Browsing by Author "Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke."

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Architectural approach that facilitates traditional medicine and biomedicine integration towards a design for an UNAIDS Research Institute in the Valley of a Thousand Hills - Bothas Hill, KZN.
(2014) Danisa, Linda Mimi Precious.; Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke.
The purpose of this research document is to determine an appropriate architectural approach for the design of an UNAIDS Research Institute, in Valley of a Thousand Hills, Bothas Hill, KZN. Medical research is essential in the pursuit to discover new diagnostic procedures and treatment to advance the quality of people‘s lives. Biomedical research has always dominated the South African medical practice and pharmaceuticals although other medicinal systems such as traditional medicine practice existed first in the country (WHO 2001). After being demoralized and being inferior to biomedicine for a long time, in 2008 10th of July, the Department of Health (DoH) presented a draft policy to institutionalize African traditional medicine in the healthcare system of the country (DoH 2008). Since then, the main challenge that is facing both traditional medicine and biomedicine practices has been the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Furthermore, up to 90% of people living with HIV/AIDS consult traditional health practitioners first before visiting biomedical practitioners (Morris 2001). The South African Medical Research Council (MRC SA)‘s concern regarding several uncertified traditional medicine products on the market has led them to propose the validation of the traditional medicines using sound scientific methods acceptable to international standards through their Indigenous Knowledge Systems of Health Lead Programme (IKS Lead Programme) (MRC SA 2013) . Consequently, this research‘s aim is to study the processes and environment for traditional medicine and biomedicine research in order to integrate them in one built-form for further investigation. Additionally, this research investigates the design tools for suitable builtenvironment approaches through the exploration of the theories of Biophilia, Genius loci and Critical Regionalism with the aim of creating built-form that respects its environment, improves user‘s wellbeing and enhances the research of both traditional medicine and biomedicine. Furthermore this research studies the existing research facilities precedents based on chosen theories principles. Finally, this research studies the local case studies that facilitate traditional medicine preparation in non-scientific method: KwaZihlahla Zemithi Pharmacy, scientific traditional medicine research: UKZN Traditional Medicine Laboratory and strictly biomedical research K- Rith Tower Building.
Assessing mixed-income housing as a mechanism for social integration: a case study of the Durban Point area.
(2019) Msweli, Noluthando Mandisa.; Loggia, Claudia.; Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke.
South Africa has a history of socio-spatial segregation which has been a major problem when it comes to addressing urban issues and housing delivery. Twenty years into democracy, it has been evident that there has been a huge backlog in the delivery of housing. Moreover, the rolledout policies have not addressed issues but rather perpetuated the legacy of Apartheid namely social, racial and economic segregation. However, the South African government, throughout the years, has been working tirelessly to rectify these past injustices. For these reasons, the mixed income approach has become popular in urban transformation interventions in South Africa. Such an approach aims to bridge the gap of socio-spatial, and economic integration by bringing people of different races and social classes into one environment whilst also providing affordable housing for citizens. This dissertation sought to formulate an argument that assesses and challenges the notion that social integration can be established and sustained through the mixing of incomes into one environment through the mixed-income approach. The significance of the study is to contribute to the understanding of the policy of mixed-income housing and its correlation to fostering social integration. It seeks to provide an assessment of whether the assumptions, that mixing of incomes into one neighbourhood, results in positive social patterns and integration amongst people in South Africa. This will be evident in the relations created including the level of interactions amongst the residents of Point. The dissertation provides a snapshot of the impact of the mixed-income ideology as well as the state of integration in the Durban Point Area and future prospects. To obtain the findings, the researcher used a mixed-method approach which involved qualitative and quantitative research; however, the bulk of the information was obtained from the qualitative research. The study made use of primary and secondary data collection methods. The secondary data includes statistics, online publications, books, and newspaper articles whilst the primary data includes interviews, focus groups and observations. After engaging the mentioned methodological approaches, the findings have shown that there is little to no integration fostered in the Durban Point as it is evident that little to no interactions occur in the area. The approach of mixed-income housing in the Durban Point area is further perpetuating social isolation which is the opposite of the envisioned outcome of this approach. According to the eThekwini Municipality, once the area is fully developed, then interactions will naturally occur. With the adoption of this neo-liberal approach, the municipality, unfortunately, has failed to take into consideration various factors that will continue hindering the establishment of integration in such areas such as inequality, race, social backgrounds, unemployment as well as historical aspects. Therefore, the researcher concludes it is important that the South African government needs to focus on making these adopted Western approaches more tailor-made to fit the South African context, for them to achieve the intended outcomes.
