New cities-new economies: policy framework for redirecting South Africa's patterns of urban development in pursuit of integrated and sustainable socio-economic development

Abstract

This research is predicated upon a spatial policy concern regarding the current post-apartheid urban experiences in South Africa. Based on what has been analyzed and critiqued thus far in terms of this situation, the policy concern has to do with the need to drastically redirect South Africa’s patterns of urban development in ways that can foster integrated and sustainable socio-economic development. ☐ This is a qualitative research study. The central questions that have been posed in this regard are: What are the current patterns of urban development in South Africa? How did they come about and what sustains them? What are the impediments in the current policies and implementation plans, which make urban development patterns in South Africa unable to deliver equitable and inclusive socio-economic outcomes that are consistent with the creation of a just society? And what are the core principles and features of a new policy framework that can guide a more equitable, just and sustainable pattern of urban development in South Africa? How does the development of new cities in South Africa anchor such a new policy framework? ☐ This has paved the way for the crafting of a policy framework, anchored on the creation of new cities, which is aimed at redirecting patterns of urban development in South Africa. The New Cities – New Economies thesis is a proposition that is aimed at fueling the long overdue economic growth and transformation of the South African society. It is the gestation of an economic revolution. It is indeed a Grand Plan, which will not only serve South Africa but has potential to reverberate across the entire African continent. This Grand Plan is the promise of the South Africa we yearn for, the Africa we want. ☐ New cities herald new economies, new economies yield jobs and empowerment and therefore destroy both poverty and apartheid economic legacy. The new cities should have a symbiotic relationship with the economy. As new cities herald new economies; new economies will anchor and sustain new cities. These are egalitarian cities. Egalitarian cities are equitable cities that promote cohabitation, where people share in the wealth of their nations.