Urban and Regional Planning

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Open Access
Alienation, reception and participative spatial planning on marginalised campuses during transformational processes
(Cogent OA, 2016) Smit, Emmie; Nel, Verna
Scientific publications acknowledge that geographical setting contributes greatly to the unique identity—and eventual sustainability and distinction—of a higher educational institution. This includes the marginalised campus—the satellite, secondary, branch, remote, rural or regional. Alienation of the marginalised campus from the main/mainstream campus forms an international discourse. This conceptual article aims to make an interdisciplinary contribution to the theoretical basis for spatial planning of a marginalised campus by considering a combination of the participative spatial planning (PSP) approach and theories of alienation and reception from the disciplines of the performing arts, philosophy, sociology, economy, literary history, cultural studies and landscaping. Based on well-established theories of alienation and reception, as well as on the positive outcomes of the PSP approach, this conceptual article provides a novel motivation for considering the influence of participation and non-participation and the long-term consequences of alienation and reception to planning projects.
Open Access
The applicability of gaming simulation in teaching and learning in urban and regional planning: a ten-year case study at the University of the Free State
(University of the Free State, 2013-07) Barclay, Elizabeth; Nel, V. J.
Abstract not available
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
Doing fieldwork among hard-to-reach populations: an account of local female researchers studying foreign migrants in downtown Bloemfontein, South Africa
(SAGE Publications, 2024) Ramogwebo, Theodorah; Hlongwane, Jeniffer Shalati; Bhanye, Johannes; Matamanda, Abraham
Fieldwork challenges involving hard-to-reach populations and with which many novice researchers grapple are apparent. However, literature on the issues related to female researchers’ experiences with hard-to-reach populations like undocumented foreign migrants is scarce. This article reflects on local female researchers’ fieldwork experiences during a study on the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on foreign migrants operating informal businesses in the downtown area of Bloemfontein, South Africa. Our findings highlight unique challenges confronted by local female researchers compared to their male counterparts, including the risk of physical and emotional harm. Despite these challenges, female researchers play a vital role in accessing and understanding hard-to-reach populations, contributing immensely to the fieldwork research process. We also recognize the influence of contextual factors, such as xenophobia, on fieldwork dynamics, emphasizing the need to consider broader socio-political factors during fieldwork. To foster more inclusive research practices, we advocate for the involvement of members from hard-to-reach populations as integral members of the research team, offering their invaluable insider perspectives, knowledge and cultural milieu. Looking ahead, we call for greater support for women in research, including gender-sensitive training, and increased awareness of gender-based risks during fieldwork.
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
Exploring the strategies employed by the greater Grasland community, Mangaung in accessing basic services
(University of the Free State, 2015-05) Mphambukeli, Thulisile Ncamsile; Nel, Verna; Chipkin, Ivor; Okorie, Victor
There was a spatial arrangement that the colonial-segregation-apartheid systems put in place in South Africa – a physical spatial relationship setup that segregated people mainly according to their race and class. In 1994 a ‘new ideology’ emerged – the delivery of adequate basic services – aiming to make a difference through transforming previously segregated spaces, using ‘new’ legislation and policies. Hence, democracy brought excitement of a ‘new South Africa’, ‘a rainbow nation’ as some called it, which was going to free people and transform the country. However, there were other forces that prevented the full realisation of this ‘new ideology’ that were, and are still at play even today. For instance, it has been a struggle for South Africa to move towards adequate basic service provision despite the significant changes and roll-out of basic services. The prevalence of high influx or (in)migration of people from neighbouring countries and the broader movement of rural depopulation (particularly farm evictions) to places like Grasland, are but some of the challenges that have contributed to basic service delivery inadequacies prevalent in the study area. Social justice, defined as values, process and practices for empowerment that disallow oneself to be oppressed, the promotion of values that disincline one to oppress others, and practices that enable equality and justice. Consequently, the study suggests that it was not useful to look at issues of inadequate basic service delivery from the lenses of spatial planning policy alone, but that we must also explore the practices of citizens through their lived experiences, as well as through the broader political processes and struggles. The thesis argues that only then can we start to recognise what really is at play and why the relevant policy and legislative was not effectively implemented. This thesis explores the strategies employed by the greater Grasland community in accessing basic services, especially in conditions of inadequate basic service delivery in and through formal municipal planning processes of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM). The study also attempts to understand how inequitable political and social power relations affect access to basic services within the community of Grasland and the implications for social justice in planning. The research was qualitative in nature, a descriptive phenomenological approach. Phenomenological research design approaches are less commonly used in urban and regional planning practice. Interviews were conducted with Grasland residents selected through snowball sampling as well as the relevant ward councillors. It was deduced that the Grasland residents took initiative to deal with challenges of access to basic services through various strategies. The thesis argues that these strategies can enable the MMM to plan with the local community towards adequate basic service provision. The study therefore provides some new insights for the planners and local government on how inadequate basic service delivery may be resolved through partnerships with local residents of Grasland, provided there is a willingness to learn from the improvised strategies that are employed by the residents. The key reason why this thesis is important is that it identifies factors that South Africa needs to grapple with towards making just spaces. Just spaces are those that do not constrain access to adequate basic services. The power relations evident in Grasland called into question government’s responsibilities towards its citizens versus the responsibilities of the citizens. This study vividly demonstrated that whilst ‘the state of temporariness’ of basic service provision and inadequacy persists in Grasland, planners and local government may learn something about how people take initiatives and employ strategies to access basic services. The anticipation from the recommendations is that a certain level of conscientising will ensue that speaks to the enabling use of power to enable effective and constructive social change, free of oppression.
