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This presentation explores the progress and challenges of spatial transformation in South African cities, focusing on the state of cities reporting and the need for integrated local delivery. It discusses the impact of spatial changes on urban space and the challenges of providing public transport and infrastructure in expanding cities. The presentation also highlights the trends and dynamics preventing the achievement of post-apartheid spatial vision and proposes a way forward through local government action.
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Spatial transformation in South African cities: Where do we stand? 12 July 2017 SOUTHERN AFRICAN TRANSPORT CONFERENCE 2017 Geoff Bickford South African Cities Network
Contents • The Brief • State of Cities Reporting • Where do we stand • Challenges • Way forward
The Brief • What do findings from the State of Cities Report actually reflect on progress & remaining challenges?
Spatial Transformation Transformation can be seen as “a spatially defined, socially embedded process; […] an interrelated series of materially driven practices, whereby the form, substance and overall dimensions of urban space are purposefully changed to reflect the principles of a more equitable social order” (Williams, 2000: 169).
Where do we stand The red areas indicate how city footprints have changed between 1990 and 2013 (also showing 10 km distance bands from the city CBDs). Cities are under pressure to develop land on the fringes of cities, which, in turn, requires substantial infrastructure investments. In these ever-expanding cities, one of the most difficult services to provide is public transport, especially when (as in most South African cities) low-income residents live on the fringes of the cities, far removed from most employment opportunities.
Where do we stand “it is harder in 2013 to reverse apartheid geographies than it was in 1994” (COGTA, 2016) “far-reaching spatial transformations are happening across South Africa’s towns and cities, although at very different rates, and often taking different forms” (Harrison and Todes, 2014) ‘People have been brought closer to jobs, opportunities and other services. However, this change has often been slow, not inclusive enough and has (in some instances) extended undesirable urban trends.’ (SACN, 2016)
Challenges • Trends and dynamics preventing the post-apartheid spatial vision from being achieved: • Unaligned and uncoordinated development • Continued inefficient spatial development • Private developments on the periphery • Conflicting interests and lobby groups • Good location has not translated into improved livelihoods • Built environment investments not supporting inclusive economic development • The cost of fragmentation
Way forward Local government is best placed to achieve spatial transformation- best placed to understand and respond to an improved lived urban experience through integrated local delivery, requires: a change in power imbalances; the restructuring of space to achieve increased efficiency, spatial justice and equity institutional transformation developing organisational and managerial capacity; and a focused vision and plan to achieve a transformative goal.
