Planning Honours Reports 2014-2017

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ACCESSING HEALTH SERVICES IN TOWNSHIPS: THE CASE OF BRAM FISCHERVILLE
(University of the Witwatersrand; Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, 2016) Gawbeni, Siphosethu
Backyards life
(School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand., 2017) Matsheng, Chelsy
The RDP housing programme was considered as a solution to poverty in South Africa. It was believed that households could either sell their house in the housing market or use it as a collateral to access finance. However, this has proven ineffective because households often attach values to their housing, and are not willing to either sell or use their houses as collateral. Households rather resort to generating income for themselves through backyard rental accommodation. However the state been unsupportive of the backyard rental accommodation, reasoning that it increases the density of the houses beyond which it was created for. The findings of this research reveals that the income from the backyard rental accommodation income plays an important role in improving the quality of life of the RDP beneficiaries. This research argues that backyard rental accommodation provides the RDP beneficiaries with opportunities to improve their economic situation, material and social well-being and also allows them to improve their houses, thereby improving their quality of life. At the same time providing affordable, flexible accommodation and social stable environments to tenants. Taking into consideration of the benefits of backyard rental accommodation to RDP beneficiaries, this research argues it helps housing to perform as an asset. This is because it does not only provide survival strategy to RDP beneficiaries, it helps them improve their economic situation and consequently improves their quality of life.
The Challenges of Providing for the Street Homeless: Johannesburg as a Single Case Study
(2014) Tayob, Muhammad Shabier
The thesis considers the challenges associated with providing for the street homeless in Johannesburg. From a planning perspective, the research aims at leading to enlightenment on practical solutions to address the problem in Johannesburg. The study notes that the street homeless or the ‘rough sleepers’ population are amongst the most distressed people that live in negligible and inadequate housing. Dating back since before apartheid, Johannesburg has been seen as a place that offers a platform to better one’s living conditions. Thus, there has always been a high influx of local and international migrants into the city. Given the successes of apartheid spatial planning in creating a racially and economically divided Johannesburg that served an urban minority only, the city’s infrastructure is unable to absorb and address all of its inhabitants. This, together with personal circumstances and structural inadequacies is resulting in an increase of street homeless people in the city. Street homelessness in Johannesburg requires a continuum of well-coordinated interventions that address the individualistic and structural causation factors. This research unpacks how street homelessness is being addressed in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, with particular attention given to government responses. Through the gathering of qualitative and quantitative data, the research aims at measuring government’s effectiveness in addressing the issue. The report moves forward by providing debates, conceptualisations and approaches to homelessness across the globe. Followed by this, the research focuses on identifying gaps in current approaches to addressing the issue and through this, providing potential and valuable input that will assist in effectively curbing street homelessness.
Changing Practices of the State: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo Officials’ Views on Opportunities and Challenges of Community Engagement
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2015-11) Bosaka, Patience
South African cities are embedded in a paradigm of transformation, informed by post- apartheid aspirations, good governance principles, and the value of community engagement in a democratic context. The Parastatal Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo situated in this broader context thus also envisage transformation in their ways of urban governance. This research takes interest in the institutional reshuffling of JCPZ that has resulted in their move towards the promotion of community development in the management and development of urban parks. The reshuffling aims to respond to pressing issues such as mismanagement, crime, homelessness, unemployment, vandalism inter alia which manifest in public green spaces, showcasing inequalities and poverty in ways that are difficult to manage. One of the strategies that are emphasized in responses to these issues is community engagement which is the arena that grounds this research investigation. The paper looks at JCPZ officials’ practices, challenges and experiences in their mandate of community engagement and demonstrates the importance of structure (the institutional programmes and systems put in place for this task) and perceptions (what officials’ feel and think about communities) as influential to the actual State practices. It also reviles the other side of the story (the officials’ narratives) about community engagement which is hardly documented in community engagement discourses.
Coffee in the City: An Analysis of the Hipster Culture’s Influence on Urban Regeneration in Inner City Johannesburg
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2015-11) Memela, Wetu
The modern image of inner city Johannesburg is one that has undergone many transformations. These changes have been brought on by many different things, from the abolishment of political regimes to the rise of popular youth culture, such as the hipster culture today. Literature not only provides clear understandings but also debates, thoughts and questions of the hipster culture, urban regeneration and even the combination of the two. This research aims to understand the effect that the budding hipster culture has on inner city regeneration efforts in Johannesburg. Through the application of the Braamfontein case study, data collected in field work can be analysed through the literary understanding to paint an in-depth picture of not only the manifestation of the hipster culture in Braamfontein but also what affect their presence has on the district.