Open Access
A framework for a sustainable land use management system in traditional Xhosa cultural geo-social zone of the rural Eastern Cape South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2015-07) Williams, A. D.; Nel, V.
Spatial planning in the Eastern Cape has generally pursued an ethos or set of rationalities that were founded in the colonial and apartheid eras. These rationalities were also embedded in the pursuit of modernity and a specific development trajectory which favoured the white community. In line with these ideological pursuits Xhosa culture and the geographic space it occupied were systematically reduced to serve a very distinct set of activities involving fulfilling the racially prejudiced demands for cheap and unskilled labour for the mines, industry and commercial farming sectors of the country. In spite of the unbelievable hardship and inhuman manipulation associated with these eras, Xhosa culture has survived. The heart of this culture is bound up in the dictum “I am because you are” and the journey of “becoming human” and nurturing “relationship” to achieve this. Relationship spans the living, the unborn and the departed. The geographic space that resonates with this dictum has been shaped by it: space then in the context of the Xhosa culture is a social construct and land is one medium through which this is realised. Access to land and the pursuit of Xhosa culture is a birth right. The drive to establish one spatial planning land use management system across the Province has raised concerns in that is this actually possible given the existence of such diverse rationalities between those pursued by traditional customary Xhosa culture and the modernist driven culture of spatial planning? This explores this complex web of cultural ideologies within the history and context of this Province in order to establish an answer to what is a critical question. Implicated too are notions of justice and international best practice. The prospect of the top down imposition of a state driven set of foreign developmental concepts that undermines or does not promote Xhosa culture may be regarded as unconstitutional. Notwithstanding, any culturally unacceptable imposition has within it the potential to undermine social cohesion and any real prospect for sustainable development. Spatial planning should seek to transform and enable in line with cultural norms and standards. Spatial planning should seek to serve.
Open Access
Future, change and choices
(Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of the Free State, 2010) Nel, Verna
Abstract not available
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
Improving the climate change resilience of informal settlements in mountainous regions of Africa: comparative case studies of Qwaqwa in South Africa and Konso in Ethiopia
(University of the Free State, 2017-02) Melore, Tamirat Wangore; Nel, Verna; Worku, Hailu
The aim of this study is to search for the strategies to improve climate change resilience of informal settlements in mountainous regions of Africa. The multidimensional and dynamic fea-tures of resilience require the use of a systems approach to research in the field. In line with this, informal settlements’ resilience to climate change needs to be recognised as a phenom-enon that is multidimensional and complex in its characteristics. Thus, the assessment em-phasised analysing various social, economic, spatial and physical variables. Accordingly, the conceptual framework of this study was developed by adopting a systems approach to assess climate change resilience of informal settlements in mountainous regions of Africa. This ap-proach encourages the use of integrated techniques in order to obtain a comprehensive insight into and to investigate the critical factors that determine vulnerability and resilience of informal settlements for climate change-induced risks. Accordingly, the philosophical position of this study can be categorised as a pragmatic re-search paradigm. This research paradigm allows the use of mixed research methods. A com-plex and dynamic system can be understood better by identifying the characteristics of the whole system, such as its interconnectedness, processes and adaptation patterns over time by using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Therefore, a mixed method of research was employed and the findings were confirmed by triangulation of both research methods. Furthermore, a comparative case study method was used, with the rationale of in-vestigating in-depth information about contextual-vulnerability and assessing place-based re-silience capacity. The assessment of resilience capacity of the case study areas was done by using a combination of two approaches, namely “principles to build a resilient system” and “capitals for disaster resilience”. These approaches were customised to the context of the case study areas. The