Town and Regional Planning

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Indian housing in the Marburg Port Shepstone sub-region.
(1976) Bradley, John Edward.; Theron, Jakobus Daniel.
No abstract available.
A study of zoning and development controls with application to flat development in Berea North, Durban.
(1978) Harris, Janet Lynne.
This dissertation deals, firstly, with the nature of zoning and development controls, and their relationship to the planning process. From this broad overview the emphasis changes to deal more specifically with how these regulations affect flat development; and to look at the Durban Town Planning Scheme area of Berea North in particular. The zoning and dimensional regulations are examined in detail, along with the flat development that has taken place in Berea North as a result of the implementation of these regulations. An evaluation of the Berea North regulations follows, which covers four aspects, namely, evaluation of the planning process, the goals, the regulations, and the resultant development. This leads into an examination of some alternative systems of Development Control, with the suggestion that these be considered for implementation in Durban. The conclusions arrived at in this study are that zoning and development controls are essential elements of planning; that they are both part of the Development Control system; that there is strong justification for controlling flat development; that the methods for controlling flat development in Berea North are neither efficient nor sufficient; and that there are alternative and more successful ways of controlling flat development.
Costs in townships: a case study of Phoenix.
(1979) Isemonger, Dennis J.; Kahn, Michael.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
The aim of the dissertation is to examine the costs in township housing and to identify some major issues and concepts by means of a case study for consideration by planners. The study is divided into three main sections. The first deals with some concepts of cost, the need for cost awareness, and a justification of the dissertation topic. The South African low income housing policy is also discussed insofar as it is of concern for planners. The second section consists of a case study of a case study of the Phoenix New Town design. An alternative to that of the Phoenix design is put forward and both are then evaluated in terms of criteria specifically formulated for that purpose. The last section concerns the conclusions of the case study, and contains some policy and design implications for planners.
Betterment planning in South Africa.
(1982) Seneque, Garth Clement.; Smit, Daniel Petrus.
Betterment Planning is the major form of rural development planning which has been implemented in the Reserve areas of South Africa. The first Bettemnent schemes were begun after 1939. Whilst Betterment Planning has undergone certain modifications in theory and implementation over the past 42 years, it is still being implemented by the 'homeland' governments. This paper is of necessity only a preliminary study or working paper, the aim of which is to explore the theoretical and concrete issues which a comprehensive evaluation of Betterment Planning would need to confront in detail. I have chosen to analyse Betterment Planning for a number of reasons. First, whilst preparing a report on settlement patterns in KwaZu1u/Natal for the Buthelezi Commission early in 1981, I found that there was very little published material on Betterment Planning. Further, in the course of this research, I was surprised to find that practising planners and academics in Natal seemed to know little about it. Second, reports on development planning for the homelands ignore Betterment Planning entirely. For example, the "Towards a Plan for KwaZulu" (1978) makes no mention what soever of the Betterment Planning in KwaZulu, let alone undertakes an analysis of the successes/failures of its implementation. Yet it stresses that: "the reform and development of the agricultural sector should be accorded the highest priority. Failure to make progress in this area will jeopardise all the objectives of the Plan." (Thorrington-Smith et al 1978 : 22). To undertake rural development planning without an analysis and understanding as to why it is necessary, can only result in the proposed plans being at best superficial and, at worst, ones which exacerbate the problem they set out to solve. All too often development planning is nothing more than problem-solving oriented: the problem is identified and described, and the planners put forward a solution to solve it. However, for a solution to have even a chance of being successfully implemented, the causes and history of the problem must be fully analysed and understood. It is just as crucial to analyse and evaluate previous attempted solutions to the problem. For, in failing, they may have become additional constraints, i.e. in themselves the previous solutions may have become part of the problem. Third, most of the homelands are politically 'semi-independent' or 'independent'. They have their own agriculture and planning departments which have realized that rural development is a priority in any homeland development. Consequently in recent years, these homelands have been looking for new rural development strategies. In the light of my second point above, it is therefore important that Betterment Planning is analysed and evaluated. Fourth, the writings of neo-Marxist and Marxist theoreticians on South Africa have almost completely failed to address the role and function of Betterment Planning in the transformation of the South African social formation. Most of their attention has been focussed on the white agricultural areas.
Planning with South African labour statistics : the politics of ignorance.
(1984) Moll, Terence Clive.; Nattrass, Jill.
No abstract available.
An approach to spatial planning in Southern Africa with particular reference to Transkei's north-east region.
(1986) Robinson, Peter Spencer.; Maasdorp, Gavin Grant.