An assessment of environmental sustainability in low-income settlements : the case study of Qadi Towhship in KwaNyuswa.
(2016) Mnyandu, Sithabile Sinethemba.; Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke.
Environmental sustainability has a significant contribution to the conservation of natural capital. In low-income settlements it improves the quality of place by providing a clean environment and minimising environmental threats. During the life-cycle of low-income settlement where housing is used as a product, natural resources such as water and energy are consumed as inputs while waste is generated as an output. Environmentally sustainable low-income settlements are therefore necessary for controlling the consumption of resources, manage waste, minimise environmental impacts and provide a clean environment. It is against this background that the study assesses and suggests greening, water efficiency, energy efficiency and waste management as strategies to conserve natural capital, address environmental impacts and ultimately improve quality of place (QoP) in low-income settlements. The study therefore explores the effectiveness of these elements on creating environmentally sustainable low-income settlements based on the interpretive paradigm. It has used both qualitative and quantitative data methodologies relying on interviews, questionnaires and observations and secondary data to evaluate the uncontrolled negative impacts and unintended environmental threats brought about by low-income settlements. It examines the influence of conserving natural capital in improving QoP while assessing the elements that can create environmentally sustainable low-income settlements. Finally it outlines the strategies that can be adopted to strengthen the conservation of natural capital and improve the quality of place within low-income settlements. It was discovered by the study that poor management structures and budget constraints are contributing factors to unpleasant environmental conditions and poor quality of place within low-income settlements.
An assessment of the RDP settlements vulnerability to impacts of climate change : a case study of Umlazi Y section, south of Durban.
(2016) Hlatshwayo, Wendy Ntombifuthi.; Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke.
Prominences of environmental issues such as climate change have increased the need to achieve environmentally sustainable housing developments. Although effects of climate change are experienced at a global scale, vulnerability of a system is determined by scale and context. The objective of this research study is to understand how RDP dwellings are vulnerable to impacts of climate change and identify climate responsive housing consolidation methods which households can apply to improve the adaptability of RDP settlements. A case study was selected purposively. An Interview was conducted with a housing official and household surveys were conducted from the case study. Research findings indicate that RDP dwellings are vulnerable to impacts of climate change. The following factors contributed to the vulnerability of RDP settlements: lack of information on climate change, lack of resources and housing typology. At a policy level, it was discovered that issues of climate change have not yet been mainstreamed into housing policy. The research therefore, recommends that efforts are made to mainstream issues of climate change into housing policy and that measures are undertaken to strengthen the adaptive capacity of households.
Conceptualizing a nurturing inner city environment informed by the needs of street living : towards a multipurpose dream centre for the pavement dwellers of the Durban CBD.
(2013) Glass, Lucien Emile Xerxes.; Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke.
Within the context of a rapidly urbanizing population, both globally and nationally, this dissertation investigates how street living strategies can assist in conceptualizing a nurturing inner city environment. Responding to the dearth of implementable social policies in South Africa, this research sets out to explore methods for architects to enhance the life opportunities and choices of pavement dwellers by incorporating their livelihoods and aspirations in the design of the built environment. The research was carried out by way of reviewing existing literature on the subject, relevant case studies and precedent studies. The theories and literature discussed guide the focus of this dissertation highlighting the importance of taking people's needs, interests, livelihood strategies and their circumstances into account. The discussion illustrates how the inner city environment, underpinned by theoretical analysis of Theory of Living, Complexity Theory and Critical Regionalism, can be nurturing to life. Quantitative and qualitative methods are used to gather social and architectural data, outlining the interaction between street living strategies and the built environment, illustrating how an inner city can cater to the needs and well being (positive orientation) of the community, or in other cases, fail to do so. This will be further understood through an examination of the pavement dwellers' complex and difficult life in the Durban CBD, and how this creatively assists the design of a nurturing multipurpose dream centre, as a solution to the needs of street living and a conceptualization of a nurturing inner city environment. The outcome is the conceptualization of an inner city environment from which a set of principles and guidelines are established to inform the design of a new multipurpose dream centre in the inner city - the Durban CBD. A dream centre is possible because of the ability of "The architect [to] confront human needs and desires [and] mould the environment closer to the human dream" (Mumford, 1938: 403).
