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Curriculum

Vitae

of

Atiyyah

Saloojee

Graduate Urban & Regional

Planner

(BSc URP, BSc URP Hons, Wits)

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CV OF ATIYYAH SALOOJEE

1

To Whom It May Concern

I have completed my undergraduate degree in BSc. Urban and Regional Planning and

Postgraduate degree in Bsc. Honours in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of the

Witwatersrand.

I am dedicated, motivated and possess a thirst for knowledge and success. With the correct

attitude, educational background and additional skills, I will be an asset to any organisation and

group. I am enthusiastic to learn and aspire to increase my understanding and knowledge

surrounding cities and development. Honesty, integrity and hard-work define my work ethic, and

I am zealous about growing as a person and maintaining professionalism in any project,

company or organisation that I am associated with.

Yours Sincerely,

Atiyyah Saloojee


2

CONTENTS

Curriculum Vitae Objective page 3

Personal Details page 4

Personality page 5

Educational Details page 6-8

Research Report (Thesis) Overview page 9

Matric Certificate page 10

Degree Certificate page 11

Tertiary Academic Records page 12-14

Still Awaiting from University page 15

Portfolio: Student Design Projects page 16-End


3

CURRICULUM VITAE

OBJECTIVE

To find a position in the company to meet my competencies, capabilities, skills, and education

while challenging and, ultimately, unlocking my potential. Furthermore, this should allow me

to positively contribute to the company or organisation at which I am employed, while gaining

valuable experience.


4

PERSONAL DETAILS

FULL NAME: Atiyyah Saloojee

RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: 3 Bukhari St.

Dadaville, Roshnee

1936

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 072 583 5104- Mobile

016 556 6170- Home

E-MAIL: [email protected]

NATIONALITY: South African

SEX Female

MARTIAL STATUS Single

HEALTH Excellent

IDENTITY NUMBER: 9008110189085

LANGUAGE: English

COMPUTER PROFICIENCY: MS Word

MS Power Point

MS Excel

MS Outlook

Internet Explorer

Corel Draw

AutoCAD

Google SketchUp 8

DRIVERS LICENSE: Yes (Code 8)


5

PERSONAILITY:

Being a keen and enthusiastic character, I am ever-willing to learn more and gain increased

experience in anything life offers. I am a diligent, reliable and passionate worker who thrives if

given the opportunity and is driven by the goal of success. I pride myself of being passionate in

assisting to better the lives of the less fortunate. With regards to oral and written communication

skills, I consider these to be key strengths of my personality. I am more than capable of working

well under pressure. I am also able to work well both individually and as a part of a team. I am

generous, creative, broad-minded and faithful in character. I am also ambitious, positive and

confident and believe that I can be a strong leader when put in such a situation- given the

previous roles I have held- and I believe that I can contribute positively to any organization I

serve.

INTERESTS AND HOBBIES:

J Business

J Health, fitness and beauty

J Reading

J Community involvement

J Social work

J Event Planning and co-ordination


6

EDUCATIONAL DETAILS:

SECONDARY:

SCHOOL ATTENDED: Roshnee Islamic School

LEVEL ATTAINED: Matric

YEAR COMPLETED: 2008

SUBJECTS English Home Language

Afrikaans First Additional Language

Mathematics

Accounting

Economics

Computer Literacy

Life Orientation

Arabic and Religious Studies

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:

Head Girl, Chairperson of the Youth Forum (youth charity organization),

Editor of R.I.S. Independent (School newspaper)

ACHIEVEMENTS:

National Finalist in the Seventeen Magazine and Standard Bank Top Teen Achiever Awards

2007

Distinctions in English, Afrikaans, Economics, Computers, Life Orientation

Certificate of Successful completion of the Toast Masters Communication Skills Program

Recipient of the DUX Award in Matric 2008


7

TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS:

QUALIFICATION: BSc (Urban and Regional Planning)

Bsc. Honours in Urban and Regional Planning

INSTITUTION: University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

YEAR COMPLETED: 2012

SUBJECTS COMPLETED AT TERTIARY LEVEL:

Year 1: ARPL1006 (The Southern African City through History)

ARPL1007 (Settlements through History)

ARPL1008 (Introduction to Settlement Form and Design)

ARPL1009 (Introduction to Environmental Interpretation)

APPM1017 (Applied Mathematical Techniques for Planners)