capitals existing in the study sites were assessed against those principles needed to build a resilient system. The case studies were conducted at the peripheries of Phuthaditjhaba in South Africa and Karat in Ethiopia. The cultural and natural landscapes of the surrounding areas of the two small towns were registered as world heritage sites by UNESCO. The influence of traditional lead-ership at the periphery of the two towns is high. The two small towns are both located in moun-tainous regions of Africa with an altitude exceeding 1 650 metres above sea level. These are the justifications to the selection of the two case study areas for the purpose of this research. To achieve the intended objectives of the study, a theoretical review has been conducted by considering different schools of thought about vulnerability and resilience assessment. The outcome revealed that there is no single universally applicable and accepted vulnerability and resilience assessment framework or model. This is mainly because of the complexity and con-ceptual pluralism of the concepts. Therefore, to minimise the drawbacks of using a single frame-work, it is recommended that the hybrid frameworks are used to generate comprehensive and reliable context-based outcome. In addition, flexibility in terms of devising fit-for-the-purpose frameworks is one of the fundamental considerations in theoretical and applied studies. The findings in the case of Phuthaditjhaba indicated that the area is vulnerable to climate change threats such as shortage of water, flash flooding caused by heavy seasonal rainfall, extremely cold weather conditions during winter, and strong and damaging winds. This result in damage to houses in the informal settlements, soil erosion and rock falls from hillsides that damage the informal settlements situated at the bottom of the Drakensberg Mountains. In the case of Karat, the area is vulnerable to climate change shocks such as periodic droughts, rainfall variability and increasing temperature. This causes reduction of agricultural productivity and makes the local community susceptible to a shortage of water and food. In order to im-prove resilience, the local communities used to practise indigenous knowledge to build terrac-ing and stonewalls to conserve water and soil, and they used to plant drought-resistant trees. One outcome of this study revealed that the African indigenous knowledge system that en-courages local solutions for local problems must be promoted for resilience planning. Building climate change-resilience capacity of informal settlements requires the successful application of indigenous knowledge and its integration with scientific knowledge. In line with this, the crit-ical question is how to maximise the potential use of indigenous knowledge to cope with com-plex climate-change risks in informal settlements found in mountainous regions of Africa. Therefore, integration of the indigenous and scientific knowledge systems by considering the contexts of the application is one of the critical strategies to cope with climate change-induced risks. To realise this, the combination of both bottom-up and top-down planning approaches need to be practised and there must be local institutions that facilitate the ’hybridisation’ pro-cess. Finally, to improve climate change resilience of informal settlements in both case study areas, it is recommended that customised, hybridised and flexible climate change resilience planning needs to be promoted.
Open Access
The influence of market forces in urban planning: a South African perspective
(University of the Free State, 2002-02) Jonker, A. J.; Botha, W. J. van H.; Jonker, W.; Boulle, Arthur J.; Jonker, Herman
English: The main objective of this study is to illustrate the importance of market forces on the urban form and how these forces should be incorporated into the overall jigsaw puzzle of spatial and urban planning to produce a result that is equitable and fair to the people who are affected thereby. This has been undertaken with specific reference to South Africa. Since the 1980s it became clear that dramatic population increases would take place in the world's urban areas in general, and in particular in the mega-cities of developing countries. Various authors have predicted that economic growth would be accompanied by an acceleration in the rate of urbanisation; a considerable increase would occur in the number of metropolitan conglomerates with over 4 million people each; and mega-city formation would be more massive and rapid in the developing countries than in the developed ones, thus continuing to increase the population glut in many Third World cities.(Botha 1990, Cernea 1993, Potter & Lloyd-Evans 1998, International Monetary Fund 1999a) These forecasts became reality in the late 1990s and have become one of the major challenges for city administrators and planners in the third millennium.
