School of Architecture and Planning (ETDs)
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Item Exploring Developing Economies: Emerging Local Economies and Displaced Urbanisation: The Case of KwaMhlanga(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Shibambu, NhlalalaThis research explores the economic evolution of KwaMhlanga, a settlement in Mpumalanga province, within the context of debates over displaced urbanism—a concept that describes how people living in areas that were developed under Apartheid's forced relocations, which are far from urban centres and densely populated, are developing informal economies to sustain themselves (Mosiane and Gotz, 2021). The study investigates whether KwaMhlanga represents a form of displaced urbanism and examines its potential to function as a viable economic node. It builds on Mosiane and Gotz’s (2021) framework, which characterizes displaced urbanism as communities developing informal economies and modern infrastructure despite historical displacements. The research evaluates KwaMhlanga's economic potential by analysing policy, infrastructure, land use regulations, and the roles of local institutions, traditional authorities, and small businesses. The research methods that were used were semi-structured interviews with the Ndebele Traditional Authority and Thembisile Hani Local Municipal Official and business owners located along the R573. Observations using Google Earth were made of the KwaMhlanga crossroads and the businesses located there, these observations were mapped. Findings suggest that while KwaMhlanga is evolving economically in a limited way, with some growth of small scale businesses and the development of a mall, challenges such as inadequate services and weak institutional support hinder its development as a functional economic node. The study’s limitations include the inability to interview formal businesses at the KwaMhlanga Shopping Complex and limited sample size due to businesses unwillingness to be interviewed.Item Designing for Comm[unity] Em[power]ment: A sustainable multi-purpose sports facility for social and environmental Impact(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Buthelezi, Mvelo Hilton Nkosinathi; Gantner, GarretThis master’s thesis focuses on the critical need for sports infrastructure in Africa, particularly in underdeveloped regions such as Alexandra Township. Sports are hindered by inadequate infrastructure and neglect, limiting potential for social and economic progress on the continent. This thesis attempts to create a multi-purpose sports complex in Alexandra Township that encourages community engagement, social empowerment, and environmental sustainability while also meeting immediate infrastructure demands. The primary goal of this thesis is to construct a sports facility that can accommodate people of all ages and ability levels, fostering an active lifestyle and improving physical and mental well-being. The planned sports complex integrates adaptable architecture, including flexible and modular features to meet changing demands.These adaptable modules are intended for application in a variety of communities across the country, maintaining the facility’s long-term usefulness. Beyond typical sporting activities, the stadium will incorporate mixed-use facilities with amenities such as educational rooms, leisure spaces, cafés, retail sections, and green spaces. An agriculture facility will also aid to cheap distribution of fresh goods throughout the neighborhood. Waste management solutions will help to make the environment cleaner and healthier. To summarize, the goal of this architectural master’s thesis is to design an adaptable, community-centered sports facility near Alexandra Township that not only provides accessible and high-quality sports infrastructure but also promotes social cohesion, environmental stewardship, and personal development. The facility aims to catalyze positive change by blending adaptable architectural concepts and mixed-use areas, influencing other communities to promote sports, community participation, and environmental responsibility. We hope to create a pattern for future architectural endeavors in the region by contributing to the overall well-being and empowerment of residents in Alexandra Township through this thesis.Item An Imbokodo-driven cooperative model for wheeling rural-generated solar-PV electricity to facilitate clean induction-stove cooking among low-income urban households in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Teffo, Dimpho; Irurah, DanielGlobal efforts to address climate change are shifting the debate towards Just Energy Transitions (JET) paradigm which entails more environmentally friendly and inclusive economies, especially in terms of access to clean energy sources. Despite South Africa’s past attempts to improve energy access for low- income households through policies such as Free Basic Electricity (FBE) and Free Basic Alternative Energy (FBAE), energy poverty continues to intensify especially for poor urban households. On the other hand, increasing adoption of renewable energy (RE) technologies such as solar-PV due to factors such as rising grid electricity costs and falling prices of RE technologies provoked an investigation into equitable and innovative modalities based on a women-oriented JET focusing on rural and urban low-income households. Inspired by the imbokodo paradigm during anti-apartheid struggle (‘solidness of rock’ as metaphor of women resilience), the study applied a qualitative approach towards a model for addressing gendered energy poverty especially among low-income urban households. The model is based on a transformed role of rural and urban women as clean energy prosumers (generators and consumers), thus envisaging leadership roles for women in the sphere of zero-carbon energy and climate change mitigation initiatives within the overarching JET paradigm. The study focused on Alexandra township in Johannesburg as the urban energy consumer community (especially for clean cooking with induction stoves) coupled to Chebeng