School of Built Environment and Development Studies
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/6488
Browse
Browsing School of Built Environment and Development Studies by Issue Date
Now showing 1 - 20 of 1308
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item A study in the sociology of building with special reference to the architect.(1960) Dakin, Arthur John.It is apparent from this research that we need to develop a sociology of building in the same way that we are assembling a sociology of medicine, education, religion and of knowledge itself and that in the task of creating a sociology of building we should pay particular attention to the relevance of sociological theory. This dissertation does not claim to set out a sociology of building, but it can be regarded as a preliminary study perhaps useful to that end. An aim in this research has been to concentrate on method, the collection of data, classification and categorisation, thereby attempting to shape an outline which later work may be able to fill in. Value judgments have therefore been used sparingly and only when they can serve some clear and specific purpose.Item Idioms of accumulation : socio-economic development in an African freehold farming area in Rhodesia.(1975) Cheater, Angela Penelope.; Argyle, W. John.No abstract available.Item Indian housing in the Marburg Port Shepstone sub-region.(1976) Bradley, John Edward.; Theron, Jakobus Daniel.No abstract available.Item A study of zoning and development controls with application to flat development in Berea North, Durban.(1978) Harris, Janet Lynne.This dissertation deals, firstly, with the nature of zoning and development controls, and their relationship to the planning process. From this broad overview the emphasis changes to deal more specifically with how these regulations affect flat development; and to look at the Durban Town Planning Scheme area of Berea North in particular. The zoning and dimensional regulations are examined in detail, along with the flat development that has taken place in Berea North as a result of the implementation of these regulations. An evaluation of the Berea North regulations follows, which covers four aspects, namely, evaluation of the planning process, the goals, the regulations, and the resultant development. This leads into an examination of some alternative systems of Development Control, with the suggestion that these be considered for implementation in Durban. The conclusions arrived at in this study are that zoning and development controls are essential elements of planning; that they are both part of the Development Control system; that there is strong justification for controlling flat development; that the methods for controlling flat development in Berea North are neither efficient nor sufficient; and that there are alternative and more successful ways of controlling flat development.Item 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.Item A social and economic geography of Umzinto North.(1981) Soni, Dhirajlal Vallabh.; Smout, M. A. H.; Greyling, J. J. C.An attempt is made in this dissertation to ascertain current land use structure and to analyse the development potential of Umzinto North. A comprehensive socio-economic and land use survey was undertaken to establish housing needs, to assess the employment potential, to determine the need for urban amenities and services and to investigate additional, land requirements. The dissertation also tested land use needs in Umzinto North in respect of the cultural perspectives of the Indian community. Final, analysis revealed a range of land use types. There were, however, certain amenities and services which were lacking in terms of their provision and quality. Recommendations regarding these issues have been made. In respect of the issue of land use and cultural values, it was found that the community in Umzinto North is increasingly becoming westernized in its lifestyle and no special, land use needs are required. However, it is suggested that the rigidity in the application of planning regulations must be substituted by a more flexible approach to accommodate the specific requirements of individual, househollds, particularly, in the lower economic strata. It is also strongly recommended that planning authorities encourage public participation in any further planning proposals for the town. In the final assessment it was found that Umzinto North had very limited potential, for growth. Inability to generate employment opportunities could encourage further out - migration which could result in decreased growth rates within the town.Item Betterment planning in South Africa.