were considered, and an examination of the winemaking process also contributed to the research. Moreover, substantial research was dedicated to locating an appropriate site conforming to the requirements of the proposed new masterplan for an abandoned village. These efforts culminated in using an existing abandoned village to devise a comprehensive new masterplan. This plan encompasses all essential elements required to restore it sustainably, while concurrently offering support to the elderly population. Additionally, it entails further detailed development of facilities such as an elderly day-care centre, residential units, and the establishment of a winery facility.
Shopping Centres in South Africa: Urbanism Gets the Cold Shoulder. The reimagining of introverted shopping centres into responsive urban environments through design: the case of Menlyn Park Shopping Centre
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Mentz, Reuben Frederick; Goncalves`, Kevin
Shopping malls have nestled themselves into the urban fabric of cities, more specifically the suburban fabric, creating large non-interactive, introverted artifacts geared towards consumption and the maximisation of profits. These artifacts act as exclusive clubs where the membership requirements are money and a private vehicle. Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, a regional shopping mall neatly placed between three major regional roads and a national highway in the east of Pretoria, is no different. The mall, or rather the artifact, violates all principles of Responsive Environments and transforming the citizens of the city into customers. The purpose of this research is to explore ways to transform the introverted Menlyn Park Shopping Centre into a more responsive urban environment, an environment that does not turn its back on citizens, but rather welcomes interaction and variety. This overall objective is achieved by creating a research framework in order to create understanding of the nature of shopping malls in general, how they came to be, their functioning and the different types we encounter. An expert in the field of shopping mall design was also consulted, in order to provide some perspective on the future of malls and element to consider. This is followed by an analysis of the Menlyn Park Shopping Centre itself, unpacking the different elements and how they relate to principles of responsive urban environments. A conclusion is reached through an urban design framework, which proposes an alternative design for the shopping mall satisfying the principles of responsive environments.
Sound Incubator: South African Music Library; Improv and Live Performance at the gateway to Alexandra, Johannesburg
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Gimpel, Ariella; Hart, Brendan
Sound is not just an abstract concept; it is an instrument of expression in South Africa. It serves as a means to praise or protest, to unite or disperse, to energize or to mourn. Sound is not confined to a vacuum; rather, it exists within the realm of physical space and unfolds over time. In this regard, sound and architecture share an intrinsic connection as they both occupy and shape the spaces they inhabit. This thesis embarks on a journey to unravel the intricate interplay between sound and architecture within the dynamic context of Johannesburg, South Africa. The focal point of this exploration is the ‘Sound Incubator,’ a speculative architectural intervention designed to facilitate live performances. Its purpose is to foster artistic talent by deliberately intersecting diverse artists, thereby igniting creativity and safeguarding cultural heritage. My investigation commences with South African music and live performance, recognizing their immense cultural, social, and economic potential while acknowledging the scarcity of suitable venues for these experiences. I then delve into the essential architectural considerations, encompassing acoustics, psycho-acoustics, psychogeography, the symbiotic relationship between music and architecture, and the role of improvisation as a means of creation and learning. Amidst the intricate tapestry of Alexandra township in Johannesburg, a community shaped by ongoing political struggles and rapid urbanisation, we find a resourceful, rhythmical, and diverse population deeply committed to the arts. The current and historic soundscape of Alexandra, which exists in an improvised state of survival – provides the ideal context for the Sound Incubator.
The Quantitative Hydrogeological Mapping of Zebediela Estates, Central Transvaal
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 1970-05) Pretorius, Desmond Aubrey
The groundwater system on zebediela Estates, situated along the northern edge of the Springbok Flats in the Central Transvaal, has been studied by physiographic, geologic , geophysical, geochemical, and hydrologic methods . Emphasis has been placed on the subsurface mapping of the spatial distribution patterns of a nvn1ber of hydrogeologic parameters, and computer-based polynomial trend surface analysis has been employed to facilitate the interpretation of the maps. The computer has also been used to determine the general statistics of the frequency distributions of the various parameters and to platform sequential multiple linear regression analysis in an attempt to determine the relationships between the variables . Data arrays of observations, computations, and interpretations have been disp layed in 38 tables in the text and 21 appendices to the text . The distr ibution patterns , in one and two dimensions, have been portrayed in 8 text figures and 117 maps, separate from the t ext. The area studied covers approximate ly 23 square mil es, in which 556, 000 orange trees have been planted on 5800 acres . An average annual amount of 2400 million gallons of water is required to maintain t he operation, and 560 million gallons of this quantity are withdrawn, on the average, each year from boreholes tapping the groundwater resources of the Estates . Up to April, 1969, 315 holes had been drilled, and 151 had become producers at one time or another. In 19 years of exploitation between 1950 and 1968, 10, 600 million gallons of groundwater were withdrawn, at an average rate of 13 million gallons per year per production borehole. The study has shown that the groundwater system supplying this substantial quantity of water consists of two main elements - a piedmont alluvial slope, in which stream channels and paleochannels on coalescing alluvial fans are acting as conduits for the transmistion of water from the intake areas; and an underlying bedrock storage reservoir composed of aquifers of the Transvaal and Karroo sequences . The Malmani dolomite aquifers and the Stormberg basalt aquifers are superior to those of the Wolkberg