Village in Limpopo as the rural energy-generating community. Primary data were gathered through ethnographic observations in Alexandra with specific focus on cooking using conventional appliances versus induction stove. Data tools such as photographs, audio and video recordings, individual interviews, and direct observations were employed. Key challenges identified include limited kitchen space and a lack of incentive to replace existing faulty/inefficient stoves. A transect walk helped to identify constraints limiting rooftop solar-PV installations thus warranting alternative mechanisms such as wheeling green electricity. In spite of optimal solar resource of Chebeng Village, ethnographic observations identified critical challenges such as stifling control by tribal authority over women’s access to land for large-scale RE projects such as solar- PV farms. Nexus of gender and energy poverty, particularly in cooking as well as socio-political challenges specific to the urban and rural contexts suggest that a wheeling coupling of women-led solar-PV generation cooperatives in rural areas with consumer cooperatives in urban settings would facilitate clean electricity for zero-carbon cooking with induction stoves for urban households. Leveraging wheeled solar-PV electricity from rural to urban women-led cooperatives would also catalyze value-chain benefits such as green skills, jobs and entrepreneurship which are also JET goals for equitable low-carbon economies.Item ‘Stokvels’ as an alternative housing finance mechanism: a case study of ‘Masakhe’ ladies in Gugulethu(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Motupa, DikelediStokvels have been a longstanding financial mechanism in South Africa, historically providing savings and credit avenues, particularly for marginalised communities excluded from formal banking systems. Despite improved access to banking for black South Africans, the formal mortgage market remains largely inaccessible to the poor owing to constraints in the affordable housing market. With government housing initiatives constrained by overwhelming demand, many continue to lack housing assistance. This study explores stokvels as an alternative housing finance mechanism, focusing on the Masakhe Ladies stokvel group in Gugulethu through qualitative case study research approach. The study employs semi-structured interviews and evaluation research to explore how stokvels, as an alternative housing finance mechanism, offer a way for low-income households to gain access to adequate housing. A theoretical framework is constructed from literature on stokvels, adequate housing, self-help housing, enablement, inequality livelihoods and poverty, and enablement. Findings indicate that stokvels, through collaboration with government, private and governmental entities, can facilitate access to adequate housing. While acknowledging that this is a single case study the recommendation emphasises focusing efforts not on universal applicability but on adapting the collaborative model to meet the specific needs of diverse communities, ensuring tailored and effective outcomes.Item Exploring regulatory systems of informal economic activity in a dense settlement: The case of Extension 2, Ivory Park, Johannesburg(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Nzimande, ThabisaniInformal economic activities are a crucial component of most economies in the global south. They are easily accessible as a tool for poverty alleviation and to fight against unemployment, due to easy entry requirements and no extensive processes to start a business. Home-based enterprises in particular offer a unique ability to minimise overheads and save on costs such as traveling expenses for business owners as economic activity occurs in the residential area. The growing number of home-based enterprises in housing settlements has made it impossible for the government to ignore them and has necessitated the need for government to recognise and regulate them. This study explores the regulatory systems of home-based enterprises in Ivory Park, Extension 2 on 29th September Drive. Ivory Park is a housing settlement located in Region A in the City of Johannesburg. The area of focus is a stretch of a busy street located in between the main taxi rank in Extension 2, and Busy Corner Mall making this one of the busiest streets in the settlement. The area hosts a number of home-based enterprises located on the side-lines of 29th September Drive such as hair salons, spaza shops, clothing shops, fast-food outlets, internet cafes/ printing shops, furniture shops, and carpentry, plus a number of traditional medicine shops. The main objective of this study is to ascertain what are the systems which seek to regulate and facilitate home-based enterprises/ informal economic activity in this area. The findings were made after consultation with literature, documents about the study area, and interviews with business owners, homeowners, a community leader, and a municipal official. This study revealed that the formal regulations set by the City of Johannesburg are largely informed by land use and planning development objectives and are very rigorous to adhere to by most homeowners and business owners. This combined with a lack of knowledge of the regulations has resulted in low levels of compliance, with most business owners relying on informal regulatory systems to manage their operations and affairs. Furthermore, this research report makes recommendations that programmes should be created to educate business owners and homeowners on the regulations which apply to them, and to revise the current regulations which seek to protect the integrity of planning and development objectives without any consideration for practicality for, and the economic development of the informal sectorItem Crafting Communities: Empowering Bezuidenhout Valley Through Construction Workshops: A Blueprint for Self-Sufficiency and Collaboration(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Maxwell , RyanSouth Africa faces significant challenges in areas such as housing, job