Abstract
The recent interest seen in Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in South Africa reflects the country’s changing policy landscape and bears testimony to the concerted efforts by decision makers to address the spatial legacy of apartheid. The purpose of this study was to deliberate on the current TOD practices in South Africa and identify trends in policy trajectories with regards to the implementation thereof through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). As with TODs, PPPs have also been subject to a great deal of attention in the academic and professional circles in the country. Using a mixed-methods methodology (with an overall descriptive and exploratory research design), this study sought to understand the perceived benefits and future prospects of these partnerships in TOD projects specifically in South Africa. Perceptions of several transport infrastructure PPP experts were ascertained by means of a questionnaire survey and semi structured telephonic interviews. The research findings highlight a range of both divergent and common views amongst the experts that participated in the empirical enquiry. Uncertainties in the readiness of TOD implementing departments and agencies to fully commit to PPPs were established. A general lack of understanding of the inherent challenges of TOD implementation against the backdrop of local based contextual dynamics was also cited as a potential reason for the rather gloomy picture of PPP based TOD projects. Similarly, consensus on the complex PPP legislative framework and lengthy processes for prefeasibility studies were apparent throughout. Comprehensive financial planning, transcending the theoretical boundaries towards a shift in both praxis and in attitudes, as well as capacity building among implementers were identified as some of the departure points for charting a sustainable path for PPP based TOD projects. This study provides the main foundations upon which further deliberations on the appropriate PPP models for TODs can emanate, keeping in mind the unique discourses and policy objectives of TODs in South Africa.
M.Tech. (Construction Management)