quartzites, shales, and lavas, and the Stormberg Cave sandstones. It has been possible to distinguish two cycles of Karoo basalts, each of which shows differentiation . The upper cycle is far more important as an aquifer than the lower cycle. The piedmont slope is composed of portions of three alluvial fans , the spines of which have a general southeasterly trend towards the junction of the Nkumpi and Olifant rivers in the valley-flat environment well to the south of the Estates . The upland areas above the apices of the fans embrace the mountain ranges which form the northern rim of the Transvaal Basin, and these uplands have suffered right-lateral movements along extensive east-northeast-trending transcurrent faults which must have continued to be active into recent times in order to displace the stream course on the fans. The fan-head section and portion of the midfan section of the Nkumpi fan, in which the Gompies River is situated, occur over the east-central, eastern, and southeastern parts of the property, and, where underlain by the upper basalt aquifers, constitute the most important source of groundwater on Zebediela Estates. The whole of the fan-head and mid-fan sections of the Mamukebe fan are located in the riorthern, west-central, western, and southwestern localities of the area studied. The fan is much smaller than either of the others, and is underlain by Wolkberg rocks, Cave sandstones, and lower basalts. Its overall groundwater potential is consequently lower than that of either of the other two components of the piedmont slope. Only a very restricted portion of the fan-head section of the Mogoto fan occurs in the extreme northwestern corner of the Estates, where it is underlain by the dolomite aquifer, Its groundwater parameters are consequently very favourable, but the true potential of this fan lies beyond the western boundary of the property. The average yield of boreholes in the upper basalt is 3600 gallons per hour; in the lower basalt, 2000 g.p.h.; in the sandstone, 1500 g.p.h.; in the dolomite, 11,200 g.p.h.; and in the quartzites, 1500 g.p.h. The average yield for all boreholes on the Estates is 4100 gallons per hour. All of these figures are appreciably higher than those for equivalent formations elsewhere in South Africa, testifying to the impoi,tance of the piedmont alluvial slope environment in the overall groundwater system at Zebediela. The average annual recharge of the groundwater reservoirs from all sources has been estimated at 700 million gallons. With the average annual withdrawal being of the order of 560 million gallons, the possibility exists that production from the aquifers can be increased by 25 per cent, without fear of serious, permanent deterioration in the performance of the groundwater system. However, excessive exploitation in times of low recharge might lead to the development of quality h.azards with respect to sodiuum, ehloride, and bicarbonate over the upperbasalts. This possibility does not exist for the remaining aquifers, particularly those in the dolomite, from which relatively pure water is drawn. An added problem in the recharge of the upper basalt aquifer is the contamination of t he groundwater in storage by lithium, brought into the Zebediela groundwater- system by the Nkumpi River, which transmits the element from the granite terrain to the north of the mountainous rim of the Springbok Flats. A new model of groundwater exploration has been devised, based on optimum drilling sites being located where coincidence takes place of piedmont stream channel conduits, dolomite or upper basalt aquifers, and transcurrent fault aquicludes, Results obtained from the employment of this model during two years of drilling subsequent to its development in a preliminary form produced an increase of 14 per cent in the average yield of all boreholes drilled.
The relevance of industrial development zones as prototyping hubs for the diffusion and scale-up of green hydrogen power fuels for South Africa: A case study of Atlantis in Western Cape
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Madhi, Fadheelah; Irurah, Daniel
In South Africa, provinces such as the Western Cape (WC) enjoy high levels of renewable energy (RE) resources such as solar and wind energy while also experiencing critical transmission and storage constraints. On the other hand, industrial development zones (IDZs) such as Atlantis in the WC, offer opportunities for adaptable infrastructure in support of green hydrogen (GH) technologies that can convert surplus RE to GH which is rapidly evolving as a globally flexible power fuel. Through a qualitative study approach, the study assessed the relevance of IDZs as prototyping hubs for addressing the challenges facing the prototyping and scale-up of GH from RE resources which are commonly associated with intermittency. Primary data were collected through interviews with senior engineers (electrical, mechanical, and industrial) in RE and GH while secondary data were extracted from relevant studies and industry reports as well as policy and regulatory frameworks covering RE, GH and IDZs. As one of the initial findings, in spite of rapid evolution in RE-technologies and policies in South Africa and globally, key barriers still exist in the adoption and diffusion of GH-technologies. Five key barriers identified are infrastructure, socio-economic, economic, water scarcity for GH from electrolysis, policy, and regulatory constraints. Secondary data further indicates that SA is in the roll-out stage of two key GH initiatives (Green Hydrogen Valley - GHV and Sasol-Toyota GH joint venture) aimed at tackling the identified barriers. However, further analyses indicates that such prototyping projects would still leave major gaps that need to be closed in order to expedite the scale-up of GH nationally. The study then interviewed one Atlantis IDZ official on the extent to which IDZs could facilitate in closing the adoption and scale-up gaps for GH in South Africa. As a hub specifically created for the testing, prototyping and production of green technologies in order to facilitate their scale-up and adoption, the study finds that Atlantis IDZ is uniquely positioned for mitigating the barrier-gaps identified. The IDZ is equipped with secure streams of capital investments which could be leveraged for GH-technologies as well as for addressing related constraints such as water scarcity through desalination technologies. Atlantis also holds unique learning opportunities, operates under entrepreneurship-friendly special policies, and enjoys access to infrastructure relevant for the adoption and scale-up of GH. Based on these findings, the study concludes that IDZs are not only relevant for the national adoption of GH but also critical for positioning South Africa as a leading GH economy globally.