A critical analysis of the use of informal settlement dwellings as an economic asset: the case study of Kwa-Mathambo in Durban.
(2019) Nzimande, Sinenhlanhla Thenjiswa.; Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke.
Rapid urbanization and informal settlements are global phenomena, particularly relevant in developing countries. More than half of the population of African cities will migrate from rural areas to urban areas (UN-Habitat, 2014). In South Africa, rapid urbanization has resulted in the growth of informal settlements that are associated with negative impacts on the urban fabric as they are characterized by poor living conditions, poverty and unemployment. However, they serve as a foothold for migrants in search of social and economic opportunities. Residents of informal settlements engage in livelihood strategies that enable them to meet their basic needs and reduce household poverty. This study analysed how informal dwellings function as an economic asset to generate an income. A case study was conducted in Kwa-Mathambo informal settlement in Avoca, eThekwini Municipality. The municipality and a local community organization have implemented Emergency Housing Units and Re-blocking Units as recovery strategy in KwaMathambo and interim services, including water and electricity, have been provided. Informal settlements face various challenges that result in residents using their dwelling space to accommodate livelihood strategies. Engaging in wealth creation activities is a way of coping with population’s demands in urban areas. This study aims to identify the different economic activities that informal dwellers engage in, examine the use of the dwelling space for both residential and economic purposes, and to assess whether the provision of interim services enhanced the use of the informal dwelling as an economic asset. It also sought to identify the challenges associated with using the dwelling as an economic asset and to make recommendations on how informal settlements can be managed. A qualitative approach was adopted, with questionnaires, observation and in-depth interviews used to gather information from 20 residents of Kwa-Mathambo, two municipal officials and three members of the community support organization. The study found that the informal dwelling is a household wealth creation tool, which enables residents to meet basic needs and reduce poverty. Access to interim services in Kwa-Mathambo has created economic opportunities through enhancing the economic activities that informal residents engage in. Despite the fact that many regard informal settlements as a blight on urban areas, the findings suggest that they can be managed through supporting livelihood strategies. While the intention is not to promote the growth of informal settlements, municipalities and community organizations should acknowledge the use of informal dwellings as a physical asset that supports livelihood strategies. The results can inform policy to support and enhance informal residents’ livelihood strategies through training, programs and capacity building, to promote economic growth and self-reliance in marginalised communities.
An evaluation of socio-economic benefits of an in-situ upgrading programme : the case study of Namibia Stop 8 in Inanda (eThekwini Municipality).
(2016) Zungu, Njabulo.; Loggia, Claudia.; Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke.
This research sought to assess and evaluate the socio-economic benefits experienced by beneficiaries of South Africa’s UISP programme in Namibia Stop 8. The study seeks to emphasize the economic and social contribution of housing delivery to the creation of sustainable human settlements in South Africa, while unpacks the objectives versus implementation of the Housing policy and its impact. As the policy seeks not only to provide houses for the poor, but also to empower them through skills transfer, economic activities, participation and employment opportunities. The South African Government has made giant leaps in re-addressing the socio-economic issues challenging the country and its previously disadvantaged communities through various state and bilateral interventions. Informal settlement upgrading is one of South Africa’s key socio-economic interventions, which seeks to re-address issues related to housing shortages, poor living conditions, economic opportunities and spatial segregation. Moreover, the research study will critically investigate the UISP’s results in Namibia stop 8 whether benefits can be found, and measuring of what real impact it’s had in the community verses the BNG and UISP objectives. Through this evaluation, the UISP subsidy programme relevance will come under the spotlight regarding its ability to address socio-economic issues and through the provision of adequate housing. The above will be addressed in chapter two’s theoretical framework and literature review with the aid of Neoliberal theory, wellbeing theory and social capital concept to provide scholarly insight to the research study by means of qualitative research method and secondary data sources. The findings revealed through mixed method methodology and primary data sources, that economic benefits are absent or limited to a few but more social and wellbeing benefits amongst the majority. Research findings indicate that the upgrading programme has found some success in improving wellbeing of beneficiaries but had failed dismally in improving livelihoods. This was ironic as most beneficiaries located to Inanda stop 8 for economic reasons above the social. Consequently, beneficiaries are not likely to increase their income and achieve upward mobility in the housing market through the programme as it would have failed to significantly address the poverty in the community. The research recommends an additional policy programme that will focus on realizing community’s economic aspirations and promotion of livelihood strategies during and post upgrading.
