Abstract
Abstract
South Africa’s defragmented spatial patterns, unattractive and mono-functional settlements, especially the former locations, perhaps bear full testimony of the limitations of the planning systems in place. Characterized by incoherent and lengthy land market processes, the planning system in South Africa has rendered many a township to near-slum living conditions.
Not only are the townships in a state of disrepair but they are also not economically viable and thus not sustainable. Clearly, more proactive, less cumbersome and flexible avenues of planning need to be investigated.
The FIFA World Cup 2010 poses myriad challenges for local government. In anticipation of South Africa hosting the FIFA World Cup 2010, a number of municipalities and civil society bodies have embarked on upgrade projects. Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) is one such municipality. Although the EMM has not been earmarked to host any of the mega event’s matches, it has rolled out a substantial budget to beautify its area of jurisdiction. Much of the capital spending of the abovementioned budget has been set aside for what is termed the 2010 Legacy Projects. Legacy, by implication, connotes long term benefits and the taking of pride in something. The question is then, what are or what will the benefits of these Legacy Projects be and what impression will be left after the World Cup on the ordinary South African living within these areas? Essentially the question being asked is “Apart from the potential financial gain, infrastructure improvement and facilities upgrading, is the standard of living of individuals, especially those in townships going to improve?” The improvement of the above entities is paramount in the face of South Africa’s development agenda. What should however take precedence is the accessibility of ordinary citizens to these improved entities and amenities. Secondly, the role and extent to which these will be improved needs to be informed by the citizens i.e. development for the people by the people.
There is a long history of policies that have seeked to improve people’s lives in South Africa. However, in retrospect, many of these policies, strategies and projects have worsened people’s lives. Clearly, this cannot be allowed especially at this late juncture in our development agenda, which seeks to drastically reduce poverty levels in our country.
In this regard, this paper seeks to elucidate EMM’s expectations vs. society’s expectations of the projects coined as Legacy Projects. It questions the legibility and intensions of the Legacy Projects currently being implemented in Vosloorus, a township under the jurisdiction of the EMM. It will then draw comparisons with the townships Kathlehong, Thokoza (which together with Vosloorus form Katorus).