The aim of this research was to investigate how spatial planning could contribute to development in the peripheral regions of Southern Africa. It was undertaken at a time when conventional regional planning was under attack from several quarters and the very relevance of planning at regional scale was being questioned. This state of flux in regional planning doctrine and practice presented an opportune setting to establish a method embracing the most relevant components of the debate. The proposed approach to spatial planning took into account the main parameters determining the context within which both planning and development can occur in Southern Africa's peripheral regions. It was tested in a typical environment - that of north-eastern Transkei. The proposed methodology places particular emphasis on the integrative role of planning (sectoral and spatial) at regional scale and on the means of implementation. It was used to draw up a Spatial Development Plan for the region and to set the implementation process in motion. The impact of both the plan and the process were monitored and evaluated after two years. With some refinements, the methodology proved to be an effective means of planning for development and initiating a sequence of actions geared towards development in the region. The conclusions were that spatial planning has a role to play in increasing the productive capacities and improving the living conditions of people in peripheral regions. However, this role is constrained both by the structural dimensions of underdevelopment in these areas (which spatial planning alone cannot resolve), and by the extent of which planners are able to remain involved in the implementation of their plans as part of a continuous development process. It is apparent that more attention needs to be paid to consultation, communication and community liaison than to the technical side of planning. Thus planners need not only to return to the fields of procedural and substantive theory to bolster their doctrine; but they also need to adopt the approach of McGee's "dirty boots brigade".
The political economy of urban and regional planning in South Africa, 1900 to 1988 : towards theory to guide progressive practice.
(1989) Smit, Daniel Petrus.; McCarthy, Jeffrey J.; Kahn, Michael.
The dissertation has three major objectives. The first is to examine the relation between the nature and trajectory of urban and regional planning in South Africa, and developments within the, South African political economy of which it is an integral part. The second is to contribute to the sparse literature on the history of urban and regional planning in South Africa. The third is to consider the historical record on and the prospects for facilitating progressive social change through planning in South Africa. An empirical analysis of the history of urban and regional planning for the period 1900 to 1988 provides the basis for the achievement of all three objectives. In attempting to fulfil the first objective Sate emphasis is placed on examining the relationship between territorial apartheid and planning. The experiential basis of the distinction often made between planning and apartheid by South African planners is explored. The conclusion reached is that whilst a distinction between the trajectory of professional town planning and territorial apartheid is sustainable, there has also been a very substantial measure of articulation. Special emphasis is also given to examining the relationship between planning and the specific nature and history of the accumulation process in South Africa. In this regard it is concluded that the accumulation process has bone both an indirect and direct relation to planning at different junctures. At times the trajectory of accumulation has simply provided a context which has affected the definition of social priorities and placed limits on what could be pursued through planning. At other times the momentum of accumulation has quite directly affected planning, providing opportunities for or requiring responses from planners. As far as the record on the social role played by planners is concerned, it is concluded that planning has not cut a particularly progressive profile. The emergence of a progressive planning movement in South Africa is however noted. Possibilities for pursuing progressive practices are identified against the background of a detailed analysis of the contemporary period.
The use pattern of urban open spaces : case of a low-income residential area.
(1991) Hlahla, Mpho.; Kahn, Michael.
No abstract available.
The empowerment approach as a way of connecting women to rural water supply.
(1991) Mahlawe, Nomaxabiso K.
No abstract available.
Retirement villages on the Natal South Coast : a viable planning option in catering for the housing needs of the elderly.
(1992) Southwell, Robert.; Von Riesen, Annette Janine.
No abstract available.
An appraisal of the 1991/92 City Engineers land-use proposals for the revitalisation of the Point Area.
(1993) Borthwick, John Baillie.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
No abstract available.
Development initiatives in hostels in South Africa.
(1993) Vedalankar, Vidhulekha Nardev.; Smit, Daniel Petrus.
Hostels have become synonymous with the migrant labour system in South Africa. They were first introduced on the mines to house workers cheaply. The significant feature of these hostels was that they were for "single" males - they did not cater for the housing needs of workers families. Their design made them useful, to the employers, in controlling their workers. As the manufacturing and construction sectors grew, hostels similar to those one the mines were replicated in most urban centres in South Africa. They were useful in reducing the cost of reproducing labour by externalising these costs to the reserves, later the bantustans. At the same time they performed a valuable political role by ridding the "white" urban areas of the "swart gevaar". This role was reinforced during the period of Apartheid, and hostels are therefore seen as "artefacts of the era of apartheid". More recently they became notorious as "urban fortresses" from which acts of violence were perpetrated, particularly on the Reef. As the country moves towards a post-apartheid non-racial democracy the injustices and inhumanities of the hostel system will have to be redressed. The miserable and wretched conditions will have to be transformed and hostels will have to be integrated into "normal" community life. The recent violence succeeded, at great cost, in instilling a sense of urgency for the transformation of hostels, so as to reduce the potential for further conflict and violence. All the major actors committed themselves to a national development initiative to transform hostels. Hostels however, are a complex phenomenon, serving varying functions and performing many roles. There is therefore a need for a more thorough understanding of the various features of hostels to inform any intervention if it is going to be meaningful or lasting. This dissertation examines the complexities of the hostel question with a view to informing development interventions in hostels. In this thesis the focus is on physical/spatial planning interventions.