An exploration into the lower middle income housing market.
(2009) Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke.; Kahn, Michael.; Adebayo, Pauline Wambui.
The study explores the factors hampering the growth of a sustainable lower middle income (LMI) housing market. The LMI group includes members of the working class who earn between R3,500 and R7,000 per month. The motivation for the research followed an observation made in 2003, that the policies of both the Department of Housing and the traditional banking system excluded this income category from accessing housing assistance. However, during the course of the study, the state started extending subsidy assistance to this income group, through the Breaking New Ground (BNG) policy. The study employed oral and written data collection methods. The housing market participants was divided into three broad categories, namely, demand side participants, supply side participants and the housing market facilitators. Interviews were conducted with both supply side participants and facilitators. On the demand side a questionnaire survey was conducted to establish the experiences of households in respect of the home acquisition process. The research findings revealed that LMI households require a housing typology which is described as a two bedroom detached starter house, within close proximity to a public transport system, and other community facilities for ease of accessibility. The data showed that the LMI households required financial education before getting involved in the home acquisition transaction. In addition, it emerged that professional services offered by the estate agents were not being fully utilized by the LMI households simply because the households were not aware of the responsibility of the agents in the home acquisition transaction process. It is maintained that the LMI housing market is inundated with multi-faceted hurdles from both intrinsic and extrinsic sources. The intrinsic sources include household character, past experiences amongst others, while the extrinsic sources comprise housing stock availability, loan approval criteria, etc. These hurdles require both long and short term interventions addressing the convoluted home acquisition process which involves various facilitators and a costly immovable product. In conclusion, it is recommended that demand side home ownership education is necessary, whereby LMI households are prepared for the home acquisition process. On the supply side long and short term interventions are recommended towards creating enabling environments for the supply of starter houses located close to neighbourhood facilities particularly a reliable transport network.
Exploring the composition of restorative environments conducive to post traumatic report and recovery processes in young women : towards an inner city support centre for young women in Durban.
(2015) Eneman, Julie Marie-Ange.; Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke.
This dissertation argues that research in Restorative Environments should begin to analyse situations in which restoration is actively promoted to treat specific conditions. The trauma of rape, sexual assault and abuse has been explored in this dissertation as a negative precursor, which requires physical, psychological, mental, and social restoration. By applying an understanding of this trauma, and its inherent constructs, the existing frameworks of Stress Recovery Theory (SRT) and Attention Restoration Theory (ART) have been redefined to meet the needs of the victims. Using a feminist standpoint, and a constructivist-grounded methodology, an analysis of the existing literature, several precedent studies, architectural case studies, and a series of in-depth interviews with victims advocates from a Non Profit and Non Government organisation based at several local Police Stations, the Department of Social Development Offices, and the Thuthuzela Care Centres, revealed several themes which formed the overall framework of the research argument, and its subsequent conclusions. (1) Refuge, in the form of a sense of safety and retreat are essential to disclosure. The integration of Perception Theory, particularly in terms of multi- sensory design, can create a sense of warmth and refuge in the built form. (2) Reflection, in terms of instoration, and cognitive and aesthetic distraction, can facilitate victim self-regulation. The use of Biophilic design principles, and particularly fractals, can promote reflection within the built form. (3) Reintegration, through a sense of belonging and normality promotes longer term recovery. The incorporation of the principles of Sense of Place can initiate longer term reintegration and restoration in the built form. Furthermore, through the fieldwork component of the research, this dissertation has concluded that although the functional medico-legal aspects of hospital crisis care environments and police report environments in Durban are reported to be generally well considered, an understanding of these experiential themes of Refuge, Reflect and Reintegrate, are not typically incorporated into these environments. Additionally, as a means to support the existing environments for report and recovery in Durban, there are several Non Profit and Non Government Organisations who have set up their own support facilities to meet the various longer term legal, psychological and medical needs of the victims. Unfortunately, their lack of infrastructure, funding and environmental connection to formal first response environments, such as hospitals and police stations, have resulted in a disconnect between points of first disclosure and continued recovery. This dissertation has concluded that this impedes the recovery of the victims and arguably reduces the number of cases reported. In the context of the ongoing stigma around cases of rape, sexual assault and abuse, the design of positive environments for tackling the layers of toxicity experienced by the victims- from the initial report stage, through the healing phases, and into the final stage of re-integration into society - is more important than ever. And as such, more research, and practical measures should be taken to understand how a single cohesive report and recovery environment can meet the many perceptions, experiences and needs of the victims - whether immediate or long term, physical or psychological, individual or group.
