The political economy of urban and regional planning in South Africa, 1900 to 1988 : towards theory to guide progressive practice.
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Date
1989
Authors
Smit, Daniel Petrus.
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Abstract
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.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1989.
Keywords
Theses--Town and regional planning., City planning--South Africa., Regional planning--South Africa., Regional planning--Political aspects--South Africa., Regional planning--Economic aspects--South Africa., City planning--Political aspects--South Africa., City planning--Economic aspects--South Africa.