Masters Degrees (Urban and Regional Planning)

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Open Access
An assessment of practitioners opinions on the principle of spacial resilience
(University of the Free State, 2016) Barnes, Anthony Peter; Nel, Verna
Colonial and apartheid planning left a legacy of rigid, control-oriented, top-down spatial planning and land use management and fragmented and inequitable settlements. Despite many policies and the interim Development Facilitation Act of 1995, it was only in 2013 that a new Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) was enacted creating a single national framework of for spatial planning and land use management in South Africa. This statute heralds a move from a rule-based approach to a normative, principle based approach to spatial planning and land use management. SP LUMA lays down five development principles which form the foundation of the new national spatial planning, land development and land use management system. Spatial Resilience - a new South African construct - is one of the five development principles. Spatial resilience does not enjoy a theoretical foundation of its own; rather it is intimately associated with the theory of resilience and both the broad concept of resilience and the narrower concept of urban resilience. With increased uncertainty and unpredictability of what the future holds, the concept of resilience, and resilience thinking, is a potential tool to deal with constant change, uncertainty and unpredictability providing a way of thinking about managing socioecological systems such as urban systems. Urban settlements, towns and cities are complex socio-ecological constructs, thus demanding an evolutionary or socioecological approach to resilience in building their adaptive capacity and resilience. Spatial resilience within the broader context of SPLUMA should thus be seen as an important contributor to achieving urban resilience and broader societal re silience. It is a way of thinking about how the spatial planning and land use management system can deal with change by adapting, innovating and transformin g, where needed, into more desirable configuration s. This study employed a cross-sectional survey methodology, to assess the opinions of professionals and practitioners within the spatial planning and land use management and development planning sector in the Western Cape on their understanding of spatial resilience and its implementation. Of the one hundred and twenty-three (123) questionnaires emailed to potential respondents based on purposive sampling, fifty (50) responses were returned. The questionnaire was a self-completing survey questionnaire with twenty-one (21) questions of which just on half were open-ended and the remainder were structured yes or no questions. The findings indicate that while there is no clear consensus amongst respondents on what the concept or principle of spatial resilience is or what it entails, there is agreement that spatial resilience is generally not well understood in South African society as a whole and particularly within the broader spatial and development planning sector, that South African settlements on the overall, even though there are pockets of excellence, are not resilient. Furthermore, there are concerns with regard to the knowledge, skill, expertise and will of both the politicians and professional planners to implement a spatial resilience approach and the will of all three spheres of government to the implementation of a spatial resilience approach. The study concludes by making a variety of recommendations to address the various conclusions.
Open Access
Beplanning by stedelike agteruitgang en stedelike hernuwing: Batho as moontlike presidentsprojek
(University of the Free State, 2002-10) Van der Merwe, Daniel Paul; De Ridder, E.
Abstract not availalbe
Open Access
Beplanning vir die gehoor by die Uitvoerende Kunste in Suid-Afrika, met spesiale verwysing na Bloemfontein
(University of the Free State, 1978-10) Geyser, Susara Dorethea; Van Zyl, F. D. W.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Challenges of housing and transport planning integration: a case study of Kuils river, Cape Town
(University of the Free State, 2016-06) Frantz, Vanessa; Mphambukeli, Thulisile
English: This dissertation studies the perceptions and experiences of the implementing officials of the City of Cape Town, as well as residents living in Kuils River, regarding the integration of housing and transport planning in the study area. A background to City of Cape Town is provided, which highlights the organisation's key challenges experienced towards the integration of housing and transport planning. In addition, a background study of Ku ils River, one of the northern suburbs of Cape Town, revealed key insights into the existing traffic situation challenges in Kuils River as the research study area. Kuils River is a low-density development area, dominated by private vehicle users and not very accessible to public transport users. The increasing residential developments put more pressure on the roads infrastructure and public transport demand. The research findings related to the integration of housing and transport planning show that there are substantial benefits for cities that work towards such an approach. Data indicates that City of Cape Town officials are aware of the current traffic situation challenges in Kuils River and considerable efforts, such as the expansion of the heaviest congested roads, have been made by City of Cape Town to address the traffic congestion challenges within Kuils River. What also came through the interviews with residents is that the current traffic congestion situation in Kuils River is attributed to poor planning by City of Cape Town, and that the roads infrastructure is not keeping up with the increasing residential developments in the suburb. Most importantly, it was found that to travel by private transport is a personal choice made by the residents of Kuils River, due to inconvenience and unreliability of public transport. Finally, the dissertation provides recommendations for City of Cape Town on how to move in the direction of an integrated housing and transport planning approach, specifically tailormade to and focussed on the Kuils River suburb. If there is commitment from City of Cape Town to improve the current traffic congestion situation in Kuils River in the longer term, it is a requirement that these interventions for Kuils River be planned for and be reflected in the next revised Integrated Development Plan of City of Cape Town.
