The South African Cities Network: Towards championing the urban agenda of South Africa

Abstract

This paper examines the emergence and role of the South African Cities Network (SACN) in the South African urban policy landscape. Since its establishment in 2002 the SACN has evolved as an organisation, which plays an increasingly influential role in defining and framing the urban agenda in South Africa. The article reviews the form, functions, role and practice of the SACN and highlights the role it has assumed in driving urban policy development issues. The argument presented is based on key stakeholder interviewers conducted with the leadership of the SACN and an analysis of the policy reports and outputs generated by the organisation.

The Planning Challenges of Extended Metropolitan Areas: Issues From South Africa

“…This section provides an overview of available research and debates focused on Tshwane, Buffalo City and eThekwini drawing from the handful of published research studies which cover issues around urban-rural interdependencies in these regions and, most importantly from three unpublished reports which were commissioned by the South African Cities Network (SACN) on Tshwane, Buffalo City and eThekwini and mainly deal with infrastructural issues around water and electricity provision. As Abrahams (2016) points out since its establishment in 2002 the SACN has evolved as an organization which plays a significant role in defining and framing the urban policy agenda in South Africa.…”