No abstract

The need to transform the structure and morphology of South African cities remained high on the policy agenda of all three spheres of government in South Africa since 1994. The influence of a range of spatial policies and planning instruments aimed at achieving more compact urban structures and higher densities are evaluated through the application of a range of density indicators and models. A number of defining characteristics and distinct variations of density models applicable to South African cities are identified and compared to the profile of some international cities. The results confirm modest increases in densities and changes to urban form, as envisaged by spatial policies and plans. The observed patterns and changes suggest an emerging trend of more decentralized urban structures in South Africa.

The paper analyses trends in the location of commercial, industrial, and diff erent residential land uses in the four largest metropolitan cities of South Africa over the past decade. Recent development patterns show strong decentralisation trends of away from core cities to the metropolitan fringes despite proactive containment policies. Elements of the diff erential urbanisation model are used to explain heterogeneous migration patterns within a rapidly urbanising South African population. Indications are that strong centrifugal patterns in the cities are linked to both local decentralisation and defl ected urbanisation at the regional level. This results in continuing social stratifi cation in all four agglomerations and the continuation of the 'post-apartheid city.' The persistent movement of populations and commercial and industrial land uses to the urban fringe has resulted in the strengthening of the multicentric urban framework of the four metropolitan cities.

No abstract

No abstract