Curriculum
Vitae
of
Atiyyah
Saloojee
Graduate Urban & Regional
Planner
(BSc URP, BSc URP Hons, Wits)
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
CV OF 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
CV OF ATIYYAH SALOOJEE
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.
CV OF ATIYYAH SALOOJEE
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)
CV OF ATIYYAH SALOOJEE
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
CV OF ATIYYAH SALOOJEE
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
CV OF ATIYYAH SALOOJEE
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)
CV OF ATIYYAH SALOOJEE
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
CV OF ATIYYAH SALOOJEE
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.
CV OF ATIYYAH SALOOJEE
15
STILL AWAITING ARRIVAL FROM UNIVERSITY:
Honours Degree Certificate (Graduation in June 2013)
CV OF ATIYYAH SALOOJEE
16
PORTFOLIO|
Student design
projects
- 3rd
Year Final Design
- 2nd
Year Final Design
- SDF Project for Mbombela Municipal Region
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
10
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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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