Medium density housing in Pietermaritzburg : a product of the town planning scheme regulations towards a new understanding.
(1995) Montgomery, Andrew David.; Kahn, Michael.
No abstract available.
The potential for the application of pedestrianisation and traffic calming to suburbanised commercial streets where pedestrians and vehicles are in conflict.
(1995) Pooran, Sonitha.; Kahn, Michael.
In response to urban society 's disenchantment with the automobile and the conflict that has resulted between pedestrians and vehicles, came the development of pedestrian oriented streets. This involved a clear shift in priorities to redress the balance in the street in favour of the pedestrians with respect to motor vehicles - in a process called "Pedestrianisation". Much more common, however was to "Traffic Calm" those streets in which motor vehicle access was still necessary. This study examines the application of "Pedestrianisation" and "Traffic Calming" to larger suburbanised commercial streets as a potential solution in mitigating the conflict between pedestrians and vehicles. In order to do this, the study evaluates the success/failure of the Umhlanga and Pietermaritzburg "Pedestrianisation" and "Traffic Calming" schemes. This evaluation proceeds by examining how each area caters/does not cater for the needs of its "users" (pedestrians and motorists) and tenants. The evaluation also includes obtaining the comments of the planners that were involved in each scheme, in order to determine if the initial objectives of each plan had been achieved or not. Findings and conclusions from the various data collection methods are presented. These are followed by recommendations that are important for the success of any "Pedestrianisation" and "Traffic Calming" scheme that may be implemented more specifically in larger suburbanised commercial streets.
Small and micro enterprises as a means to fostering local economic development in African townships : the case of Inanda.
(1995) Dass, Melanie.; Todes, Alison Elaine.
Abstract not available.
The availability of appropriate sports facilities : case study : Pinetown.
(1995) Maree, Kerryn Lindsey.
No abstract available.
A theory on integration : an investigation into the nature of integration along the R102 within Umgeni Road and Clairwood.
(1995) Lilleby, Lise C.
No abstract available.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of civic structures in housing development with reference to St. Wendolins and Savannah Park.
(1995) Mahura, Ntebatse Salome Sophia.; Williamson, Amanda.
Since the transition to democracy, debates have revolved around the future role of civics in South Africa. Civics have been engaged in matters pertaining to protest against apartheid policies, which excluded black South Africans from decision-making processes. With apartheid dismantled, a need arose to redefine their roles. One view is that civics should remain mass-based and act as 'watchdogs', in order to ensure that local government becomes sufficiently democratic and sensitive to the needs of the community. The other view is that their role should shift from protest to development, with particular reference to housing, in order to help address the development needs of the community. If one supports the argument that civics should involve themselves directly in development, one needs to address some criticisms and doubts that have been raised. Some allege that civics cannot participate effectively in development because they do not represent the interests and concerns of the majority in the community. Their effectiveness in development is questioned on the basis that they do not have the capacity, given their lack of experience. Others, however, view civics as the appropriate vehicle to engage in effective development because, being in close contact with the community, they know best what the interests and priorities of the community are. Two casestudy areas, St Wendolins and Savannah Park, were selected to investigate the potential role of civics in development, with particular reference to housing delivery. This was done through interviews. The performance of civics in Independent Development Trust (IDT) projects in these areas was examined to assess their effectiveness as a basis for understanding their future role in housing development, particularly the consolidation process. The findings indicated that civics were not effective, largely because of internal and external factors. They do not have financial, administrative and technical skills essential for participating in effective housing development. Furthermore, they are not truly representative and do not have the resources to manage the process. On the other hand civics were constrained by the authorities and agencies who came with a predetermined package, which ignored effective participation and imposed development on them. As a reSUlt, civics were not empowered. and did not gain capacity because there was no effective transfer of skills. Notwithstanding these inadequacies, the study has argued for civic participation in housing development in the future because they are locally-based and are important organs of civil society which understands the aspirations and problems of their constituencies. This will be a move away from the 'top-down' approach which was employed by bureaucrats in the apartheid era. Civics need to play an effective role in development in order to complement the role of local government. To play this role, civics as well as the officials, need to change and adapt to the new participatory roles. Civics should be democratically elected, and should be engaged in all stages of development. They should undergo training which will enable them to acquire the necessary skills. Through participation in social compacts, civics can help promote housing development which corresponds to the needs and priorities of their constituencies.