Commuter Choices and Prospects for Improved Urban Mobility
(UNIVERSITY OF WITWATERSRAND FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, 2016) Mandyanda, Aviwe
The purpose of the study is to understand the everyday social and spatial practices that affect transportation choices in the city from the perspective of public transport commuters. My research is a qualitative inquiry of commuter mobility choices and particularly the reasons behind them. In the pursuit to better understand how transport in South Africa can become more efficient in providing improved levels of access and mobility to a wider spectrum of people, my research focuses on contributing to an understanding of how and why people make individual travel decisions. It investigates how people are responding to the increasing public transportation options and aims to gain a deeper understanding of commuter choices concerning accessibility and mobility in Johannesburg. Drawing from theoretical writings on urban mobility and travel behaviours the main argument of my study is that commuter choices between different modes of transport are influenced by both various socio-economic, spatial and cultural factors, which are attached to practices, narratives and meanings. My study focuses on two transport modes operating along the Johannesburg – Soweto corridor within metropolitan Johannesburg: the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system and the Minibus Taxis (MBTs). It investigates how the two systems have addressed commuter mobility needs, and how commuters are responding to the increased transport options that have become available to them along this corridor. Based on semi-structured interviews, imagery, literature and detailed descriptions emanating from fieldwork, this research report presents everyday life in Pimville as a negotiation and displays the MBT and BRT stations and their users as active participants in this negotiation. The different themes present the different forms of commuter life as negotiation in Pimville.
A Comparative Study of Students' Experiences of Public Transport in Johannesburg and Berlin
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2015-11) Monakali, Maryam
This research report is an analysis of the main debates, arguments, and concepts pertaining to the topic of public transport and the experiences of students’ using public transportation in Johannesburg and Berlin. The purpose of a comparative study is to understand the manner in which public transport is experienced in different contexts, whilst the case study method will be used to narrow the subject area of public transport down through using students’ as the analytical lens. A semi-structured questionnaire was conducted on students’ at The University of the Witwatersrand. The questionnaire revealed that public transport in Johannesburg is not efficient, as it does not work to improve the experience and participation of students’ in this city. I argue that due to the paralysing system of apartheid, South Africa has been left with a dysfunctional administration system that lacks the capacity to actualise policy. With the use of the Berlin case study, I further argue that there are lessons to be learnt from the successful model of public transport systems in this city. These are two contradictory cases that reveal the importance of a combination of policies, financial means, capacity, and the built environment to establish a good public transport system that does more than just enable mobility. This body of research reveals that efficient public transport makes it possible for everyone in the city to contribute to its vitality, making it one of the most important tools of integration between the urban and the people. This recognises that there is a need for transport planning and urban planning, as two spatial tools, to be used in conjunction in the planning of cities that are inclusive for all students’ and urban dwellers.
Conflicting rationalities in densifying the Corridors of Freedom: the case of the knowledge precinct.
(University of the Witwatersrand, School of Architecture and Planning, 2017) Tshiashi, Livhuwani Waren
The City of Johannesburg’s spatial structure still resembles the apartheid spatial configuration. The marginalized are still mostly located at the outskirts of the city without the monetary means to move to well-located areas and closer to economic opportunities. The City has highlighted the daily hardships of the poor as a major problem. Furthermore, the majority of the working class have to spend approximately 20 per cent of their monthly income on transport (City of Johannesburg, 2015). The lack of affordable housing in close proximity to the inner city further adds to the challenges. The City seeks to address these challenges through Corridor and Transit Oriented developments (TOD). According to the City, through the use of cheaper, efficient transportation systems, people will be able to spend less time commuting to and from work (City of Johannesburg, 2015). However, transportation forms only but one part of the plan to try and bring people closer to economic opportunities. The City seeks to accommodate people of different socio-economic stature along the proposed developmental corridors. TOD builds on densification as a tool to increase populations around transport systems in order to maximize public transport use. They create an environment that stimulates the use of alternative transport to private cars. Through mixed land-use, the City seeks to create integrated neighbourhoods where people will ‘live, work and play’ without having to travel long distances (City of Johannesburg, 2015). However, TOD is often associated with rising property prices (Curtis, et al., 2009). In a context where there is a need for affordable housing in well-located areas, there is a risk that TOD will result in higher property prices and pose a threat to the inclusion of low-income residents in the City. People living in cities in Africa have often looked at bottom-up approaches to solving their problems. Despite being regarded as ‘informal’ these practices are a norm and they are an important component of the city fabric (Jenkins, 2013). Backyard housing is an example of these practices and it significantly reduces the housing demand in South Africa (Lemanski, 2009). Furthermore, it is an affordable housing alternative that performs various roles for poor households. The aim of this research is to find out how people in the Corridors of Freedom perceive densification and their position on the proposed densification policy in light of the need for affordable housing in the Knowledge Precinct. It draws on the characteristics of TOD and questions the feasibility of achieving affordable housing through TOD and whether or not ‘unconventional’ or ‘informal’ ways to densification have a place in the Corridors of Freedom. The research concludes by drawing on the possible impacts of TOD on housing affordability and provide recommendations on how affordable housing could be achieved in the Corridors of Freedom.
