Spatial governance of the peripheries in South Africa: Past lessons and a look into the future

Abstract

Background: South Africa is characterised by spatial divisions that are a legacy of colonial and apartheid eras that have persisted in the democratic dispensation. These divisions were initially based on race, but they are mutating to be based on class despite the majority of black Africans being confined in the urban peripheries. Aim: This article aims to examine how governance works in the peripheries to determine lessons that can be learnt to ensure future social cohesion. Setting: The study was conducted in Johannesburg, South Africa, with participants from the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Institute of Security Studies (ISS) and South African Local Government Association (SALGA). Methods: The study adopted a qualitative approach, interviews and a literature survey were used to obtain primary data. Data were analysed using content analysis. Results: This study reveals that spatial governance is a complex phenomenon, as there were factors that were not considered post-apartheid era. The adoption of neoliberalism and current approaches to governance have failed to fundamentally transform spaces in Johannesburg, spaces such as Soweto, Diepsloot and Alexandra. Conclusion: Spatial governance is still influenced by past legislations. There is a need to ensure that there is political will coupled with innovative measures to ensure spatial transformation in South Africa, especially in the peripheral spaces, and to minimise deprivation experienced in the peripheries. Contribution: This study contributes to understanding of spatial governance and its attributes in urban peripheral spaces.