Open Access
Die ontwikkeling van medium digtheidsbehuising met ontleding van voorbeelde in Welkom
(University of the Free State, 1980-11) Swart, Francois Jacobus; Van Zyl, F. D. W.; Botha, W. J. van H.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Effective enforcement of land use management systems in Windhoek: case studies of Klein Windhoek and Katutura
(University of the Free State, 2016-02) Kohima, Jennilee Magdelene; Mphambukeli, Thulisile
Windhoek, as with all developing country Third World cities, is experiencing a tremendous influx of people from rural areas, seeking employment and the promise of a better fife. This results in the need for resources in the city to be used in a sustainable way. The primary purpose of this dissertation is to find out what are the barriers experienced by the City of Windhoek in facilitating land development applications under the Windhoek Town Planning Scheme of 1976 in Klein Windhoek and Katutura suburbs. The case study was conducted in Klein Windhoek and Katutura suburbs of Windhoek. Semi-structured interviews of town and regional planners were used for data collection supported by direct observations and document and policy analysis. The respondents were selected using the purposive sampling method. The institutional and legislative framework of land use management in Namibia were explained. The research has revealed that four major barriers are experienced by the City of Windhoek in facilitating land development applications under the Windhoek Town Planning Scheme in Klein Windhoek and Katutura. These include the lack of capacity in land use management within the City of Windhoek; outdated Town Planning Ordinance and Town Planning Scheme; no public awareness on land development applications; and the rigidness of the Windhoek Town Planning Scheme. The research further found that the enforcement of the Town Planning Scheme is inconsistent in Klein Windhoek and Katutura. Therefore, the research recommends among others the proactive implementation of the land use management systems in Windhoek and the creation of public awareness on town planning procedures and processes.
Open Access
The graduate identity of the professional planner in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2015) Hugo, Alwyn Pieter; Steyn, J. J.
𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉 The professional identity of planning is contested in planning literature. In South Africa three stakeholder areas drive professional planning education; these are SACPLAN as regulatory body, SAP! that represents planning practice, and planning academics. A strong agreement among the three stakeholder areas on the competency profile of a professional planner will strengthen the planning profession and clarify the identity of a professional planner in South Africa. The study investigated whether the 20 core and functional themes in the draft SACPLAN competency guidelines describe the graduate identity of a professional planner in South Africa. The study found that there is little consensus among the three stakeholder areas on the competency profile of professional planners. This does not indicate that the 20 core and functional themes in the draft SACPLAN guidelines should not form the basis of a graduate identity for professional planning, but rather that more debate is needed regarding competency profiles for planners in South Africa.
Open Access
An investigation on the global impact of communication through technological development on urban growth / shrinking: a town planning perspective
(University of the Free State, 2002-11) Van Reenen, Dewald; Botha, W.J. Van H.
Abstract not included
Open Access
The 'Janus Face' of planning in South Africa: the case of the Free State
(University of the Free State, 2002) Maine, Teboho; Botha, W. J. van H.