Constructing a joint vision for Johannesburg nature reserves: City Parks and users’ committee engagements in Melville Koppies, Klipriviersberg and Kloofendal nature reserves
(University of the Witwatersrand; Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, 2016) Mokgere, Tlholohelo
The research is about understanding the partnerships between Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo and nature reserves users’ groups towards the joint management and development of urban nature reserves. It is a comparative study of three nature reserves (Klipriviersberg, Melville Koppies and Kloofendal nature reserves), where the engagements between the municipal entity and users’ groups are studied through an ethnographic approach. It looks into genealogies and the nature of “partnerships”, which are questioned under the concept of transformation, whose multiple dimensions are unpacked in post-apartheid Johannesburg.
Creating Sustainable Human Settlements using Integrated Housing Developments on infill Sites: A Case Study of Fleurhof, Johannesburg
(2014) Khan, Mohamed Mubeen
In the past twenty years since South Africa has become a democratic country, there have been countless efforts with regards to overcoming the problems created during apartheid. These problems stemmed from a spatial, social, economic and political background. In recent years South African cities have also been faced with environmental issues which are imperative to the future development in the country. With all of these spheres in mind, we see that the many efforts that are put in place by government always fall short of solving the issues. This research report will look at the Breaking New Ground Policy of 2004, to assess whether governments efforts of redistribution and equality have been sufficient to overcome the problems. The research looks into creating Sustainable Human Settlements as pointed out in the Breaking New Ground (BNG) policy of 2004. Taking into account the period since the Breaking New Ground (BNG) policy has been in place, problems of housing delivery still persist. The South African government uses housing as a means of giving citizens an equal chance at creating sustainable livelihoods. However, we are still faced with a backlog of 2.1-2.5 million housing units promised to residents. Along with this, is the problems of poor constructed housing, housing on the periphery of the city, unserviced or under serviced housing settlements, lack of amenities and a lack of many other amenities that would allow people to develop and grow. In recent years we have witnessed the development of Integrated Housing Developments, which take into account the guidelines and principles stipulated in the BNG policy. The research being carried out looks at these guidelines and principles in order to create the linkage between sustainable human settlements and integrated housing developments. With use of the Fleurhof Integrated Housing Development as a case study, the research looks at whether people are accounted for in the correct manner which will allow them a chance of creating sustainable livelihoods. With use of the case study and stakeholder perspectives, the researcher gives recommendations on how sustainable human settlements can be achieved in Johannesburg. The research also draws on infill development as a possible spatial intervention to achieve integration in the city.
Creating Urban Agriculture in the Corridors of Freedom - Case of the Turffontein Node
(2014) De Sa Santos, Natasha
The concept of urban agriculture as a phenomenon is fast gaining momentum throughout the world. Although there has been great recognition of the social benefits associated with urban agricultural initiatives, such as poverty reduction, increasing food security and creating employment opportunities, this research focuses on the spatial design and planning of urban food gardens and how urban agriculture is manifesting in the City of Johannesburg. This research sought to establish how urban agriculture manifests in the City of Johannesburg with a focus on the Corridors of Freedom plans, which are being put forward by the City of Johannesburg, of which special attention has been given to the Turffontein Node in this report. Despite the spatial and physical orientation of the paper, the effects of aspects such as safety, security, education and management of space has been touched on and assists in the understanding of the nature of various spaces available for urban food gardens. Viewing urban agriculture as an ‘in-fill’ activity means that it is not seen as something that the city is responsible for implementing but instead is something that anyone can begin if they are able to identify the correct spaces available.