GEOG1003 (Geography for Planners)

SOCL1013 (Sociology: Southern Africa in the Era of Globalisation)

SOCL1014 (Sociology: Identity and Society)

Year 2: ARPL2005 (Contemporary Design and Environmental Issues in South

Africa)

ARPL 2006 (Planning for Housing, Infrastructure and Transport)

ARPL2007 (Development Policy and Processes in South Africa)

ARPL2009 (Histories and Futures of Planning)

ARPL2013 (Introduction to Land Management)

ARPL2014 (Introduction to Environmental Interpretation)

ARPL2016 (Philosophies, Theories and Methodologies of Planning)

CIVN1003 (Civil Engineering in Relation to Planning)

ECON1003 (Economic Concepts 1A and 1B)

Year 3: ARPL3003 (Contemporary Issues within Architecture)

ARPL3004 (Two and Three Dimensional Computer Aided Design)

ARPL3007 (Johannesburg as a City in Africa)

ARPL3009 (African Cities)

ARPL3010 (Comparative Planning Systems)

ARPL3012 (Comparative Approaches to Urban Design)


8

ARPL3026 (Integrated Development Planning)

ARPL3027 (Regional Planning and Local Economic Development)

BUQS3009 (Property Economics)

Year 4: BSc. Hons in Urban and Regional Planning

ARPL 4017 (Research Design for Planners)

ARPL 4016 (Research Report)

ARPL 4015 (Integrated Planning Project)

ARPL 4014 (Advanced Planning Thought)

ARPL 4013 (Planning Law)

ARPL 4012 (Professional Practice and Ethics)

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS: - Extensive group work and community related exercises within

the Urban and Regional Planning Program

ADDITIONAL SKILLS ACQUIRED AT TERTIARY LEVEL:

J Widespread group work skills

J Leadership skills and co-ordination of group projects

J Community related research and field work

J Presentation skills (Verbal and Technical)

J Public speaking

J Graphical representation skills

J Ability to conduct academic research

J


9

RESEARCH REPORT/THESIS OVERVIEW:

PLACEMAKING IN THE ‘EVERYDAY’: A CASE STUDY OF FORDSBURG

Abstract:

Placemaking and the concept of place are abstract notions that are conceived not

only by physical, professional intervention but through intangible social dynamics in

the ‘everyday’. People, as users of the urban environment, play a pertinent role in

placemaking; through their experiences, opinions and perceptions that allow for the

subconscious, unplanned transformation of space into place.

Unpacking the human dimension of placemaking is vital for planning and creating

cities that are made by people, for people. Ignoring this dimension may result in

planned cities of spaces, instead of vibrant and productive cities of places. This does

not, however, imply that the role of planners, professionals and the physical

dimension should be discounted in the process of place creation. Rather, a need

exists to allow for a symbiotic relationship between the two dimensions.

A case study concentrating on Mint Road and surrounding streets in the suburb of

Fordsburg, Johannesburg, explore the ways in which ‘everyday’ experiences change

user perceptions from space into place.


10

MATRIC CERTIFICATE:


11

DEGREE CERTIFICATE:


12

TERTIARY ACADEMIC RECORD (BSC URP DEGREE):


13


14

TERTIARY ACADEMIC RECORD (BSC URP Hons DEGREE):


15

STILL AWAITING ARRIVAL FROM UNIVERSITY:

Honours Degree Certificate (Graduation in June 2013)


16

PORTFOLIO|

Student design

projects

- 3rd

Year Final Design

- 2nd

Year Final Design

- SDF Project for Mbombela Municipal Region


17

3rd

Year Design Project:


18


19


20


21


22


23


24


25


26


27


28


29


30


31


32

2nd

Year Design Project:


33


34


35


36


37


38


39


40


41

Phase4: Vision, Issues,

Objectives, Strategies &

Spatial Development

Framework

Mbombela Local Municipality

Atiyyah Saloojee [360496] ARPL 3026 Facilitator: Amanda Williamson 21/06/2011

Table of Contents Section 1:

Introduction…………………………………………………………...……pg1

The Study Area…………………………………………………….………pg2

Broader Regional Context of Mbombela…………..…..……pg3

Key Development Issues………………………………………..……pg3

Section 2: Towards the Future

Vision………………………………………………………………………..pg4

Objectives & Guidelines………………………………..……….…pg6

Section 3: Desired Spatial Future

Strategies & SDF………………………………………..……….…pg7

SDF Explanation…………………………… …………………..…..pg15

The Way Forward…...................................................pg16

Maps……………………………………………… [End of Document]

Introduction The following document deals with the Mbombela Local Municipality, which falls

within the Ehlanzeni district in the Mpumalanga province. This is a

comprehensive document that comprises of the following:

Key development issues: these are the main issues hampering

development and growth in the region. They were found through an in

depth analysis of the spatial, economic, social and institutional facets of

the region.

