Post democratic urban regeneration in South Africa.The case of eThekwini Municipality inner city.

Abstract

M.T.R.P. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.

This dissertation aimed at establishing the extent to which eThekwini Municipality aligned its Inner City projects to principles for urban regeneration and spatial planning objectives as outlined in the City’s Integrated Development Plan. The study makes reference to two distinctive inner city precincts; examining what led to current state of each precinct, through political, economic, environmental and social transformation. The Central Business District is looked at as a prime example of a degenerated space within the city and the Kings Park Sporting Precinct is looked at as an example of a successful regeneration endeavour within Durban. Information was obtained through primary and secondary sources. The bulk of the information gathered was through key informant interviews, shop keeper interviews, site visits, official reports and from eThekwini Municipality Shape File Data on the Geographical Information System. Through the analysis of data collected, the study found that eThekwini Municipality’s efforts to regenerate the Durban CBD have not been successful to date. The CBD is still in a severe state of urban decay with sustainable development only occurring in areas that are controlled by the elite. The study also found that the Kings Park Sporting Precinct has undergone extensive regeneration and proves to be a great asset to Durban for present and future generations. Its success however, also carries social challenges with the common perception that the precinct is an exclusive space. Almost 20 years post democracy, the eThekwini Municipality, is still struggling to maintain the integrity of its Inner City. Parts of the Inner City have improved but there and other parts that are still subject to extreme urban decay. The study makes recommendations for the economic, environmental and social improvement of the Durban CBD and for the social enhancement of the Kings Park Sporting Precinct.