The creative city approach to urban generation: an evaluation of its benefits in Braamfontein Johannesburg
(School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand., 2017) Khwashaba, Unarine
In the pursuit of creating post-industrial cities, the creative city approach was established in 1988 (Cohendet et al). During the 1990s the approach was intertwined with the process of urban regeneration (Cohendet et al). The creative city approach has facilitated many cities around the world in the transitioning from an industrial production based economy to a post-industrial knowledge based economy1, the knowledge based economy is currently the kind of economy which cities are using to compete globally (OECD,1996). The transition is made through the production, consumption and trading of products and services resulting from innovation/creativity .When an area or a city is regenerated using the creative city approach to urban regeneration certain benefits are encountered, these are benefits such as adequate housing with complementary utilities, diversity of job opportunities, convenience and creative centres where innovative skills are enhanced. This research report focuses on the evaluation of these benefits, in an attempt to answer the question of how do residents in Braamfontein benefit from the developments influenced by the creative city approach to urban regeneration. Residents refers to interviewees from three social groups namely the creative class, students and the blue-collar workers2. The reason why these categories were chosen is the fact that they are the top 3 dominant population in Braamfontein. The rationale for this evaluation is based on Landry and Johnathan (2009) and Hall’s (2008) argument that the evaluation of the benefits of the creative city approach helps to position a city and inspires it to do better by outlining its weaknesses, strengths, opportunities and threats, cities which lack evaluations often decline in the long or the short run. After conducting interviews and taking into consideration available literature, it was revealed that there is an imbalance in benefiting from the developments influenced by the creative city approach to urban regeneration i.e. the creative class benefit more than students and the blue-collar workers respectively, the reason for this is socio-economic exclusion. However if social innovation or artistic creativity was highly taken into consideration and supported in Braamfontein as economic or technological innovation , non skilled workers could have been highly benefiting too. The creative city approach to urban regeneration consist of different kinds of innovation which include economic innovation, social innovation and technological innovation, this will further be explained in the literature review. It was recommended that Students and the blue-collar workers can be integrated into the developments happening in the area through all-inclusive public spaces in order to empower them, improve their sense of belonging and improve their liveability in the area of Braamfontein. It was also recommended that social innovation which is synonymous artistic creativity should be supported by providing platforms where it should take place ,this will help non creative class residents to highly benefit from the development influenced by the creative city approach to urban regeneration.
A Critical Examination of the Nature of the Public Participation Process: A Case of the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square Project
(2015-07) Khanyile, Ntokozo Vincent
This research study sought to evaluate the participation process which was put into practice by the Tshwane City Council as part of implementing the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square (SMFS) project in 2012. NMA Effective Social Strategies were appointed by the City to facilitate the public participation process and Ikemeleng Architects to do the design of the square. The square is a public space of heritage significance to the locals and its upgrading bears a remembrance devoted to Solomon Mahlangu and other apartheid struggle heroes from Mamelodi Township. Accordingly, a variety of local organisations were invited to share their stories and memories around this memorial marking. In turn, this would help the designers of the space to collate information which would be handy for the design of the space. This study then sought to investigate the nature of the public participation process that was used in the SMFS project. It examines the rationale behind the promotion of participation in this project, the methods used. Furthermore, it analyses the participants’ interests, their roles and inputs which they contributed into the design brief. Hence, the study contributes to the radical theorist’s responses to the mainstreaming of participation that have tended to view participation as dual, i.e. as means to an end (participation to achieve certain development objectives) or an end in itself. Indeed participation holds a promise of mankind emancipation from the oppressive system of power. However, some scholars have observed that participation could be used as a way of co-opting local organisations or civil society and communities into top down development schemes that serve interests of those in power. On the contrary, others have argued that civil society is in place to guard against the exercise of power by the state or those with private interest and thus aiding people’s participation at grassroots level. This report recounts the different perspectives highlighted above in the experience of the SMFS project. It employs data pertinent to the project and in-depth interviews to answer the central question: what was the nature of the public participation process employed in the design of SMFS? The study then seeks to contribute to the understanding of different denotations and procedures of participation. While governments are requires to streamline participation, the study also adds the understanding of civil society’s role and the need for is mobilisation in public participation. The researcher argues that participation spaces and methods should be flexible to allow collective action amongst the state, civil society and communities. Furthermore, the paper argues that participants should begin to take a more intricate process of engaging plans and not to merely shape them through partial inputs and fragmentary processes.