The Way Forward: this includes a development-orientated vision for the

future growth of Mbombela which stems from a desired, hypothetical,

futuristic and idealistic scenario of the area, as well as objectives to

reach the visionary state.

Mbombela Local Municipality’s spatial future and strategic

interventions:

This includes the Spatial Development Framework (SDF) - a facet of the

Integrated Development Plan- as well as proposed strategies targeting

the key development issues, and complying with the objectives for the

said area. This is aimed at making the Mbombela region a more liveable

and sustainable place.

The following is in full compliance with various legal frameworks such as the

Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Bill (SPLUMB) as well as guidelines

prepared by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform in 2010.

The Spatial Development Framework falls under the umbrella of Mbombela’s

Integrated Development Process (IDP).

It is imperative to note that this report seeks to address two questions:

1. How will the objectives for future growth and development in the area

be achieved?

2. Where should this development take place?

The Spatial Development Framework explained herein will embrace prudently

researched and considered decisions relating to the future of the area in

question. In attempting to do so, various spheres, such as the economic sector,

the social sector and the environmental sector will be taken into account. All

these sectors will also be linked with the spatial sector in terms of the physical

placement of the proposed interventions’ implementation and implications of

the various strategies and spatial development framework maps.

The Spatial Development Framework, strategies and subsequent maps will also

attempt to provide some solutions to various important issues relating to the

study area. These solutions will stem from interventions dealing with the

stimulation of economic growth and investment in Mbombela through the

creation and facilitation of improved access and linkages through the use of

nodal points and corridors. Environmental issues should be dealt with in terms of

1

conservation and preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity in Mbombela, as

well as through the provision of new natural spaces and the maintenance of

existing natural spaces. This should take into consideration the creation of a link

between such spaces, the economy and its social implications.

This document will contain certain important issues pertaining to the study area

of Mbombela that were brought to light during the previous two phases

undertaken thus far. In terms of dealing with these issues, strategies to better

the situation of Mbombela as well as to shape the future growth and

development in a sustainable manner, for the area will be proposed. These

strategies will, as mentioned above, target key sectors that affect the future

growth and development of the study area. Following the proposal as well as

subsequent explanation of the strategies, a spatial development framework map,

as well as informant maps, will be provided to physically show the spatial

locations and implications of the proposed strategies. These maps will also be

accompanied by explanations regarding the maps.

The Study Area: Mbombela Located within the Ehlanzeni District Municipality within the province of

Mpumalanga, the Mbombela Local Municipality is located within the lowveld

region of the province in the North Eastern part of the country. Mbombela is the

capital of the Mpumalanga province. Mbombela literally means “A lot of people

together”. Its name stems from the merging together of various councils of the

Hazyview, Nelspruit and White River areas. The area also sees many outsiders

visiting in the form of tourist and migrants from neighbouring places like

Mozambique.

Mbombela is located 320km away from larger city regions of Pretoria and

Johannesburg and roughly 200km away from the Mozambican coast.

Mbombela’s peri-urban areas are located mostly in the Eastern parts of the

municipality. There are also various urban areas that Mbombela comprises of,

namely:

White River

Nelspruit

Hazyview

Kabokweni

Tekwane

Kanyamazane

Matsulu

2

Broader Regional Context of Mbombela The municipality of Mbombela has numerous opportunities and potential for

sustainable future growth and development as it already contains linkages and

corridors of opportunities such as the Maputo Development Corridor (N4)

through the East-West axis, the Phalaborwa Development Corridor (R40) through

the North-South axis as well as being home to two airports, the general aviation

Nelspruit Airport to the south west and the Kruger Mpumalanga International

Airport to the north east. Mbombela is also intersected by two main arterials.