security, and skill development and addressing these issues requires a holistic approach. Providing training in construction skills enables the people to build necessary infrastructure like housing, training centers, and social spaces. In addition to this, many communities have spaces that are underutilized or neglected due to various factors such as limited accessibility, safety concerns (demolished buildings, dumping sites, etc), or distance from central areas. Despite these drawbacks, people often find ways to occupy these spaces. Why do they choose to use these areas? The utilization of such spaces typically stems from a lack of alternative options for housing, commerce, or social activities. In the blue-collar northeastern areas of Johannesburg such as Bezuidenhout valley, residents face a multitude of challenges that undermine the quality of life and urban fabric. The Jukskei River, a vital waterway, suffers from pollution, affecting both the environment and public health. Additionally, the community suffers from high unemployment rates and a significant skills shortage. Housing is insufficient, and many existing structures are in a state of disrepair, further compounding social and economic issues. The theories that have influenced my thinking and response are resilience, densification, sustainability, Renewable materials, the Garden city, and hands on teaching. These theories help to understand and view urban areas as dynamic systems and productive environments. “Productivity” in this context includes economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. By addressing these factors, we create a foundation for identifying, planning, and designing appropriate interventions through research and design. The central research theme focuses on the connection between architecture and resilient urban spaces Architecture offers a unique opportunity to address these interconnected issues by empowering the community through construction skills training. By establishing a construction and learning center, residents can gain practical skills while contributing to the development of essential infrastructure, such as housing, training centers, craft spaces for entrepreneurs and social spaces. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term socio-economic growthItem Examining the role of Braamfontein’s bike lanes: A potential infrastructural asset for waste reclaimers(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Makena, Pheladi Pearl; Charlton, SarahThe research sought to address the mobility challenges that street reclaimers encountered and the misuse of bike lanes. Street reclaimers depend on their mobility to earn a sustainable income. Their mobility allows them to work from the early hours of the day, salvaging recyclables to sell to the buy-back centres in the late afternoons. The roads used by reclaimers are a territory for vehicles where street reclaimers are often stigmatised and not viewed as the rightful users of this infrastructure. On the other hand, to encourage cycling, the City of Johannesburg implemented bike lanes that have since been used by vehicles for parking and to bypass traffic, and by informal traders as a trading spots. Bike lanes are a potential infrastructural asset for street reclaimers as they can ease their mobility challenges and include them on the road space. With the concepts of Infrastructure Re-adaptation, Informal Economies and Non- Motorised Transport (NMT), the research discovered that street reclaimers had found ways to move around the roads and that transportation was at the bottom of their hierarchy of necessities. Furthermore, the city implemented bike lanes with reclaimers in mind; however, this form of the cycle lane infrastructure cannot be appropriated by physically modifying the material construction. Finally, the study concluded that with a bottom-up approach including reclaimers and other stakeholders, the city could consider converting bike lanes to NMT lanes, and the routes used by reclaimers can frame targeted interventions for future lanes.Item Crossing The DIvide: Integrating an Innovative Sports Centre into Community Regeneration and YouthDevelopment in Frankenwald(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ludick, Kyle Jarrod; Kirkman, DeborahFootball in South Africa occupies a central place in the nation's sporting consciousness, that intertwines with the country's complex narrative of struggle, triumph, and reconciliation. For over a decade now, “…the most popular sport in South Africa (in relation to both public entertainment and active participation) has been soccer.”(McKinley, 2010) From what started out as a pastime exclusive to the privileged white elite upon its introduction in South Africa, swiftly became the emerging preferred sport among the black community at the turn of the 20th century. (McKinley, 2010) “Not surprisingly, this rapid spread in popularity set off alarm bells within the corridors of political and economic power, as soccer became emblematic of threatening, socially integrative forces within society…” (Morell, 1996) Football became the thorn in the side of the racist white establishment, who therefore used the full extent of their power, to promote predominantly white sports like rugby and cricket; while simultaneously suppressing and controlling the “…social, economic, and political reach and impact of the (black) sport of soccer.”(McKinley, 2010) This resulted in continued efforts, by the apartheid government, to engineer racialised, socio-political policies aimed at enforcing racial segregation and material inequality in South African sport. As a result, there was a severe lack of football infrastructure and trained personnel, particularly in black urban and rural areas. Along with, “…an almost complete lack of any meaningful/sustained development programmes for black students/youth…” (McKinley, 2010) The institutional framework was racially divided, leading to the emergence of four separate football bodies by the 1980s, South African football became isolated both institutionally and practically on the international stage, remaining confined to domestic leagues. Nevertheless, football would become a catalyst for political shift throughout footballing organisations, with private companies such as Mainstay cane spirit, owned by the Stellenbosch farmer’s, as well as the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) that would broadcast the games played, pouncing on the potential of the crowds of the “black” football market, by providing sponsorships for their competitions.