Exploring the importance of the creation of the cognitive image through architecture towards a new police headquarters for Durban.
(2013) Madden, Michael.; Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke.
Civic institutions such as the Police, the Judiciary and Governmental organizations rely heavily on a positive public perception in order to create a successful symbiotic working relationship. Although the public perception of these various institutions is often based on their actual performance and objectives within the public realm, the cognitive image which the public has of an institution is based on a variety of factors. The architecture which houses these institutions provides one of the primary valuable platforms to engage with the public and to express the vision and ideals of these institutions. It is thus important to understand the potential of architecture to shape a public perception or cognitive image. This paper seeks to understand how this can be achieved through the physical and emotional influences of the built form as well as to understand the role of society in shaping these perceptions. In South Africa, where a new democratic society has emerged, the re-imagination of civic institutions and their architecture to form a new cognitive image finds relevance.
Investigating policy gaps in the implementation and monitoring of the delivery of low cost housing projects in South Africa the case study of Illovo Township.
(2017) Dlamini, Thulani Nhlanhla.; Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke.
From its inception in 1994 the South African Low cost housing programme has been characterised by policy implementation gaps, leading to the delivery of poor quality and substandard houses. From 1994 to date there is an alarming decline in the quality of the low cost housing stock that has been rolled out, (Zunguzane et al 2012). The Study Area is located approximately 30kms south west of the eThekwini CBD, and in land of the southern coastal areas of Kingsburgh and Warner Beach, in proximity to the Amanzimtoti central area. The research aims to investigate Policy gaps emanating from the implementation and monitoring of Low Cost housing construction process in South Africa with reference to the Illovo Township, as a case study. The Research uses a qualitative method to examine the implementation challenges. This was achieved by utilising findings from results derived from questionnaire interviews conducted with selected key informants. These were Department of Housing and settlements Project Managers, NHBRC Quality Assessors, and Contractors, the ward councillor and the housing beneficiaries. Project management and Evaluation concept were interrogated to enhance the study. Project management concept highlighted the relationship between world class supply chain management, Total Quality Management (TQM) and the role of norms, standards and specifications is explored. Secondly the Evaluation concept which refers to an on-going process focused on the assessment of projects. To develop arguments the welfare state, developmental state, and Sustainability theories were utilised. The welfare state which is a theory of government in which the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the social and economic well-being of its citizens. The Key elements the developmental state theory include state control over finance, direct support for state owned enterprises by the government. Sustainability theory is a key strategy of the Breaking New Ground housing policy (2004) its plan is to “redirect and enhance existing mechanisms to move towards more responsive and effective delivery. The research revealed that managing time, cost and quality was a major challenges in the implementation of the low cost housing project at Illovo Township. Recommendations are budget increase to allow for skills training, the extension of the Contract period Stringent Project management and monitoring must be applied, by all stakeholders involved.
A new vernacular architectural language informed by the use of space in informal settlements: selected case studies in the Ethekwini Municipality, South Africa.
(2018) Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke.; Loggia, Claudia.; Peters, Walter Hermann.