The Decentralization Of The South African Planning System Through SPLUMA: The Gert Sibande District Municipality experience.
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2015) Nkosi, Phiwokuhle
This research report aims to assess the decentralization of spatial planning and land use management system in South Africa through the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) (2013). The Constitution of South Africa adopts a decentralized governance system. However, planning legislation has been slow in creating a planning and land use system consistent with this Constitutional allocation of functions. This, coupled with the non-existence of definitions for the scope of the functional areas contained in the schedules, has created a complex land use management system riddled with challenges associated with undefined functional areas. Realizing the need for change in planning legislation, and on the basis of the Green Paper on Development and Planning (1999), the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Affairs formulated the White Paper on Planning and Land Use Management (2001) which identified the need for the Minister to formulate legislation to define the roles of the different spheres of government in planning and land use management. This research is accordingly concerned with the extent to which SPLUMA addresses some of the key conditions for the successful decentralization of the planning and land use function. The key conditions that must prevail in the decentralization process are identified as follows: constitutional security; jurisdictional scope; intergovernmental relations; administrative authority; legislative authority and institutional capacity. SPLUMA and the implementation process in Gert Sibande District Municipality are therefore assessed against these key conditions, and recommendations are made to inform land use management in the Gert Sibande District Municipality and the rest of South Africa.
The Design of Policy to Physically Permeate Exclusive Social Enclaves: As Applied to Maboneng
(2014) Kluth, Charnelle; Kluth, Charnelle
South Africa’s vast inequality between the haves and the have nots have caused spatial fragmentation of the urban landscape. The haves are currently dominating the urban landscape with new developments of exclusive social enclaves whose benefits rarely breach its boundaries into surrounding communities. This is somewhat caused by the discrepancy between policy, particularly regeneration policy, and design and the physical manifestation in space thereof. The enclaves have to be made more permeable, accessible and inclusive by applying both design and policy principles in order to address socio-economic concerns and better integrate into the urban fabric. This research report investigated the development of socially exclusive enclaves, stated how and why they have developed as well as how to physically permeate their boundaries so as to develop them in a more inclusive manner. This was achieved by asking “What new policy/ies and physical design principles will permeate exclusive social enclaves?” and using Johannesburg’s Maboneng as an instrumental case study to conduct evaluative, qualitative, inductive research in the form of a photographic analysis and surveys. Maboneng shows evidence of social exclusion, particularly socio-economic exclusion. It has exclusive benefits as well as design and managerial qualities similar to that of other socially exclusive enclaves. The Precinct does, however, demonstrate somewhat of an interest in the surrounding communities and strives to re-engage Joburgers with their inner city. The literature review pertaining to enclave formation, urban regeneration, its related policy and urban design principles uncovered the need for a reformation of policy that incorporates contextually based models of urban regeneration with a focus on better regulated public-private partnerships, social justice and inclusivity and also recommended physical solutions incorporating liveable, meaningful, accessible and other inclusive design principles in its implementation. Socially exclusive enclaves, as discovered in this research report, are capable of encouraging inclusive development through the implementation of a 5 year Integrated Development Plan outlining the vision, goals, socio-economic obligations and public-private-partnership regulations of the development itself. A 5 year IDP will provide sufficient planning time and therefore better align the new development goals with that of the municipality and better integrate and coordinate its development with urban regeneration policies and community needs. An IDP will draw design and policy into one cohesive document so as to form a stronger relationship where both aspects are intertwined and deemed necessary for the encouragement of inclusive development.
Discovering and exploring existing perceptions of densification: The case of Orange Grove and Soweto.
