Many of us are were perturbed by President Cyril Ramaphosa's comments in Parliament about the state of inclusive urban planning in South Africa. The cause he says is that there are not enough qualified town and regional planners in South Africa.
This is not the case.
Young Urbanists South Africa noted the Presidents remarks on there isn’t enough suitably qualified professionals to help with urban planning.
At a first glance, there is so much to unpack on this topic of why we have cities and towns that aren’t reflective of the 2030 National Development Plan (NDP). However, the inability of our cities and towns to reflect the goals and aspirations of the NDP can not be solely blamed on urban planners or the supposed lack of skill sets in our many municipalities and metros.
Call to all Young (and old planners)Young Urbanists NPC (YU) and friends recently held a forum in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa's comments on the progress of spatial transformation in South Africa. Many planners disagreed with the President's claim that there aren't enough qualified professionals in urban planning. The forum brought together planners from all over South Africa to discuss key challenges and barriers to effective planning.
The forum developed five clear barriers to effective planning in South Africa. Firstly, there are challenges in the implementation of planning policies. Secondly, there is a lack of collaboration between other urbanists and planners. Thirdly, the South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN) is insufficient in supporting planners. Fourthly, there is a limited number of skilled planners in planning positions due to a lack of governance. And finally, there is a lack of recognition for planners and the planning profession.
To address these issues, the forum developed a plan of action that includes alternative policies and legislature to facilitate change, filling the gap of SACPLAN, activating and engaging current planners, responding to the President's claims, and advocating for the planning profession as a whole.
Importantly, the forum was the catalyst for the formation of an Interim Planning Committee that will now seek to establish a genuine alternative to SACPLAN. The committee is an issue-based committee that aims to mobilize and organize a broad-based, bottom-up response to the President's statement and the consensus around the lack of support for planners and the planning profession. The committee consists of some key planners, both young and old has support from key planning stalwarts across the board.
The overall role of the committee is to mobilize and organize support and activities that advocate for progressive change within the planning profession. The committee will develop a manifesto to be signed by planners, urbanists, built environment professionals, and fraternal, relevant organizations. The manifesto will be used to engage with SACPLAN, government, and other relevant bodies on the issues that planners face today. The committee will also develop a series of sustained multimedia campaigns in response to the President's claims and raise awareness of critical issues confronting the planning profession using the manifesto as a point of mobilization.
Young urban professionals have both the opportunities and the responsibility to challenge old ways of thinking to achieve the goals of a democratic and inclusive country. By organising ourselves we can act and advocate to challenge old ways of thinking and doing things.
Join us in advocating for real change in the planning field! Together, we can make a difference and realise the still possibilities of tomorrow for our cities and towns.
The golden era of planning has only started.
