Abstract
Abstract : The buzz concept of inclusive economic growth has been receiving great emphasis in both academic and industry dialogues, thus placing the socio-economic transformation agenda in the spotlight not only in South African cities but also in cities across the African continent. Considering the urgent need to restructure the South African economy and the relevant institutions that support the economy as a whole, this study investigates the role of spatial planning and local economic development strategies in ‘kasi’ wealth transformation, using Soshanguve Township as the case study. Using the Social Capital and the Right to the City lenses, the paper assesses the perceptions of black business owners in Soshanguve on spatial planning. The transformation of small-scale informal and semi-formal businesses into successful enterprises that have a fair share in the national economic space is investigated through the perceptions of business owners. The study also interrogates the influence of the interplay among spatial, economic and social dynamics in socio-spatial and economic transformation. A qualitative research approach was applied where data were gathered from fifteen small scale and informal business owners in Soshanguve, using semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data were also gathered from six key expert informants who are professionals who actively participate in spatial planning and local economic development of Soshanguve Township. A blend of content and thematic analyses was used to analyse the data, where categories were deciphered and used to create themes, and GIS maps were produced to help visualise the spatiality of the small businesses in Soshanguve. The study argues that despite the City of Tshwane having LED initiatives, the clear and explicit expression and relationship between strategic spatial planning and LED remains blurred. In order to achieve inclusive and transformative growth, LED should find clear and precise expression in strategic spatial planning and property management to support township entrepreneurs. Strategic spatial planning should be simplified in order to accommodate the informal economy and place emphasis on strong community relationship networks between local authorities and planning policies. It is recommended that economic transformation begins epistemologically and ideologically through the advancement of human development through sustainable planning practice. The study concludes that this can also be achieved through the development of stronger community networks that ensure township residents and business owners participate equally in the national economy and contribute to shaping its planning practice. From this perspective, the City of Tshwane has ground to cover in the coproduction of planning epistemologies and practice to create a platform for inclusive and transformative growth and social and economic justice.
M.A. (Urban Studies)