Browsing by Author "Robinson, Peter Spencer."

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Adverse conditions in the Merebank area and possible urban design interventions.
(2008) Govender, Maveshnee.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
While, many communities around South Africa have been affected by apartheid planning, some were left worse off than others. Apartheid planning followed a distinct socio-political and economic programme, as well as a particular development approach. Such an approach placed little emphasis on man and the environment (Iyer, 1995). One of the primary principles of the apartheid policy was to racially segregate population groups. In most cases, it created built environments or living spaces that were unsupportive of resident communities. Iyer (1995) suggests that the South African city is not only a result of apartheid policy, but also a product of a modernist development mentality, and reflects the importation of associated planning models and ideals. Modernist planning is premised on technocratic and utilitarian ideals. According to Iyer (1995: 19), such models, which are “based on efficiency, the motor vehicle, engineering and maintenance standards, spatial segregation of land uses, rigid zoning, and so on, have produced environments that lack human quality, expression and identity” (Iyer 1995: 19). The built environment is expected to “provide its users with an essentially democratic setting, enriching their opportunities by maximising the degree of choice available to them” (Bentley & Alcock, 1985: 9). In other words, the built environment needs to be a living space that is responsive to the community it serves. A responsive environment is an environment that allows people to enrich their lives. It creates positive and livable living spaces. Urban design is an approach to design that seeks to establish responsive environments. Urban design interventions may be used to improve the many adverse conditions created by apartheid policy and the modernist way of thinking. The study area in this research, Merebank, is situated approximately 15 kilometres south of the city of Durban and is one of the oldest Indian residential areas in KwaZulu-Natal.See Map 1. Merebank is one of the suburbs particularly affected by the laws of apartheid and modernist planning. It is a highly controversial area having many urban design faults. The aim of this dissertation is to analyse the study area, examining the planning and design problems that negatively affect the area, and to explore possible design interventions that can be used to counteract or improve these conditions.
An appraisal of the 1991/92 City Engineers land-use proposals for the revitalisation of the Point Area.
(1993) Borthwick, John Baillie.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
No abstract available.
An approach to spatial planning in Southern Africa with particular reference to Transkei's north-east region.
(1986) Robinson, Peter Spencer.; Maasdorp, Gavin Grant.
The aim of this research was to investigate how spatial planning could contribute to development in the peripheral regions of Southern Africa. It was undertaken at a time when conventional regional planning was under attack from several quarters and the very relevance of planning at regional scale was being questioned. This state of flux in regional planning doctrine and practice presented an opportune setting to establish a method embracing the most relevant components of the debate. The proposed approach to spatial planning took into account the main parameters determining the context within which both planning and development can occur in Southern Africa's peripheral regions. It was tested in a typical environment - that of north-eastern Transkei. The proposed methodology places particular emphasis on the integrative role of planning (sectoral and spatial) at regional scale and on the means of implementation. It was used to draw up a Spatial Development Plan for the region and to set the implementation process in motion. The impact of both the plan and the process were monitored and evaluated after two years. With some refinements, the methodology proved to be an effective means of planning for development and initiating a sequence of actions geared towards development in the region. The conclusions were that spatial planning has a role to play in increasing the productive capacities and improving the living conditions of people in peripheral regions. However, this role is constrained both by the structural dimensions of underdevelopment in these areas (which spatial planning alone cannot resolve), and by the extent of which planners are able to remain involved in the implementation of their plans as part of a continuous development process. It is apparent that more attention needs to be paid to consultation, communication and community liaison than to the technical side of planning. Thus planners need not only to return to the fields of procedural and substantive theory to bolster their doctrine; but they also need to adopt the approach of McGee's "dirty boots brigade".
Appropriate management and development framework for transitional rural settlements : a comparative study within Ngcolosi Tribal Authority.
(1998) Bhengu, Thamsanqa Thulani.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
No abstract available.
Assessment of participatory methods in planning of the upgrading projects within the inner city urban renewal programme : a case study of Duncan Village Redevelopment Initiative (DVRI), East London.
(2007) Birungi, Pauline.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
Planning has evolved from being viewed as a discipline that can be quite technical toone of humanistic and social reproach. Collaborative planning within this same reference claims to be all-inclusive with collaborative planning theorists believing that community forms of planning offer a progressive way forward since they incorporate public participation in the planning issues they face. Public participation is defined by the World Bank as an active process by which beneficiary groups influence the direction and execution of a development project, with a view to enhance their well-being in terms of income, personal growth, self reliance and other values they cherish. Duncan Village is one of the largest and most dense shack settlements' in the Eastern Cape. An Urban Renewal Programme that later became known as the Duncan Village Redevelopment Initiative (DVRI), was designated for the area with the aim of upgrading and were necessary redeveloping section of the township that were hazardous to human settlement. The Flood Line Pilot Project is a sub-section to the overall DVRI with the aim of moving resident living along the Umzonyana River banks within the 1:100 year flood line and experiencing major flood and fire disasters and relocating them while at the same time redeveloping the area as open, green and environmentally friendly space. Public participation models and approaches are being assessed within the flood line pilot to illustrate whether within the planning phase, were one would initially argue for public participation, residents became participants and owners ofthe projects or merely passive receivers of information concerning their areas.