Open Access
Infusing disaster resilience thinking and practice into rural settlement planning, development and management in Zimbabwe
(University of the Free State, 2021-11) Chirisa, Innocent; Nel, Verna; Chakwizira, James
Rural areas in Zimbabwe, as elsewhere, are undergoing various transformations, some induced by natural processes and others by human interventions. One has to acknowledge the increase anthropogenic actions on the Earth since the 1950 that have partly triggered the challenges facing the planet. Infusion implies a deliberate mainstreaming with debates, practices and policies of an agenda. In this case, in education, health, social policy directions and related matters, resilience thinking needs to be the bottom line of discussion. That away positive results are expected. This thesis contributes to the debate on planning, development and management of rural settlements under the impact of environmental disasters largely induced by climate change. The thesis suggests measures towards the infusion of disaster resilience thinking and practice in rural settlement planning. Publications in the study are informed by various methodologies, including literature review, archival, fieldwork, interviewing and surveys. The thesis is structured into four major sections. The first section, Section A covers Preliminary Pages of the thesis that include Dedication, Preface, Executive Summary and Abstracts of Publications and Acknowledgements. The second section, Section B is Introduction, Literature and the Study Local Context and covers three chapters, Chapter 1, the Introduction, Chapter 2, Natural Disaster Resilience, Rural Settlement Planning and Housing: A Literature Review and Chapter 3, Understanding Zimbabwe: Disaster Resilience Thinking and Practice and Rural Settlement Planning, Development and Management. The third section, Section C (see also Appendix 1) contains the articles and publications. Under this section, three categories of publications are presented, A, B and C. A are those papers that speak to the situation analysis regarding the incident of climate change and environmental challenges as they reflect in the rural areas. B speaks to those papers that try to speak to measurement and indicators of climate resilience plus global and regional experiences in the same. The C category speaks to possible options and initiatives that can be done for rural disaster resilience practice enhancement. The last section is Section D entitled Study Synthesis, Conclusion and Options. Quite apparent in the foregoing discussion and thesis is the acknowledgement that disasters and risks with the paraphernalia of their impacts are growing to be part and parcel of life at a global scale. As such resilience thinking is the way to. The buffeting shall continue but systems have to be proofed and designed that the readiness is always in place. Preparing for disasters and risks begins by the general awareness, followed by a deliberate step in putting ‘cushions’ in place. A collaborative approach is required. In the thesis, the study has demonstrated that the players are many and includes individuals, organised (and unorganised communities, divided by aspects of gender, age, professionalism, spatial boundaries, etc, government (local and central) and non-state actors (community – based organisation and corporates). There have different capacities and contributions to the debate and practice of resilience, mitigation and adaption. These players should have a principal agenda of tapping on the diversity to bring solution to different scales of intervention – site, community, district or precinct, regional, national or even international. They have to live above besetting politics towards creating consensus for wise action. The study proposes an 8Ss Model for inculcating resilience thinking and practice in rural settlement planning and management as a strategy for managing disaster risk.
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
Land-use management system as a tool towards achieving low-carbon cities in South Africa
(Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of the Free State, 2011) Nel, Verna
English: The scientific community has to a large extent accepted that climate change is no longer a vague threat but a growing reality attributed to the build-up of greenhouse gas emissions. As urban areas are responsible for a substantial component, these emissions, reducing carbon emissions from cities, can make a significant difference in reducing global emissions. This article examines the nature and extent of greenhouse gas emissions in South Africa, and explores the contribution that spatial planning, land development and regulatory aspects of the land-use management system can make towards achieving lower carbon cities.
Open Access
Lessons from the strategic management of integrated development planning in Kwazulu-Natal from 1994 to 2006
(University of the Free State, 2007-11-30) Theron, Jan Hendrik; Steyn, J. J.; Fox, N. P.
The main aim of the study is to assess the success in performance of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Government’s strategic management of integrated development planning as was expected by the Constitution and subsequent developmental policies, legislation, programmes and projects from 1994 to 2006. The literature review indicated that strategic management consists of three phases, namely planning, implementation and control, each phase with its own sub-steps. These elements formed the basis for the development of a Strategic Management Model represented by the following “Key”: KEY TO STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT MODEL Phase Step Activity and Evaluation Criteria 1 Initiate and agree on strategic management process 2 Clarify organisational mandates 3 Identify strategic issues facing the organisation 4 Formulate vision and goals 5 Undertake SWOT analysis: determine internal strengths and weaknesses, external opportunities and threats Planning 6 Formulate and adopt strategies to address strategic issues 7 Planning of plan Implementation implementation 8 Phased implementation 9 Monitoring 10 Evaluation Control 11 Review The Model is then applied to evaluate the strategic management of two KZN Provincial wide programmes, namely the KZN Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) from 1994 to 2000, and KZN municipal integrated development planning from 2000 to 2006, both of which aim to substantiate the following four hypotheses: (1) The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government’s execution of the strategic management of integrated development planning in KZN to advance development in KZN was successful; (2) The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government undertook successfully an initiative to improve alignment and capacitating of Provincial Departments and Local Government for them to be able to undertake integrated development planning in a sustainable manner; (3) The Strategic Management Model for the management of integrated development planning set out in the study is a handy tool could be presented in a narrative format and/or in a matrix or table format, depending on the particular situation or management preferences; and (4) The application of the Strategic Management Model in KZN confirms issues and trends highlighted in the literature review of the strategic management of integrated development planning. The advancement of international theoretical thought on strategic management is also addressed. Several lessons learnt from the strategic management of integrated development planning in KZN are discussed. The study concluded by making several recommendations to improve KZN’s performance in the field of the strategic management of integrated development planning.