These arterials form an axis through the Mbombela region which creates a strong

opportunity for improving development and connectivity along these corridors

for the area in question. The corridors in existence promote development as they

are created along major points of access and transport networks. Many

important roads and corridors of development converge at Nelspruit, which

makes this area very rich in potential and also makes it an important social and

economic node. The transport network for Mbombela is well networked on a

regional as well as national level. These well-connected transport corridors

should be utilised to connect previously disadvantaged, poor areas to areas of

economic and social opportunities.

Figure 1 Location of Mbombela (source: IDP 2010)

Key Development Issues in MbombelaIn order to appropriately formulate a concise document to predict, guide and

shape the future development and growth of Mbombela, certain key

development issues require attention within the Mbombela area. These will be

mentioned below:

3

Urban sprawl: due to the strip-like development along the axis created

by the two main intersecting arterial in Mbombela has resulted in a

somewhat linear form of growth and sprawl of this particular area.

Rapid urbanization is also a major player in terms to enhancing urban

sprawl. Coupled with this is the current, uncontrolled, low-density

settlement pattern which leads to continuous sprawling development.

Uneven urban spatial arrangements and spatial fragmentation: due to

former apartheid laws and influences, certain areas enjoy greater

development, access and connectivity than others. Poorer, mostly black

areas are scattered unsustainably. Rural areas are not woven correctly

into the urban fabric and still exist in isolation, exacerbated with

conflicts between traditional and governmental authorities.

The lack of education and skilled labour is of concern as only 7.6% of the

population are educated on a level beyond grade 12, while 12.8% have

no formal education at all. This hampers employment opportunities and

indicates a need to invest more in the creation of human capital.

Unemployment and a lack of skilled labour are rife in the region which

leads to the persistence of poverty.

Health-related concerns: diseases such as HIV/AIDS and TB are rampant

in Mbombela with approximately 9.8% of the population being infected.

There is also a lack of awareness and education about these diseases, as

well as a lack of access to proper medical facilities.

Rural settlements and informality with high population densities and

poverty as well as low levels of accessibility to social and economic

opportunities, basic services and infrastructure.

Environmental degradation due to citizen negligence and ignorance

Lack of resources, as well as inappropriate and unsustainable usage of

existing natural resources, is also a concern. Many rural area lack access

to clean water. These rural areas are also unaware as to the implications

of their unsustainable development practices. This was seen in the

manner in which certain poor households have constructed their

dwellings above reservoirs, making it difficult to have access to clean

water.

High influx of migrants from neighbouring areas makes it difficult to

attain truly correct population figures.

Vision Being an area that already has many signs of promise, in terms of the diversity of

people together with the potential of the place as well as the people, it can rightly

be said that Mbombela will be a region of great power in the near future. This

power will not only spring from one particular sphere, but rather will emanate

from the growth and improvement in every sphere concerned. This includes the

political, economic, social as well as natural and built environments.

The following will further outline the development vision for Mbombela. In

essence, this vision will provide an idea of the future development of the area

4

concerned within the next twenty to twenty-five years. In addition the

development vision being outlined hereunder, this document will also contain the

necessary steps and development objectives needed in order to work towards

achieving the development vision for Mbombela. The goal is to achieve a state of

complete harmony for Mbombela in all spheres of development, with emphasis

placed on economic growth and sustainable development. However, it is

imperative to note that ultimately, the purpose of the vision as well as the

workable objectives is to improve the quality of life for all who live, work or play

in the region concerned. Thus, making Mbombela the preferred destination of

businesses, students, tourists and even the average man or woman just seeking a

better state of being.

Mbombela will have a booming economy specialising not only in tourism or

agriculture or merely the formal economy, but in terms of the informal economy

as well. This informal economy will be another avenue for the creation of

employment opportunities. Economic activity will not only occur in a few

favoured areas, but there will be a number of economic nodes located in

previously disadvantaged areas. This will improve activity, access, residents’ lives

and service provision within all parts of Mbombela. This will also target the

spatial disparities between previously disadvantaged areas and advantaged

areas.

These economic nodes will provide bounteous employment opportunities in all

areas, as well as stimulate the local economy of rural areas. These employment

opportunities will, in turn, serve to better the quality of life for all, as travel to and

from work spaces will be reduced and many will be able to obtain jobs close to

home. Once people are able to live and work conveniently in one area, their social

lives will also be improved as family and private time will be able to be

maximised. This will automatically improve people’s sense of contentment and

levels of prosperity.