This thesis documents and analyses the image of planning as perceived by the users or beneficiaries of the planning service and by planners in practice (both public and private sectors) in the Free State and suggest some principles to be considered to fill the gap that exist between what planners do, based on what the users of planning services expect from planning fraternity.· It analyses the image of planning along historical lines, with respect to the development of planning. The research illustrate the importance of the perception of people with regard to the way they would like to see development is happening, in order their quality of life can be improved using planning as a tool for governance approach that demonstrate that beneficiaries of planning services' view is important, showing that people can make a contribution and a difference and building up a sense of identity and community. Citizens and communities are beginning to realise the benefits of exerting influence over development in their environment. Similarly, administrative officials are also beginning to develop confidence in the ability of ordinary users of planning services to construct well-considered, practical and sustainable development programmes and projects. Communities are gaining valuable experience on the pragmatics of sustainable community-based ward planning. This has exposed them to the challenges of local governance and the need to create a cooperative governance framework where officials, elected councillors and citizens take responsibility collectively for development at the local level. It is believed that this research will be of significant assistance to the policy makers in that it will inform, illuminate and provide a basis for sound policy decisions in planning practice, especially in the search for new direction during this era. In order for planning to be responsive to the challenges of the post-apartheid planning era, its image will have to be closely revisited so as to assess its relevance to Free State Province changing situations.
Open Access
Location analysis of informal businesses along the activity route in the township of Galeshewe, Kimberley
(University of the Free State, 2016-01) Mathews, Marvin Henwill
Whether the South African public likes it or not, the informal economy is an important part of many urban inhabitants' lives, be it as a source of business and income or as a source of services to the community. The importance of the informal economy in developing nations is not truly appreciated or planned for and in many cases is merely seen as a nuisance, thus ignorant to the potential that exists in the informal economy. The Galeshewe Activity Route is located in the city of Kimberley and was envisaged to link the economic and social nodes of the township Galeshewe through a linear road network that would in turn attract investment and business to the areas along the Route. The development of the Activity Route has led to an unplanned occurrence of informal businesses developing along the Route. Many of these informal businesses tend to be established at specific locations on the Route and seem to have thrived for years. The purpose of this research is therefore to add knowledge to the understanding of informal businesses. This dissertation aims to determine how factors such as the services and products provided by informal businesses, the land use layout of the Galeshewe Activity Route along which the informal business are located, and the informal business regulatory framework influence the decisions informal business owners make in choosing the location of the ir businesses along the Activity Route Understanding the informal economy better will enlighten our knowledge in relation to township economics, where the informal economy thrives and a large portion of South Africa's urban population are inhabitants.
Open Access
'n Studie oor die ontwikkeling van Jacobsdal en die Rietrivier-besproeiingskema met verwysing na die invloed van die Oranje-Rietkanaal
(University of the Free State, 1987-11) Heckroodt, Christo; Steyn, J. J.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Participation of traditional leadership on spatial planning and land use management matters in the Mpumalanga province Republic of South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2016-01) Nkosi, Simanga Acron; Nel, V. J.
This research report explores the participation of traditional leadership in spatial planning and land use management matters in Mpumalanga Province. The report provides a brief overview of the historic background of traditional leadership in South Africa and the applicable legislation that outlines the mandates and the roles of traditional leadership on land matters. The compilation of the mini-dissertation from inception to conclusion is driven by data resources on traditional leadership guided by the following measures: literature review, which entails defining traditional leaders and their existence through the epoch in history, policy framework, as well as history and theory of planning. Information collected from traditional leaders and municipal officials was analysed to provide outcomes of the survey which was compared with the literature outcome to provide a final outcome which presents a final view of the extent of participation of traditional leadership in spatial planning and land use management. The finding of the report indicates that systems of traditional leadership are alive and existing in rural areas of South Africa and that the institution of traditional leadership will still exist in the coming future. Their involvement in land matters is inherited from the past, therefore their current role in spatial planning and land use management must be defined and agreed between the traditional council and municipalities and finally the agreements must be documented in a form of a Service Level Agreement.