The Role of Chiefs in Land Management in Peri-Urban Customary Areas Of Blantyre, Malawi: The Case of Mpemba
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-04) Magwede, Chimwemwe Edith; Williamson, Amanda
Peri-urbanisation is a new form of urbanisation and the peri-urban area is a new kind of multi-functional landscape for urban development. How peri-urban areas are managed matters because they are close to the city and due to high urbanisation rates in most developing countries, these areas will soon be part of the city. If urban peripheries are not well-managed, they will be a challenge for sustainable development. In Malawi, peri-urban areas fall under customary land and chiefs are the custodians of customary land. The study unpacks the role of chiefs in land management, how the National Land Policy and land-related legislation position customary leadership in the governance of land management and how municipal and customary land management systems interact with each other in the peri-urban areas. The study employed a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and policy and legislation were reviewed. The 2002 National Land Policy of Malawi and land-related legislation were reviewed focusing on the role of chiefs in land management. Although the peri-urban areas fall under the jurisdiction of chiefs, the research reveals that this area is treated as no man's land as there exists an overlap of authorities in the peri-urban areas. The chiefs witness land transactions, advise their people on how to secure their land, and partially guide and manage land, although they are not aware of land regulations and standards. The findings also disclose that there is a lack of coordination within municipal land management systems and between municipal land management systems and customary land management systems. Although the legislation states that chiefs have to be incorporated in land management, these laws have not been fully implemented as there are still in the pilot phase.
Unlocking Soweto as a True City District: The case of the Vilakazi Precinct
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-12) Qwabe, Batatu Bahle; Kotze, Paul
Soweto is a segregated township which is a product of the apartheid spatial planning legacy. It boasts a population of approximately 1.3 million people. The residents largely consist of lower economic class with indications of a rapidly growing middle class. Its emphasis over the past two decades has been to improve its connectivity, mixed use activities, social infrastructure, and consolidated public spaces. The high population densities and the low built form densities offer a latent potential for densification strategies around established nodes and the recently developed Transit Orientated Development. Focusing on the public transport routes would allow for much more accessible mixed-use nodes which majority are located near strong inter-modal facilities. The focus and strengthening of the existing economic activities would increase and diversify job opportunities for residents. This type of economic strategy would celebrate locally owned small scale and informal businesses located along streets as opposed to large businesses such as malls and other large-scale developments. The Orlando urban hub is home to two Nobel Prize winners Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Winnie Mandela’s House, Orlando stadium and the Hector Pieterson Memorial are located a stone’s throw away from the well-known tourist attraction node, Vilakazi Street. These landmarks create a compelling urban node that is accessible from the Johannesburg CBD via the recently upgraded Klipsruit Valley Road and Mooki Street and the Empire Perth corridor. In the Johannesburg Spatial Development Framework 2040 this node is recognized as a Secondary urban hub. This forms part of the basis as I choose it for my focus area. The potential of this area allows for various opportunities and issues to address, namely: the connectivity of amenities, economic potential, built form density, land productivity, development of social infrastructure and consolidated public spaces.
Waste Age - living in a throwaway society: searching for sustainability in eastern Johannesburg
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Chapel, Clare Alison; Mkhabela, Solam
The ever-increasing urban population worldwide, particularly in Africa, reinforces the pressing need for compact mixed-use neighbourhoods. My chosen study area, Bertrams and the greater Bez Valley, are ideally situated as inner-city suburbs close to the CBD. The area currently has residential, institutional, industrial and commercial zones and is occupied by a diverse range of multi-cultural residents. As experienced in many parts of Johannesburg, the infrastructure challenges of collapsing streets and pavements, lack of effective waste management, illegal dumping, decaying buildings, and neglected public space are realities that the residents navigate daily. Various creative nodes, NGOs and outreach programs are active in the area, enabling residents to participate and benefit from initiatives to uplift and empower the community. The privately developed complex of Victoria Yards serves as a creative centre, with artists’ studios and programs occupying space in refurbished industrial buildings. This complex is physically isolated from the community, however much of the community orientated initiatives are spearheaded from here, and from the adjacent Nando’s Head Office. The ongoing restorative work being done to the Jukskei River, which is initially exposed to daylight close to the complex, begins outside Victoria Yards. This vital work, implemented by employed community members, is spreading along the valley, clearing and cleaning the banks of the Jukskei River and reintroducing indigenous plants and grasses. My proposal looks at the development of a journey along the river, using its path as a connector between the existing creative programs and public spaces, and new adaptive waste-based interventions, stitching together a continuous urban experience that will focus awareness on the river, and highlight the forgotten beauty of this inner-city space.

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