(University of the Witwatersrand; Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, 2016) Mfusi, Nkosikhona
As the years go by, as the countries and cities continue to urbanise, the population growth of the world increases, and there emerges a growing concern of how to better equip cities to accommodate the rapidly increasing population. The prevailing question then becomes how do we develop cities to be able to withstand and to house the increase in population? Some cities have dealt with this predicament through creating new cities, or though encouraging the sprawling of existing cities. The cities that have chosen to think of a more sustainable solution for development have opted for using densification as a means to curb urban sprawl and resource consumption and in the process create more compact cities. The issue with opting for increasing densities is the fears that are associated with densification such as fears of overcrowding, loss of privacy, but most important the presiding fear of the myths and the memories of past failed densification attempts. The association of density with slums; degrading tower blocks; overcrowded, crime ridden neighbourhoods instead of with cities Paris, Toronto, Barcelona, Vienna or Singapore which are all examples of cities that have successfully densified in order to ensure survival. This report seeks to explore the perceptions that residents of suburban Johannesburg have regarding densification in attempts to help with the city’s progression towards a compact city. It aims to create and explore possible historical, economic, social or psychological links that may explain why residents have formulated or adapted the perceptions that they have.
The Economic Evolution of a Former Homeland Capital: The Case of Siyabuswa, KwaNdebele
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2015-11) Mahlangu, Gladys
Homelands, also known as Bantustans, played a significant role during apartheid to foster the vision of separate development set out by the apartheid government. As a result homeland small towns have inherited a legacy of spatial inequality in terms of being located far from social and economic opportunities. The study seeks to understand the current status of a former homeland capital, particularly investigating how it has economically evolved and survived over time in spite of its past condition. The study was conducted in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga Province, a former homeland capital of KwaNdebele. In investigating how the former homeland capital has evolved the study interviewed 21 households that currently live in Siyabuswa, together with the LED manager and property managers of the township. It can be concluded that such places are experiencing declining populations and struggling to diversify their economic base. However the investment by government has significantly contributed to the survival of these places in addition to the social capital that exist in such places hence there are still people who reside there. It is important that homeland small towns are understood in their current context in order to implement appropriate policies that will assist in the development of former homeland towns. Recommendations have been provided indicating alternatives for which how such places can be better assisted in improving their status- quo.
The Economic Impacts of the Gautrain Station at Rhodesfield
(University of the Witwatersrand; Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, 2016) Ndlovu, Edwin
The provision of reliable public transport systems in South Africa has been met with a number of requirements in which government wants to explore and utilise to its full potential. Planning is an ever-evolving discipline, with new concepts being conceptualised every day, and implemented in order to make cities and people living within this areas to benefit from the city. Transit Oriented Development is not a relatively new concept, as it dates back to the early 1970’s – 80’s, but the notion of using public transportation to enhance the image and economic opportunities of the city have always played a major role throughout the centuries. In South Africa TOD’S are relatively new, with the implementation of the Gautrain project considered the first of its kind. The Gautrain railway system helps to connect the major economic cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria, with that of Sandton and OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA). With the ever-growing congestion experienced in Gauteng’s major highways, a new system of transportation was needed to be implemented to help ease the level of congestion in which Gauteng’s highways have been experiencing. The Gautrain project is also meant to help foster economic growth, both directly and indirectly. In order to see the true value of the impacts it might have on the economy, the Rhodesfield Station was chosen as a study area. A number of critical factors, one being that Rhodesfield houses the only station in Ekurhuleni Municipality (except for ORTIA station), inspired the research. Secondly, the physical characteristics of Rhodesfield as a low-density residential area, and how the station will influence such an area. Thirdly, to add to the ever-growing literature already published and documented on the impacts of the Gautrain stations at varies nodal points. Relatively, businesses tend to settle near to areas in which amply public transportation is located. Ease of access to regional and national roadways, and the location of other major transportation systems all play a factor in helping draw investors (American Public Transportation Association, 2015).
The effects of densification on urban resilience in Parktown West.