Still dealing with the social sphere of development in Mbombela, there will be

more attention and action given to the issue of HIV/AIDS within this area.

Awareness of the disease will be greater than ever before, so will efficient

healthcare facilities and assistance be readily available. To do this, access to

health services will be improved in peripheral areas. Decreasing the rate of those

falling fatal victims of the pandemic, as well as improving the lives of those

bravely fighting it, will provide a helping hand to the economy. This is said in that

appropriately dealing with the HIV/AIDS crises will allow the rate of the

economically active population to increase.

Mbombela will be host to numerous educational and skills development schools,

colleges and universities. Hence, a wide variety of skills will be available in the

area to service and fill the plentiful job opportunities that will be available across

Mbombela. The literacy rate will have increased and access to facilities like

libraries will be readily available.

A fair, equitable, accountable and transparent local government will lead

Mbombela to newer and greater heights, based on foundations of good

governance. This would obviously mean that corruption will be completely rooted

5

out of the governing system in Mbombela. Thus, local government will work for

the people, with the people. In doing so, Residents will have full trust in those

responsible as service delivery issues will be a problem of the past. All areas and

people will be efficiently provided with the reliable communications, water,

transport, electricity and infrastructural networks to enable Mbombela to

become a coherent, well-connected and inter-linked city, rather than a

fragmented, inequitable city that was. . The development of people in terms of

investing in the creation and enhancement of human capital through skills

development and entrepreneurial education programs. The inclusion of residents

in development through participatory processes that are not too intensive will

also be a fundamental aspect of governance.

Areas of natural significance will be protected, preserved and conserved. This will

be done through creating awareness of sustainable development. People will

know better than to build on naturally important land. Also clean water will be

provided for all and all residents will know how to efficiently use scarce resources.

In terms of maximising on opportunities posed by the natural environment,

various eco-tourism nodes will be strategically located in such areas, thus also

supporting SMMEs in those areas.

In achieving all of the above, consideration will be given to ensuring the

development of the built environment will not damage the conservation of the

splendid and scenic natural environment of Mbombela. Therefore, Mbombela will

no longer be a place that only looks good, but it will feel good too.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Objectives and Guidelines Any new or proposed future development in the Mbombela locality should

enhance and promote investment into the area in order for any form of

sustainable future growth and development of the said area to occur. The

strategies to be explained further on in this document should enhance and

comply with the developmental objectives and guidelines noted below:

Creation of an urban edge will have been complete by the year 2014;

this will halt urban sprawl which is a threat to the natural environment

of Mbombela.

Protection and conservation of the bountiful, beneficial and scenic

natural environment in the study area (wetlands, agricultural land and

eco-tourist areas). By 2016, there will be no development occurring on

naturally significant land, in urban or rural areas.

6

A good, affordable public transport system that is well-connected and

integrated

An equitable spatial form: in terms of rectifying the spatial disparities

created by apartheid laws between rural areas and former privileged

areas. Disparities also exist in terms of access to services, infrastructure

and opportunities for residents of different areas.

Encouragement of more mixed-use developments, especially in areas

that have inefficient access to amenities. Therefore, by 2014, residents

of rural areas will be able to access all services and amenities within

their settlements, rather than having to travel long distances to reach

such services. This will be provided due to diversify and supporting local

economies.

Strategies should be considerate of the knock-on impacts to areas

surrounding projects and initiatives

Skills development will be invested in, this will lead to a 20% increase in

the number of skilled persons in the area by 2016.

Projects and initiatives should be compatible with existing realities of

the area: this means proposed strategies should not be unrealistic and

should take into account the current state of affairs in Mbombela in the

formulation of such proposals.

Economic development should be supported and enhanced through

targeting the various economically-related issues mentioned previously.

Also, LED (Local Economic Development) initiatives should be promoted

and utilised within the area. Thus, by 2020, the economic contribution

to the GDP will have increased by 50%, with the greatest contribution

stemming from tourism.

Strategies should aim to eliminate poverty and unemployment in a

holistic manner that will benefit both, place and people. By 2016, 60% of

current, unsustainable rural communities will have access to clean water

and reliable dwellings.