Assessment of the extent to which Lesotho's Land Act 1979 (Act#17) had and impact on urban morphology and patterns of land development in Maseru and its peri-urban areas : the case of Mapeleng and Sekamaneng.
(1998) Ntlaloe, Khopotso Hazel.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
No abstract available.
An assessment of the role of small-scale farming in reducing poverty in Kanyayo, Bizana District, Eastern Cape.
(2010) Zithutha, Mswankile W.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
This dissertation assesses the role of small-scale farming in reducing poverty in rural areas using household data collected from Kanyayo and interviews with Department of Agriculture, Bizana Local Municipality and other key community members. The reviewed literature confirmed that small-scale farming has a potential to reduce poverty if well supported. This support includes the eradication of problems facing small-scale farming, while at the same time empowering small-scale farmers through connecting them to reliable market outlets. The findings of the study indicated that small-scale farming in Kanyayo is faced by many problems. These problems include: labour shortage which is attributed to lack of youth involvement, laziness and sicknesses; insufficient rainfall; poor infrastructure and inadequate access to services; lack of connectedness to market outlets; lack of farming information. These obstacles to small-scale farming tend to constrain smallscale farming potential and thereby exacerbate poverty levels. Arising from the research several recommendations were put forward. These include: development of the labour force; irrigation schemes and construction of dams; delivering of services and infrastructure; market arrangements; accessible to farming information center. The study concludes that small-scale fanning has a power to reduce poverty in rural areas but that power is based on removal of barriers to small-scale farming.
Capacity building alongside delivery in the rural development context : a comparative study of the Ngwavuma and Mapumulo water schemes.
(1995) McCann, Melinda.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
This dissertation investigates the approach and process employed to both water delivery and capacity building in two distinct KwaZulu-Natal schemes within Mapumulo and Ngwavuma - the Masibambisane Water Project and the Shemula Community Water Supply Scheme, respectively. The principal concern of the study is whether capacity building may proceed alongside service delivery. The context of the study is established in exploring several theories of rural development, the role of power structures, the state and development agents, as well as the Reconstruction and Development Programme, in relation to rural development. Furthermore, the concept of capacity building is examined in terms of theory and practice in order to conceptually locate the schemes under consideration. The central argument of the dissertation is that effective management of the delivery process, from investigatory work through to implementation and maintenance of the product, enables capacity building to proceed apace. The primary research conducted around the respective schemes offers support to the argument and further highlights the centrality of extensive community consultation and participation within the delivery process. It is further argued that capacity building is not simply a desirable, but essential component of community-based development initiatives, particularly where the role played by community members subsequent to project implementation is critical to the sustainability of the product. In addition, a comprehensive and grounded understanding of the development context and of the needs and aspirations of the beneficiary community are advanced as being indispensable in seeking to successfully deliver a service in a manner that is appropriate and sustainable. Finally, the role of the state, funding institutions and delivery agents within the rural development context may prove highly effective in facilitating fundamental positive changes in the quality of life experienced by rural people. However, it is argued that in order for such development to proceed, such agents need to adopt a self-critical approach and adapt their current policies, practice and perceptions in accordance with the constraints and opportunities of the development context.
Competition for land between conservation and low income settlement users : the classical case of Reserve 6 in Richards Bay.
(1996) Griffiths, Susan.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
The report identifies a case study in which there was competition for land between conservation and low income settlement users. The nature of these potentially conflicting interests were identified and an evaluation of how these were played out followed. The fact that the interest of the low income settlement users carried the background of apartheid based discriminations, made the situation a sensitive one. Moreover, it was a unique case whereby the needs of a community's rural lifestyle were to be met in an urban environment. The planning process had political overtones which directed the decision-making process and consequential planning. The study informs development and planning, that in post-apartheid planning, there is the need to incorporate social reconstruction within urban and rural reconstruction. In planning and development processes, planning should play a fundamental role of providing input to guide the process. The input provided by planning should be cross-sectional in the context of conflicting interests, in order for the final plan to represent a compromise, serving the better interests of all the interested parties.
