The Appropriateness, Usefulness and Impact of the Current Urban Planning Curriculum in South African Higher Education

Duration: 02/17 - 07/20

Well managed and equitable urban planning can help address many of the major economic, social and environmental challenges currently facing countries across Africa. This is particularly the case in South Africa, where a high level of urbanisation and the legacy of apartheid has left millions of poor residents excluded from the resources of their cities.

The Appropriateness, Usefulness and Impact of the Current Urban Planning Curriculum in South African Higher Education explores the extent to which diversity, equity and other issues are shaping planning education in South Africa. Through dialogue with academics, planners and students, as well as collaboration with UK practitioners, the project aims to support the development of an inclusive learning environment for the next generation of planners that in turn will promote more sustainable and equitable urban contexts for all the country’s citizens.

Project website

Project Twitter

Lauren Andres (Principal Investigator, Senior Lecturer in Spatial Planning)
Phil Jones (Senior Lecturer in Cultural Geography)
David Adams (Lecturer in Urban Planning)
Michael Beazley (Senior Lecturer)

  • Development of a range of open access online resources to support learning on key social issues.
  • Engagement of young planners through online forums, workshops, seminars and other networking activities.
  • Dissemination of findings through a variety of platforms including books, films and public events.

    Planning a better future for South Africa’s cities
    24 May 2019