In the name of growth?: Exploring state/spatial restructuring in Johannesburg (1990-2009)

Abstract

Neoliberalism emerged as the prevalent pattern of ‘restructuring’ at different scales (countries, regions, cities) under post-1970s capitalism. The study analyses the extent to which this hegemonic project has contributed to the City of Johannesburg’s own restructuring efforts after apartheid. It uses the concept of ‘actually existing neoliberalism’ to analyse the evolving local state institutional arrangements, state policies and spatial restructuring projects in Johannesburg. Using qualitative methods that included semi-structured interviews, observation and document study; it explores iGoli 2002 and national local government transformation initiatives; iGoli 2010, Joburg 2030, and the 2006 Growth and Development Strategy; and the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link, Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit and Inner City Regeneration projects. It concludes that neoliberalism did pattern restructuring in Johannesburg following its re-entry into the global economy after the collapse of apartheid. While it notes that there are processes, programmes and projects that do not conform to neoliberal dogma, the study argues however that this lack of coherence simply points to the fact that neoliberalism cannot be imposed across all policy arenas. The intermingling of concerns with global competitiveness and local redress reveals a Johannesburg variant of neoliberalism, which must be continuously tracked for flanks of vulnerability and emerging practices alternative.