Informal settlements are home to over 60% of urban poor in developing nations. They present a unique character in urban areas, making them easily identifiable. Nevertheless, they are often conceptualised in negative terms emphasising the illegality and non-conformity to building standards, arguably due to the limited understanding of the spaces created and meaning to the residents. The negative connotation of informality often directly or indirectly influences the upgrading interventions. This study sets out to gain an understanding of the use of space in informal dwelling environments, which could inform appropriate response and interventions to informal settlement upgrading programs, towards creating self-reliant and sustainable communities. It also intends to conceptualise a new vernacular architecture that incorporates the evolving character of dwelling spaces in the informal settlements. This research seeks to reconsider the informal dwellings in an objective light through the lenses of the residents. It reinterprets the self-built dwellings in relation to vernacular architecture. To do this, the key research questions raised are - What are the nature and characteristics of dwelling spaces in informal settlements that could inform appropriate response and interventions to upgrading programs? How can this be theorized into a “new vernacular architectural language?” The research applies a qualitative research methodology in three case studies in eThekwini municipality. The findings show that the settlements, as a whole, are an integral part of the dwelling experience and is affected by prevailing context, which includes accessibility to land (serviced or un-serviced) and accessibility to recycled materials for building purposes. This is also related to social ties often emanating from original homes, and leadership structures that are unrecognised by local authorities. A multi-layered dwelling pattern has been identified and categorised as simple, complex and multi-dwellings. These patterns show similarities to the vernacular language, particularly in the extensive use of outdoor spaces. The research concludes that the informal dwellings provide residents with experimental, existential, and aspirational meanings, as residents navigate their way into the city, and that the 21st century vernacular language is therefore trans-positional across rural-urban context.
The reconnection of the built form to the natural environment : towards an ecological awareness centre for Durban.
(2012) Docrat, Zakiyah.; Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke.
The research conducted seeks to understand man’s relationship with the natural world, and the translation of that relationship into the built environment. Current and contemporary built form often lacks an integrated approach to the natural environment. Seeing as modern man’s lifestyles is increasingly focused on indoor activities and governed by the technological rather than the physical world, the disconnection between man and the natural world grows ever more, with great physical, social and mental repercussions. The research therefore aims at establishing how the built form may facilitate connections to the natural world.
Street vending and the use of urban spaces in Tongaat central business district KwaZulu-Natal.
(2016) Hlengwa, Sinenhlanhla Patience.; Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke.
Urban public spaces are now used as livelihood assets for the urban poor in many cities around the world. Street vending is an urban livelihood that occurs in public spaces of the urban areas. And it is the means whereby the urban poor use urban public spaces for living and this result in conflict between street vendors and other urban users. It is on the grounds of this responsibility that this study examines street vending and the use on urban public spaces in the Tongaat Central Business District. This study has used a mixed method of both qualitative and quantitative, but qualitative methods being more dominant, including observation methods, interviews, and open ended and closed ended questions. The research is conducted from a feminist perspective. Both vendors and pedestrians were interviewed. The findings show that people continue to engage in street vending as a source of employment, with the majority of the interviewees having been engaged in this form of trading for more than 10 years. Vendors preferably want to sell in the CBD to be able to attract customers as it is the busiest area. This paper recommends that the spatial dynamics of the activity in the urban informal sector should be understood and the space needs of street vendors must be considered in urban planning. It is also recommended that the activity is accommodated sufficiently in the urban spatial environment and that the use of urban public space by street vendors is addressed in urban planning in order to minimize the conflicts between street vendors and other urban users.
Understanding the complexities of spontaneous settlements emerging in close proximity to landfill sites : a case study of Kennedy Road settlement, eThekwini Municipality.
(2014) Mogano, Jeconitta Mohlago.; Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith Tinuke.
This study adopted both the qualitative and quantitative research approaches to understand the complexities of spontaneous settlements emerging in the proximity of landfill sites using the Kennedy Road settlement as a case study because of its proximity to the Bisasar Road Landfill site; both the settlement and the landfill site are located within the EThekwini municipality. Spontaneous settlements are a common phenomenon in South Africa and have become part of the urban landscape. The dynamics influencing the location of spontaneous settlements to risky areas like landfill sites have not been adequately examined in literature; therefore, this study aimed to investigate the realities of the Kennedy Road settlement with a broader view of bringing insights for a progressive planning approach that accommodates urban home seekers. The study found that, while Kennedy Road, in common with other spontaneous settlements in South Africa, lacks basic services and infrastructure, the settlement is also highly exposed to the harmful effects of the landfill including, amongst many other factors, dust, bad odours and noise. The study also found that the main factor that influences the emergence and continuous growth of spontaneous settlements in South Africa is convenient and easy access to urban environments that offer many opportunities such as employment and housing on urban landscapes at very low costs.