Should be in accordance with existing legal framework

Strategies and Spatial Development Framework The strategies proposed hereunder attempt to target and deal with the key

developmental issues for the area of Mbombela, mentioned in the section

above. In so doing, these strategies will attempt to fulfil the development

objectives for the area of Mbombela. These strategies will attempt to guide and

shape the future development and growth for the area in question in a holistic

manner, while maximising existing potentials and opportunities.

The strategies outlined below will be in terms of being implemented during a

five-year time frame. It is imperative to note that these

Strategies will consist of proposed initiatives, projects and programmes to deal

with issues of concern. Such initiatives, programmes and projects will assist the

Mbombela area to make maximum usage of the potential of both people and

place, in order to push Mbombela to greater heights in terms of facilitating

7

economic growth and sustainable development in all spheres- economic, social,

environmental and spatial.

It must be noted that the following strategies will all, in one way or another, seek

to improve the economic, environmental, social and spatial arenas of Mbombela.

While taking all sectors into account, improving the delivery of basic services and

basic infrastructure to improve the human-assets and resource assets of the area

will be crucial. This is to ensure the facilitation of continued and sustained

growth and development in Mbombela. All strategies will also be in compliance

with the financial capacity of the municipality.

Furthermore, also included in the following is the Spatial Development

Framework for the Mbombela municipal area. The Spatial Development

Framework attempts to locationalise and spatialise the strategies proposed in

terms of stating the areas in which these strategies should be specifically

targeted and implemented in. The preparation of a Spatial Development

Framework is a legal requirement as stated by the Municipal Systems Act and is

aimed at directing future investment in the study area, and more specifically, in

disadvantaged parts of the said area. The provision of such information as found

in a SDF provides prospective, as well as current, investors with the comfort and

ease of knowing what to expect, as well as improves these investors’ confidence

in the area

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One: Economic Strategies

These strategies aim to deal with the objectives of eliminating unemployment,

poverty as well as the promotion of mixed-use developments and LED to assist

with improving the economic sector of Mbombela on a whole.

1. Manage and enhance development in such a manner that development

occurs not only in isolated, advantaged pockets in the municipality, but

to have the nourishment of economic development spread throughout

the region. This will be done through the creation of economic nodes in

previously disadvantaged areas of the Mbombela region. These areas

8

will be those that are generally on the peripheries of the region and

those that occur in the strips of poverty pockets that exist in Mbombela.

A linkage between the economically-suffering areas and the existing

core economic areas should also be created.

Target Areas:

o Poverty-pockets

o Core economic area links

Implications:

Such an initiative will lead to the creation of many more employment

opportunities which are evenly and equally spread throughout the

Mbombela region. Economic activity will be improved and assisted

within rural parts of Mbombela, making such activity less concentrated

and more recurrent all across the region. This should lead to the

emergence of a locally-based economy.

Facilitating the creation of more employment opportunities in rural and

outlying areas will result in less people having to travel long distances

from home to work and back, as they (peoples of such areas) will have

the opportunity of working in economic nodes close to home. This will

impact on the social arena in terms of improving the quality of life for

residents in Mbombela, especially in those currently economically

depressed parts which should benefit immensely from the creation of

economic nodes in the said areas. Once people are able to live and work

conveniently in one area, their social lives will also be improved as

family and private time will be able to be maximised. This will

automatically improve resident’s sense of contentment and levels of

prosperity in the area and eliminate those issues of developmental

concern.

2. Upgrading of existing commercial centre in terms of ensuring the

efficient provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure. This

will be primarily carried out in the Nelspruit CBD and other existing

economic hubs so as to ensure development and growth, as well as

sustainability, in these areas are not neglected in the process of

affording more attention to the more economically depressed parts of

Mbombela.

Target Areas:

o Nelspruit CBD

Implications

Doing the above will ensure the continued growth of these areas as well

as provide a sense of certainty that these areas will not fall into

degradation and decline due to more attention being paid to areas

which are less advantaged. Such actions will provide assurance to

investors in these urban economic hubs that their monies will be well-

cared for. Also, with regard to social impacts, rate-payers of the area will

be able to have a sense of contentment in the knowledge that their

quality life will not be hindered to be made worse by any activities of

the authorities, instead, these inhabitants will also be taken care of.

9

3. The informal economy will be supported and facilitated in terms of

being provided with the necessary basic infrastructure and services in

order to make the informal sector sustainable.