Open Access
Planning for future graveyards in urban areas: a case study of Bloemfontein
(University of the Free State, 2004) Tshabalala, Rapelang; Badenhorst, Hein
This research is premised on the fact that no sector of the society is immune from death. According to Kubler-Rose (1975: x), death is not an enemy to be conquered or a prison to be escaped. It is an integral part of our lives that gives meaning to human existence. It sets a limit on our time in this life, urging us on to do something productive with that time as long as it is ours to use. Death is in us and outside us, beside us in every room, in every street, in every field, in every car, in every plane, etc. It is what we are (Shneidman. 1984:118). Death is a principal vital event and is the disappearance of all evidence of life at any time after a live birth has taken place (Stats SA, 2002:24). In my own view, death is inevitable since it has to happen. That is, it is the final stage of growth for every human being. As a result, there is a need to plan for future burial space in Bloemfontein taking into consideration the increasing population sizes due to urbanisation, mortality rates due to HIV/AIDS, existing burial methods and existing cemetery capacity. According to Mitchell, (23 November 2000:8), the graveyards, hospitals and mortuaries are overflowing with corpses most of which are AIDS victims. Both cremation and multiple burials will have to be highly considered in the future. The question is hqw to share the available land between the dead and the living population? Contrary to needs of dead people, the above options look more reasonable and conducive.
Open Access
The sustainability of housing built under the “breaking new grounds” housing policy: a case study of Carr Gardens, Johannesburg
(University of the Free State, 2015) Khuzwayo, Nhlanhla Zamokuhle; Nel, V. J.
English: The housing challenge in South Africa is complex and often political. The post- apartheid government has to efficiently use scare resources to provide housing for poor South Africans. On the one hand, the state has done exceptionally well in quantitatively providing housing opportunities but, on the other hand, there has been increasing concern about the quality of houses provided by the post-apartheid government. In response to these concerns, the than National Department of Housing adopted Breaking New Grounds (BNG) policy which attempts to address fundamental issues such as integration, sustainability, security of tenure, and providing wider housing options. As a result, this research endeavour seeks to assess the level to which the notion of sustainability has been incorporated to the BNG policy. It does this by exploring the Carr Gardens human settlements which is considered to be one of the BNG pilot projects. This study used both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms which were deemed appropriate to sufficiently answer the main research question. Self-administered questionnaires were strategically (random sampling) distributed in Carr Gardens to identify respondents with peculiar responders; which were then followed by semi-structured interviews. Semi-structured Interviews provided the research with the “thick description” or in-depth understand of the research phenomenon. During this research process, it was discovered that the concept of sustainability is complex and multi-dimensional which considers issues of tenure, affordability of housing, integration, etc. It was also discovered that policy-makers involved in the housing process often have a limited understanding of sustainable housing process in South Africa.
Open Access
A sustainable spatial planning and resources use management system in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa: toward an African solution
(University of the Free State, 2013-01) Williams, A. D.; Nel, Verna
The Eastern Cape of South Africa has throughout the colonial and apartheid period been a geographic zone of contestation and resistance. The struggle for freedom in this country emanated from this region with perhaps the most famous of its sons being Nelson Mandela. The Xhosa people have a rich tradition and culture, whose existence has for centuries been nurtured in the rural regions of the Eastern Cape. With the advent of modernisation and more specifically urbanisation, two distinct systems of land use management and land delivery have evolved. One based on the prescripts of modernism and the other on the prescripts of traditional Xhosa culture. The two are very distinct and opposite. The South African Constitution, (1996) mandates especially those officials in government to pursue policy and courses of action that will promote unity, respect and embrace diversity and transform South African society into one that fosters equality and social justice. This too is a Constitution that is not only built on rights and freedoms, but is also one built on human integrity and dignity. It embraces the concept of ‘Ubuntu’: ‘I am because you are’. This ethos has an important role to play in the transformation agenda of which spatial planning as an activity of governance is a fundamental part. The modern counterpart, largely inherited from the Eurocentric north has enjoyed a measure of dominance and at this current point in time looks set to overshadow the rural Afrocentric domain which is the home of Xhosa culture and its people. This intersection of the two different systems and the inherent values that support each