Contribution of land reform programmes to beneficiaries on Rocky Drift Farm, Muden, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2009) Jobe, Simeon Walter.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
This study seeks to examine the contribution of land reform programmes to beneficiaries and focuses on post settlement development for beneficiaries once they have resettled on the farm. The contribution of land reform programmes is examined in this study through the investigation of the Rocky Drift Farm, a rural area in Muden, KwaZulu-Natal Province, This case study has been chosen because it became one of the first Land Reform Pilot Projects transferred in 1997 to a Trust, representing a large number of owners (232 in total), under the government assisted land redistribution programme. It is now 12 years since the residents have returned to Rocky Drift Farm and this period is regarded as sufficiently long enough to enable the critical examination of development progress relating to land reform since 1997. This research has hypothesized that "whilst the Land Reform Programme does generate some benefits for beneficiaries, it has proved to be an inadequate mechanism for improving the quality of life for beneficiaries, and thus needs to be supplemented by a number of other key support programmes in order to fully contribute to the lives of the poor". While this investigation has proven beyond reasonable doubt that the lives of of the beneficiaries have not fully improved as a result of Land Reform Programmes at Rocky Drift, improvement in infrastructure and service provision such as upgrading of 3 roads. construction and upgrading of 5 schools, building of 1 creche and the supply of portable water, has been noticed. Furthermore, benefits such as a sense of belonging, identity, trust, hope and reconciliation, resulting from the implementation of the Rocky Drift Project have also not gone unnoticed. However, despite the benefits mentioned above, it is strongly argued by this dissertation that these benefits are inadequate to boldly conclude that land reform programmes have improved the standard of life for Rock Drift residents after 12 years of resettlement. Therefore, this study recommends, inter-alia, the following supplementary measures as boost for land reform programmes to enable the beneficiaries to fully benefit from these programmes, during post settlement; • improving communication, co-operation and co-ordination among the government departments, • maintaining the continuity of the key stakeholders, • establishment of agri-villages; • link land reform projects with lDPs: • re-establishing the Rocky Drift community structures and the • letting of unused portions of Rocky Drift Farm, to mention a few. Lastly, since the Rocky Drift Project piloted other farms, this study also recommends that a further investigation needs to be conducted. This will draw a comparative analysis and critically examine whether or not the lessons from this project were used to improve other similar projects.
Costs in townships: a case study of Phoenix.
(1979) Isemonger, Dennis J.; Kahn, Michael.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
The aim of the dissertation is to examine the costs in township housing and to identify some major issues and concepts by means of a case study for consideration by planners. The study is divided into three main sections. The first deals with some concepts of cost, the need for cost awareness, and a justification of the dissertation topic. The South African low income housing policy is also discussed insofar as it is of concern for planners. The second section consists of a case study of a case study of the Phoenix New Town design. An alternative to that of the Phoenix design is put forward and both are then evaluated in terms of criteria specifically formulated for that purpose. The last section concerns the conclusions of the case study, and contains some policy and design implications for planners.
Distant decentralised office parks : a case study of the La Lucia Ridge Office Estate.
(1999) Gounden, Krishni.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
No abstract available.
The dynamics of informal trading in Westcliff, Chatsworth : a case- study of the Bangladesh market.
(2004) Singh, Shikar Sanjith.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
No abstract available.
The incorporation of traditional leaders into local government : the case of Msinga Local Municipality.
(2002) Khoza, Gloria Nonhlanhla.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
No abstract available.
The informal sector in hostels : the case of Kwadabeka Hostel.
(1997) Ramashala, Merriam Dikeledi.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
No abstract available.
An investigation into sustainable development limits for densification close to natural resources : a case study of Giba Gorge, eThekwini Municipal Area.
(2008) Nansook, Ahsha.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
In an effort to protect key environmental assets in the Outer West Region of the eThekwini Municipal area, the Environmental Management Department has embarked on a process to better align environmental concerns into the Consolidated Outer West Town Planning Scheme. The intention is to create sustainable living environments by recognising the importance and value of the environment and its open spaces. Ultimately the research is attempting to understand the difficulties in implementing sustainable development. Sustainable development has been acknowledged at a policy level in the eThekwini Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan; however the translation of sustainable development into implementation is more difficult. Part of the complexity relates to different sectors within the Municipality such as the Environmental Sector and the Economic Sector viewing sustainable development differently. The research focuses on the rapid densification in the Outer West adjacent to environmental resources by private land owners which highlights the lack of understanding by the public on the importance of the environment. Further, the conflicts between the need for economic development and environmental conservation in the context of the Giba Gorge area, show that historical zoning ‘rights’ operate against the protection of bio-diversity. This reinforces the need for better alignment between the environmental protection and land use management.
An investigation of issues and challenges that have led to the transformation of the case of Melbourne Road area, Durban.
(2007) Ndaba, Gerald Musa.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
No abstract available.
Land redistribution as a means to improve security of tenure, alleviate poverty and improve quality of life : the case of Onbekend, a rural area in Mpumalanga Province.
(2002) Dlamini, Theophilus.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
No abstract available.
"Managing coastal development in a rapidly developing areas : the case of Umhlanga Rocks".
(2011) Ramsaru, Reena.; Von Riesen, Annette Janine.; Odendaal, Nancy.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
No abstract available.
The nature and scale of container packing and unpacking facilities on the South Durban Basin (SDB).
(2008) Smith, Kieran.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
No abstract available.