Target Areas

o Kanyamazane

o Matsulu

o Poverty-pockets

o White River

o Nelspruit CBD

o Hazyview

o Along the N4 and R40 Corridors

Implications

Supporting informal trade will allow easier regulation of this sector and

can be used as a tool to quickly improve activity and lives in areas where

the introduction of formal trade structures will still take a rather long

time to implement. As informal trade is already in existence in most

rural areas, they need only be supported to allow them to become a

sustainable means of living for those rural, depressed areas and those

residents. This support should come in the form of legally

acknowledging informal trade as a plausible avenue of employment

creation rather than criminalising it by deeming it illegal, as well as

through the provision of basic business and entrepreneurial skills

training and development.

4. Improve linkages and accessibility between areas so as to comfortably

ease the movement of and allow economic growth between areas. This

should be done through repairing and maintaining roads as well as

building new roads between the poverty pockets and the CBD. Also in

this regard, public transport systems should be upgraded and

maintained.

Target Areas

o Poverty pockets

o Nelspruit CBD

o R40

o N4

Implications

Such initiatives should also lead to the creation of jobs as well as the

comfortable movement of skills and resources to and from various

areas. This will also assist in integrating previously disadvantaged areas

into the urban fabric through efficient linkages between advantaged and

disadvantaged areas.

5. The usage of tourism opportunities as a means to provide employment

opportunities. This can be achieved through the promotion of Small,

Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in areas adjacent to existing

tourist nodes, such as the Kruger National Park.

Target Areas

o Hazyview

Implications

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The usage of an LED initiative such as the promotion and support of

SMMEs will provide newer, more sustainable employment opportunities

that can be created through maximising on existing potentials that the

current tourism industry holds in Mbombela. SMMEs can be utilised as

small-scale service providers to incoming tourists.

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Two: Social Strategies

1. Promote and encourage education for all ages through the creation of

alternative learning centres for those people who did not even complete

school, create and build adult literacy centres and libraries.

Target Areas

o White River

o Daantjie

o Manzini

o Gutshwa

Implications

As only about 7.6% of the current residents have an education above

grade 12 level and considering that approximately 24.8% have no formal

education, such projects will benefit many. The effects will provide a

wider range of skills which should allow such people the opportunities

and skills to earn a living by starting their own businesses or being able

to work as skilled labourers and thus, earn more. This will then improve

their own as well as their families’ lives. This in turn should reduce the

poverty levels to some degree.

2. The provision of new sports fields, recreational centres and community

halls to facilitate the growth and development of poorer areas as well as

to provide the space for such social growth and sustainability.

Target Areas

North/South axis

Poverty Pockets

Implications

This will provide spaces for community interaction and communication

as well as space which the community can use to facilitate their

participation in various activities.

3. Provision of new, affordable as well as social housing, and the upgrading

of existing such housing, to allow people to reside closer to employment

and educational opportunities and to have access to important arterials.

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The provision of such housing should occur in conjunction with a

densification program for mixed-use developments in strategic

locations.

Target Areas

o Nelspruit CBD

o R40

o N4

Implications

Improving access to opportunities has both social as well as economic

benefits. Residents’ quality of lives may be improved. These residents

may also be able to access opportunities and amenities faster, thus

enabling them to be more economically productive.

4. Improving access to health facilities in rural areas as well as the

provision of new health facilities in areas on the periphery and far from

the CBD. Also, awareness and education campaigns regarding HIV/AIDS

should be carried out in schools and communities.

Target Areas

Poverty Pockets, especially those on outlying areas of the

Mbombela region

Implications

Improving healthcare and reducing the fatalities associated with

diseases such as HIV/AIDS will allow for there to be a healthier

population, which will lead to a greater economically active population

existing. This leads to better quality of life for people and place.

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Three: Environmental Strategies

1. Promoting the conservation of areas of natural significance of any form,

such as eco-tourism areas, significant protected natural ecosystems and

green space of any form in Mbombela. This should be done through

community initiatives such as the creation of conservancies and the

promotion of community-based agriculture. The promotion of nature-

based tourism in the area should be implemented through local

economic development strategies as well as through an effective city-

branding programme.

Areas of natural significance like the Kruger National Park game reserve,

as well other eco-tourism magnets in Mbombela should continue to be

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protected and marketed on a global scale through the abovementioned

city-branding initiatives carried out by the municipality’s marketing

department.