Urban agriculture as a survival strategy : implications for planning.
(1995) Coovadia, Yasmin Y.
Urbanisation is one of the most forceful social and economic trends currently affecting large cities in the developing world and is an important component of national economic development processes. This is despite the general decline of formal urban economies in both developed and developing countries. A mirror-image reflection of the urbanisation process is increasing urban poverty, clearly evident in large cities and metropolitan areas in South Africa. The urban poor, local government, and urban planners have responded to urbanisation and poverty in different ways. Informal settlement processes take place and consolidate themselves in a climate of isolation and continuous conflict with the rules of the established formal urban economy, with the informal sector providing a safety net for survival. With the barest minimum of resources people living in informal settlements have provided some sort of shelter for themselves in spite of successive and systematic governmental opposition. They have generated many income earning opportunities in the informal sector; and in some cases they have made and effort to supplement household food supplies through direct production within the city. The practice of urban agriculture is guided by the "logic for survival" and it may be equated to squatter housing and street trading in that they are all examples of innovative responses from the urban poor. In the recent past the general response of local government planning authorities in African cities has been the fomiulation and implementation of urban management programmes linked to poverty alleviation programmes. It is within this context that various government authorities have responded by repressing the survival strategies of the urban poor, · tolerating it if they lacked the capacity to control it, or encouraging it by having had enabling mechanisms in place to support such activities. Generally, government authorities have used all of the above strategies simultaneously due to a relatively greater acceptance or tolerance of some informal activities in comparison to others. The practice of urban agriculture has been repressed in certain countries, while tolerated or promoted in others. For urban planners the connection between food and the land on which it is produced has become increasingly remote and abstract as an issue that directly concerns urban planning and wellfare. Food production and distribution is intricately linked to the global economic trade, and it will be difficult to change the terms of trade in an effort to produce subsistence food supplies. People living in urban areas are reliant on the cash purchase of food which in turn is linked to levels of affordability. However in the face of declining real incomes and reduced purchasing power, and as mentioned above, the poor and destitute have resorted to supplementing their household food supplies through direct production within the city. Food relief programmes are an added expense to government's already overburdened coffers. As such food security is a matter that urban planners and policy makers should consider from now on. Urban agriculture has an important role to play in feeding the ever growing urban popUlation, especially the urban poor. The planning of cities rarely considers the production of urban food supplies since the prevailing attitude is one that consigns food production to the rural areas, with the focus of the city on the pursuit of economic activities. There is an compelling urgency to defeat the ethical, ideological, psychological, attitudinal and practical obstacles to promoting urban agriculture since positive policies in support of urban agriculture are unlikely to emerge from this negative frame of mind.
Capacity building alongside delivery in the rural development context : a comparative study of the Ngwavuma and Mapumulo water schemes.
(1995) McCann, Melinda.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
This dissertation investigates the approach and process employed to both water delivery and capacity building in two distinct KwaZulu-Natal schemes within Mapumulo and Ngwavuma - the Masibambisane Water Project and the Shemula Community Water Supply Scheme, respectively. The principal concern of the study is whether capacity building may proceed alongside service delivery. The context of the study is established in exploring several theories of rural development, the role of power structures, the state and development agents, as well as the Reconstruction and Development Programme, in relation to rural development. Furthermore, the concept of capacity building is examined in terms of theory and practice in order to conceptually locate the schemes under consideration. The central argument of the dissertation is that effective management of the delivery process, from investigatory work through to implementation and maintenance of the product, enables capacity building to proceed apace. The primary research conducted around the respective schemes offers support to the argument and further highlights the centrality of extensive community consultation and participation within the delivery process. It is further argued that capacity building is not simply a desirable, but essential component of community-based development initiatives, particularly where the role played by community members subsequent to project implementation is critical to the sustainability of the product. In addition, a comprehensive and grounded understanding of the development context and of the needs and aspirations of the beneficiary community are advanced as being indispensable in seeking to successfully deliver a service in a manner that is appropriate and sustainable. Finally, the role of the state, funding institutions and delivery agents within the rural development context may prove highly effective in facilitating fundamental positive changes in the quality of life experienced by rural people. However, it is argued that in order for such development to proceed, such agents need to adopt a self-critical approach and adapt their current policies, practice and perceptions in accordance with the constraints and opportunities of the development context.

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