Spatial Transformation Workshop Sparks Critical Dialogue on Inclusive Urban Planning

A recent Spatial Transformation Workshop brought together stakeholders from civil society, government, academia, and professional practice to examine key challenges and pathways for advancing spatial transformation in South Africa.

Discussions focused on the role of land in delivering affordable housing, highlighting the need for contextually appropriate and differentiated approaches. Participants raised concerns that current interventions may, in some cases, reproduce existing spatial patterns rather than address structural inequalities.

The workshop highlighted the relevance of African-centred and decolonised planning approaches, alongside concerns regarding limited political traction for more transformative spatial agendas. The relative prioritisation of spatial planning within government processes, as well as gaps in participation by key decision-makers, were also noted.

Attention was given to the conditions experienced by households on the urban periphery, with discussions exploring the relationship between economic and spatial transformation, levels of public engagement in planning processes, and prevailing social attitudes. The persistence of informality—linked in part to the limited accessibility of formal housing markets—was identified as a central feature of the current spatial form.

Participants further pointed to the need to strengthen capacity and coordination within the built environment sector, and to reinforce rural–urban linkages in support of more balanced development outcomes.

Spatial transformation was framed in terms of measurable improvements in access to economic opportunities, education, and healthcare. In this regard, closer alignment between spatial planning instruments, including Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs), and broader socio-economic objectives was identified as a priority.

This engagement forms part of an ongoing research initiative to develop a provocation on spatial transformation, undertaken in collaboration with Prof Amira Osman.

The workshop concluded with reflections on the extent to which current governance processes enable or constrain spatial change, highlighting the importance of policy alignment, inclusive planning processes, and implementation capacity.

Watch highlights of the dialogue