is creating a new space for contestation, or is it? This zone of contestation could also be regarded as a zone of eclecticism in which it is possible to construct a new approach to land use management by embracing not only culture, but also complexity theory and the current status of the evolution of planning theory, which focusses on the concept of collaboration. Such collaboration embraces the concepts of facilitation, negotiation, conflict management and learning. The complexity however deepens in that the Eastern Cape Provincial Spatial Development Plan (2010) has identified climate change and the sustainable agenda as being critical issues demanding attention going forward. Since the communal rural areas cover almost half of this Province it becomes absolutely critical that any new system must add value to the aims and objects of the sustainable agenda. It is also under this banner that the provision (quality and quantity) of certain natural services e.g. water and air become focal issues. Without these, existence ceases. The rural zone is the source of much of these. Here to success will depend on nurturing an ability to learn. In the light of the above the rural areas take on significant importance and hence new meaning. Not only are these rural zones inhabited by a specific culture, they are also zones upon which the urban zone depends. This interdependency must grow and as this happens there is an ever increasing need to integrate. Within the context of the above it becomes critical to engage in the collaborative and learning agendas in order to realise a land use and resource management system that respects diversity and its role in the sustainable paradigm. Spatial planning needs to embrace the dominant ethos of the rural zone and hence refrain from using a position of imposition i.e. creating conflict. It needs to embrace its own transformation and develop a more sensitive regulatory system that is born out of Africa, using African realities and a vision that has been developed by Africans for Africans. The rural zone must on an equal footing inform the urban. ‘I am because you are’.
Open Access
'n Teoretiese stadsbeplanningsondersoek na middestedlike agteruitgang met voorstelle vir herstrukturering in Suid-Afrika
(University of the Free State, 2000-11) Van Wyk, Rudolph Petrus Gerhardus; Steyn, J. J.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Urban land grabbing and its implications to sustainable urban development a reflection from Oshitayi area, Ondangwa (Namibia)
(University of the Free State, 2016-04) Shinguto, Simon; Stewart, Thomas
Land grabbing is not new as this concept can be traced back through centuries of human history all over the world. Throughout the world, land either in rural or in urban areas, was subjected to some form of grabbing. The main focus for this mini-dissertation was to seek answers as to (1) why people (i.e. commercial and residential users) gradually choose to grab strategic unplanned land within the townlands of Ondangwa, particularly in the Oshitayi area; and (2) the implications of land grabbing to sustai nable urban development. The objectives were to determine the reasons for land grabbing and what possible impacts (both positive and negative) this land grabbing can have on the sustainability of urban development. This mini-dissertation was theoretica l and relied mostly on qualitative data collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews, document reviews and participant observations. A sample size of 27 respondents was used to provide data for this minidissertation. Fifteen respondents were randomly sa mpled from a group of 1 268 land grabbers consisting of 1 054 commercial users and 214 res idential users occupying land illegally in the Oshitayi area. Another 12 respondents were purposely sampled from a group of 25 target population (i.e. six officials working for the Ondangwa Town Council as well as six private professional town planners with experience and knowledge of the situation in the Oshitayi area). Even though there is a globally accepted notion that land grabbing taking place in many cities is fuelled by urban poverty, there are new reasons found for land grabbing taking place in the Oshitayi area. The emerging picture of this type of land grabbing is different from the usual accepted norm of pro-poor land grabbing whereby the poor people who are unable to afford serviced land in urban areas are believed to grab any available undeveloped urban land for shelter. This type of land grabbing was found to be more "opportunistic" in nature which is observed not to have been founded on the ground of seeking shelter. This means that the actors involved in this type of land grabbing knew what they want with the land they are occupying and they are merely not the "urban poor". It was evident from the findings that the reasons attributed to this type of land grabbing includes investment opportunities being pursued by local entrepreneurs, the cumbersome and bureaucratic legislative framework that is governing land delivery, opportunistic compensations, poor institutional coordination and lack of public awareness/participation in municipal agendas. Sporadic land grabbing was found to have positive implications for the economic and social aspect of sustainability, whilst negative implications are eminent for spatial and environmental aspects of sustainability with respect to urban development.

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