Factors Influencing the Formulation of A Viable Urban Development Policy in South Africa

Abstract

At the time of the 1994 democratic elections, South African cities were characterised by
sub-standard housing, service delivery backlogs and serious problems in municipal
spending. Indeed, there were, and still are, spatial anomalies associated with “apartheid
cities” and the struggle to dismantle local government structures reminiscent of apartheid
administrations. High unemployment and poverty-stricken households further exacerbated
the urban policy landscape. Nevertheless, the way forward was directed by the ANC’s
Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) that aimed to address basic human
needs. That same development programme provided the backdrop for a South African
Constitution (1996) that proclaimed inalienable rights for all South Africans – housing
being one of those paramount rights. Sadly, urban policies for human settlements were
hastily developed and driven by political agendas that focused too far into the future,
failing to address immediate housing needs. Moreover, urban policies were at times
simplistic and at times too complex, serving only to make policy formulation much more
difficult. This article discusses policy for urban development in the context of the political
economy of South Africa. The aim is to explore the challenges and barriers to formulating
an urban policy.