Target Areas

o Kruger National Park

o Poverty pockets

o Areas of natural significance

Implications

This will ensure the longevity of the potentials for growth and

development as well as tourism opportunities held by the natural

environment in the area.

2. Improving access to pure, clean water by creating awareness of

sustainable water practices as well as sustainable development

practices. This can be done to prevent future occurrences of ignorant

people constructing homes above water reticulation points like

reservoirs.

Target Areas

o Poverty pockets

Implications

This should enable more people to have a better quality of life as they

will be able to have access to clean, drinkable water. This will also

safeguard the natural environment as people will be better educated as

to how to protect and conserve natural resources.

3. An urban edge should be created around the core economic area so as

to halt urban sprawl. Also, the density should be increased within those

areas in the urban boundary/edge.

Target Areas

o CBD

Implications

Creating an urban edge and densifying the areas within that urban

boundary will coerce development to occur within the stipulated areas,

rather than rolling out into environmentally sensitive areas. Thus,

protecting and conserving areas of natural significance.

4. The implementation of eco-tourism nodes in selected areas close to the

Kruger National park or other areas of natural interest, but these areas

should be located within current poverty pockets and rural areas.

Target Areas

Luphisi

Malekutu

Tshabalala

Implications

This intervention could act as a link between the economic arena, the

social dynamics of the selected locations and the fragmented spatial

realities. This could be achieved as the introduction of tourist nodes in

such areas will bring in tourists and money and thus improve the quality

of people’s lives there. Also, by creating a linkage between these nodes

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and the current economic hub in the CBD of Nelspruit, these areas

become more integrated.

5. Promote community-based agriculture through educational

initiatives teaching people how to protect their environment as well as

how to utilise it for their benefit in a sustainable manner. This should be

done to encourage sustainable livelihoods. Effective agricultural projects

should be implemented in schools as well as in residential areas. These

projects could include initiatives whereby authorities provide seeds and

planting equipment to poor communities and encourage them to grow

some of their own food, and perhaps, grow crops to sell and generate

an income.

Target Areas

o Eastern Axis

Implications

Promoting small-scale community agriculture as well as encouraging

residents to develop a sense of affection and concern for their

surrounding environments will have positive effects in all spheres of life

in Mbombela. Poverty levels could be decreased in some manner as

people may be able to at least produce some of their own food as well

as be able to sell some if they would want to. Also, by encouraging

small-scale agricultural activities in rural communities, the productive

green space of the area may be increased, thus adding aesthetic as well

as productive value to the area concerned.

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SDF Explanation An explanation to the Spatial Development Framework map will be provided

hereunder: (For further explanations, refer back to strategies section)

Economic Gateway Areas:

These are areas that are gateways into other, neighbouring areas. This means

that such areas should be developed as they offer opportunities to improve the

economy. This stems from the fact that these areas are a type of ‘meeting place’

for various people. The CBD of Nelspruit is one such place.

Eco-Tourism Hubs:

The implementation of eco-tourism hubs in selected areas close to the Kruger

National park or other areas of natural interest, which will be located within

current poverty pockets and rural areas.

Informal Trade Support:

The informal economy will be supported and facilitated in terms of being

provided with the necessary basic infrastructure and services in order to make

the informal sector sustainable.

Urban Edge:

An urban edge will be created around the core economic area so as to halt urban

sprawl. Also, the density will be increased within those areas in the urban

boundary/edge. Development will be coerced to occur within this area.

Link between Eco Tourism Hubs and the CBD:

A link will be created between these areas which will enable a flow of economic

and social activity to become rife between the areas. This will improve access

and linkage as well as create a symbiotic relationship between previously

advantaged areas and previously disadvantaged areas.

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The Way Forward .

The production of a Spatial Development Framework is but one component

within the entire Integrated Development Process of the municipality. Hence, in

order to fully achieve the desired and continuous development and growth for

the Mbombela municipal area, the strategies and Spatial Development

Framework directions as noted above have to be followed by the next step of the

IDP process. This step is the implementation phase of chosen interventions and

projects and it is in this subsequent phase which will be able to show residents,

investors as well as other stakeholders the most results, as now the proposed

strategies ought to go from paper to actually being implemented in places.

Stakeholder participation is a critical factor in the IDP process and the above

strategies sought to address the concerns of those very stakeholders.

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