(Bolsmann and Alegi, 2010) Additionally, football played an important role in the abolishment of the apartheid regime and its hold on football. (McKinley, 2010)Item Moving Mbombela: a Multi-Modal Transportation Hub Reconnecting South Africa's Lowveld(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Doyle, Keagan ChristopheIn the heart of Mpumalanga Province in South Africa, Mbombela serves as a gateway and crucial hub in the Lowveld. Despite its strategic location, the city and its surrounding communities face infrastructural challenges such as poor road conditions and limited transportation access. Therefore, there is a disconnect between key destinations, all of which hinder the Region’s potential. This Thesis explores the transformative potential of a multi-modal transportation hub in Mbombela aimed at addressing the city’s connectivity, past social injustices and eco-tourism. The Thesis unpacks the history of the Eastern Railway Line, examining its origins and the poignant legacy of the night trains that ferried forced labourers from Ressano Garcia to Johannesburg. It identifies the gaps in Mbombela’s connectivity and assesses how the selected site, with its historical significance, can serve as a focal point for addressing these issues. By identifying and integrating important existing road and rail networks with community hubs and tourist attractions, the proposed Transportation Hub aims to revitalize the city’s infrastructure and socio-economic landscape. Central to this undertaking is the concept of connectivity. The main program is derived from this, combining bus and train terminals with mixed-use spaces, including retail, government facilities, restaurants, and informal trading zones, promoting a more dynamic and interconnected urban environment. The Hub’s design seeks to integrate parametricism and Africanism, creating an architectural language that resonates with local culture, while embracing innovative design principles. It also prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, positioning it as a new urban space that acts as a catalyst for renewed community engagement, economic empowerment, and cultural exchange. Additionally, the Thesis explores the potential synergy between transportation and commemoration. The design aims to reassess the richness, or the lack thereof, of the typical traditional monument or statue. Looking at local practices and rituals as forms of memorial; in conjunction with architecture and public space, the memorial becomes the space rather than a distinct object. The space given back to the people is the antithesis of the experience of being confined to the cattle cars and coal trucks used to transport forced labour. It is a spatial form of remembrance embedded within the daily life of the city. This space aims to evoke reflection and remembrance through its architectural form and materiality, creating a meaningful connection to the past while serving as a hub for movement – another freedom that was not afforded to those forced to work in the mines. The project aims to rediscover the transport hub in an African city and rehabilitate the transport network of the Lowveld, providing an opportunity for growth and connectivity. At the same time, it seeks to empower communities and honour their histories, recognising that understanding our future direction requires an awareness of where we have come from. Through this approach, the project envisions a future where infrastructure not only supports movement and development ,but also serves as a powerful tool for remembrance and cultural continuity.Item Social nex[us]: reimaging public life and cohesion in Windhoek West through empowering student entrepreneurs and their sidehustles(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Nankela, Junior-Steps; Gwebu, NomondeThis research report addresses urban issues in the diverse community of Windhoek West, specifically the lack of social cohesion due to inadequate public facilities and the underdevelopment of local entrepreneurial opportunities. The study proposes a community-centered marketplace designed to support local SMEs and microenterprises, including those run by students and local entrepreneurs. This marketplace aims to serve as a social hub for networking and showcasing work to the Windhoek West community and beyond. The report begins with a historical overview of community centers, setting the context for Namibia’s current urban landscape, which lacks such facilities. It then redefines the community center as a nexus, or connecting point, among community members, and explores how other typologies serve similar functions. This leads to the proposal of a market as a community center for Namibia. Windhoek West is analyzed as a transition and autonomous zone combining commerce and residence. The analysis identifies issues and opportunities for intervention, forming a framework that links these activity zones through the design of the Nex[us]. Interviews with local entrepreneurs provide insights into their brand identities and how the Nex[us] can accommodate them. The proposed Nex[us] is situated on an open space northwest of Windhoek West, along a key road connecting the city center to northern residential areas. The design features three distinct spaces: a market, a park, and a production area. These spaces are conceptually and architecturally composed to challenge the dominance of multinational corporations, foster community cohesion, and provide a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs. The design emphasizes modularity, flexibility, adaptability, and inclusivity.