(School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand., 2017) Phewa, Nombuso
African cities are continuously undergoing changes through densification and urban regeneration projects. Although mostly anticipated, these changes often have to be responded to with tools and strategies on maintaining the general character of the areas as the heritage and history then become affected. In this regard, it is crucial to observe the various ways through which densification affects the resilience of certain suburbs. This will aid in developing resilience thinking methods to aid in the maintenance and protection of the character of cities. In many countries around the world, governments are seeking to increase urban densities (Tighe, 2010). Residential densification is often the main focus in the densification policies of South African cities as a result of the apartheid legacy of sprawling, fragmented and racially segregated cities (Turok, 2011). The aim of this research is therefore to shed some light on the impact that densification in general has on urban resilience. The suburb of Parktown West has been selected as a case study. This research utilises qualitative research methods to establish ways through which densification has and is affecting Parktown West’s general urban resilience. The research findings suggest that the Parktown Residents’ Association, the Heritage Council, planning policy as well as the Parktown – Westcliff ridges are the key reasons behind the resilience of Parktown West’s urban environment. The study is therefore valuable in that it provides a perspective different to that of residential densification and its effects on urban resilience. The study recognises limits to the applicability as well as limits to the replicability of the study. Applicable limits are the factors identified as having contributed to the resilience of Parktown West and could still be applicable to a different context. Furthermore, the replicability of this research means that it can be conducted at a context different to Parktown West. Finally, the study recommends that South African cities need to adopt resilience thinking in order to anticipate changes to urban form that result from densification.
The Effects of Spatial Planning on Local Economic Development: How has the Orlando eKhaya Precinct Plan Impacted upon Local Business in Orlando, Soweto?
(University of the Witwatersrand; Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, 2016) Ntombela, Siphelelisiwe
Post-apartheid transformation is based on focusing on previously neglected areas and improving their economies to eradicate inequality and segregation. Strategic spatial plans tend to focus on a limited number of strategic areas that require intervention, while LED focuses on the improvement of the local economy. Both of these planning mechanisms can be regarded as tools to restructure the space economy in post-apartheid SA. Government initiatives, namely the National Treasury’s Neighbourhood Development Partnership Grant (NDPG), have been designed to facilitate economic growth and development in township areas, informal settlements and other marginalised settlements. The importance of focusing on improving the economic vitality and fostering social development in townships is twofold: firstly, for eradicating the economic stagnation and correcting the infrastructure deficit in townships and secondly, addressing the lack of integration of townships within the greater economy of the city. As a recipient of the NDPG, the Orlando eKhaya plan provides a useful scale to understand the relationship between strategic spatial planning and LED. The study sought to find out how this plan impacts upon local businesses in Orlando, Soweto, and specifically those in and around Bara Mall. The study draws on the experiences and perceptions of small business owners, in both the formal and informal sector. Face to face interviews with the business owners were conducted and policy documents were also consulted to provide a background to the planning interventions observed in Soweto. A desktop analysis of the spatial changes and economic performance of Soweto was also done to understand the realities of the space economy of Soweto and Johannesburg. It was found that all business were first time business owners, which may be an indication of a blossoming entrepreneurial spirit in the township. However, this entrepreneurial activity occurs in a survivalist manner as business owners had minimal prospects of growing their businesses. The study found that formal businesses at Bara Mall are not profitable as most of them only make enough money to cover expenses. Many shops at the mall have closed due to high rents and their businesses are not benefitting from the surrounding developments. The main issues faced by the formal business owners were the lack of integration with surrounding developments and increased competition from informal traders. Another challenge was the departure of bigger businesses and banks (which results in fewer customers for the small businesses that remain). The shopping mall has provided a new trading zone for informal traders but their timeous evictions by the police reveal that hostile working conditions persist despite the traders’ negotiations to occupy the space. Although they benefit from the foot traffic 6 outside the mall, the traders only make enough profits “to put food on the table” – like the majority of survivalist enterprises. All interviewees continued to buy their supplies from the city centre – which continues to reinforce the spatial and economic inequality between Johannesburg and the township. The poor performance of both formal and informal businesses provides some insight into the manner in which strategic planning and LED intersect in the township context. The dominant model for LED in townships has been found to be shopping malls – which attract informal activities. While the research sought to interrogate the Orlando eKhaya precinct plan’s ability to bring about LED, it emerged from the research findings that everyday realities may hinder the realisation of integrated strategic spatial planning in the envisaged manner. It has emerged that strategic spatial plans bring about unintended consequences, some of which are positive and benefit small businesses. Strategic planning in post-apartheid South Africa (especially in the township context) has been found to have minimal impacts on the ground and unable to adequately grapple with local conditions. There is an insufficient use of strategic planning as an instrument in LED in the case of Orlando eKhaya as the development of small businesses is not prioritised. Following the findings and analysis, the study provides recommendations for LED, strategic planning and the facilitation of the development of small businesses.

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