The role of integrated development planning in the integration and transformation of former apartheid townships in South Africa : a case study of Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (INK), eThekwini Municipality (Durban).

Abstract

During the Apartheid period township areas were excluded from development. Townships only contained residential land uses, and limited social services of poor quality. Such areas lacked economic activities people had to travel to the city for employment opportunities and access to better services. As a result of apartheid planning, the country was left with cities and towns that are racially divided, lack access to business and other services and have sprawling informal settlements and spread out residential areas that make cheap service delivery difficult. All the above mentioned outcomes require a new approach to address the development challenges in South Africa. This led to the formulation of Integrated development planning processes, which were adopted to contribute towards eradicating the legacy of the past by providing a framework for economic, social development, environment protection and to deal with spatial and infrastructure issues in all the municipal areas. This study presents findings on the extent in which integrated development planning initiative in eThekwini Municipality has transformed and integrated the Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (INK) areas. Based on the findings of this research it has been revealed that integrated development planning approach has played a major role in transforming and integrating the INK area, hence there has been improvement in the social, economic and the spatial aspects of development. However it is recommended that the municipality also consider development of light industries and skills development initiatives to address social and economic issues that are a challenge for INK areas