Abstract
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD henceforth), as an urban planning approach, is deemed at the forefront of contemporary urban planning due to its promise to address the multifaceted challenges of modern cities. TOD, as a planning concept, has fundamental principles that allow the approach to be tailored to specific needs of issues in urban spaces. This study explores the intricate dynamics of TOD in the unique context of Jabulani, Soweto. In a narrow dimension, the study explores the transformative influence of spatial layout and sustainable mobility. Consequently, South African cities are advocating for the practice of TOD for its ability to foster compact development and mixed-use around a transit hub. Subsequently, the study critically adopted a mixed-method approach, which consisted of an empirical inquiry utilizing spatial and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. Through the pedantic data analysis, the study navigates the current state of TOD in Jabulani, including its challenges and successes. Notably, the findings accentuate the significance of TOD principles, illuminating their role in reforming the physical landscape and encouraging social cohesion in densely populated areas. The study meticulously assesses the current state of TOD in Jabulani, recognizing challenges inherent in its implementation, and proposes a model for sustainable and transformative urban development that aims to facilitate equitable and sustainable urban development. Furthermore, the study's findings brought light to a promising trajectory in recent TOD phases, environmental planning, infrastructure enhancement, and exemplified by community development. Although there is progress, challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, outdated rail systems, and land and space, pose significant hurdles. The study adequately presents a comprehensive model to champion these challenges whilst accentuating a holistic TOD approach that prioritizes the three pillars of sustainable development: social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity. This research adequately contributes valuable insights to local and global discourse on equitable and sustainable urban development, particularly in the unique context of post-apartheid South Africa.
Key Words: Transit-Oriented Development, spatial transformation, sustainable development, equitable and sustainable urban development.