Abstract
Rapid urban growth has become a central challenge affecting the functionality, efficiency, and sustainability of transportation systems in many developing countries. This study investigates the impact of urban growth on transportation infrastructure and mobility in the City of Mbombela, South Africa, a rapidly expanding secondary city experiencing increasing population pressure, land-use changes, and escalating travel demand. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative data from commuter questionnaires with qualitative insights from municipal officials through semi-structured interviews. Descriptive and exploratory research designs guided the analysis, enabling an assessment of urban growth patterns, infrastructure conditions, accessibility levels, and mobility experiences across key transport corridors, including Madiba Drive (R40), Samora Machel Drive, Henshall Street, Anderson Street, and Andrew Street. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis using a keyword identification-assisted method. The findings indicate that the pace of urban growth has exceeded the development and maintenance of transport infrastructure, resulting in congestion, limited non-motorised transport facilities, unsafe pedestrian environments and inadequate public transport options. These deficiencies have contributed to reduced accessibility, alarming safety concerns and limited mobility, disproportionately affecting low-income and peri-urban residents. The study concludes that sustainable and integrated transport planning, aligned with policy frameworks such as SPLUMA (2013), the NLTA (2009), NATMAP 2050 (2016), and the Sustainable Development Goals, is essential to address mobility challenges in Mbombela. To support this, the research proposes an integrated and sustainable urban mobility framework aimed at guiding future planning and decision-making in Mbombela and other South African secondary cities.