(1982) Seneque, Garth Clement.; Smit, Daniel Petrus.Betterment Planning is the major form of rural development planning which has been implemented in the Reserve areas of South Africa. The first Bettemnent schemes were begun after 1939. Whilst Betterment Planning has undergone certain modifications in theory and implementation over the past 42 years, it is still being implemented by the 'homeland' governments. This paper is of necessity only a preliminary study or working paper, the aim of which is to explore the theoretical and concrete issues which a comprehensive evaluation of Betterment Planning would need to confront in detail. I have chosen to analyse Betterment Planning for a number of reasons. First, whilst preparing a report on settlement patterns in KwaZu1u/Natal for the Buthelezi Commission early in 1981, I found that there was very little published material on Betterment Planning. Further, in the course of this research, I was surprised to find that practising planners and academics in Natal seemed to know little about it. Second, reports on development planning for the homelands ignore Betterment Planning entirely. For example, the "Towards a Plan for KwaZulu" (1978) makes no mention what soever of the Betterment Planning in KwaZulu, let alone undertakes an analysis of the successes/failures of its implementation. Yet it stresses that: "the reform and development of the agricultural sector should be accorded the highest priority. Failure to make progress in this area will jeopardise all the objectives of the Plan." (Thorrington-Smith et al 1978 : 22). To undertake rural development planning without an analysis and understanding as to why it is necessary, can only result in the proposed plans being at best superficial and, at worst, ones which exacerbate the problem they set out to solve. All too often development planning is nothing more than problem-solving oriented: the problem is identified and described, and the planners put forward a solution to solve it. However, for a solution to have even a chance of being successfully implemented, the causes and history of the problem must be fully analysed and understood. It is just as crucial to analyse and evaluate previous attempted solutions to the problem. For, in failing, they may have become additional constraints, i.e. in themselves the previous solutions may have become part of the problem. Third, most of the homelands are politically 'semi-independent' or 'independent'. They have their own agriculture and planning departments which have realized that rural development is a priority in any homeland development. Consequently in recent years, these homelands have been looking for new rural development strategies. In the light of my second point above, it is therefore important that Betterment Planning is analysed and evaluated. Fourth, the writings of neo-Marxist and Marxist theoreticians on South Africa have almost completely failed to address the role and function of Betterment Planning in the transformation of the South African social formation. Most of their attention has been focussed on the white agricultural areas.Item The growth and development of the organised building industry in the Western Cape with an investigation into the forces that have shaped it.(1984) Butt, Peter Edward.; Strachan, George.No abstract available.Item The growth and development of the Master Builders Association in the Cape Peninsula.(1984) Butt, Peter Edward.; Strachan, George.No abstract available.Item Planning with South African labour statistics : the politics of ignorance.(1984) Moll, Terence Clive.; Nattrass, Jill.No abstract available.Item Rural poverty : subsistence or dependency.(1984) May, Julian Douglas.; Nattrass, Jill.The Republic of Transkei, the first of the "Independent" National States has financed a number of research projects which have attempted to establish a data base on which a Five Year Development Plan can be grounded. A important element of this plan has been the suggestion of the creation of a hierarchy of Service Centres in the rural areas of Transkei. From these, it is envisaged that essential services could be distributed to the rural poor. In addition, these Centres are expected assist with the co-ordination of other projects based in the rural areas, and, further, to contain some inherent growth potential which could stimulate development. It was intended that this thesis should provide a critical analysis development planning in for the rural areas of Transkei. Particular attention has been paid to the existing conditions and structures in the rural areas, and the manner in which these might influence the success or otherwise of a Service Centre Approach. In addition, the relationship between rural households in Transkei, and the South African economy has also been examined. Chapter One of this thesis introduces the importance of development studies in Southern Africa. It goes on to examine the important theoretical approaches to Third World economies, notably, the Dualistic and the Dependency paradigms. The Althussarian concept of an articulation of two or more modes of production is discussed in this section. Thereafter, the Southern African development experiance is reviewed, taking into account the Liberal and Radical interpretations, and placing these within the paradigms discussed earlier. The chapter concludes by situating Transkei within the broader Southern African political economy. Chapter Two discusses the Rural Service Centre concept, and the emphasis which has been placed on it in Transkeian planning. The chapter raises a number a crucial questions regarding this concept and posits that a deeper understanding of the conditions in the rural areas might assist in providing the answers for some of these questions. To this end a household survey was conducted in the Umzimkulu District of Transkei, and the chapter concludes with a description of methodology, and of the areas which were selected for survey. Chapters Three to Five present the findings of the survey, and represent the empirical core of the thesis. Chapter Three describes the demographic characteristics of the sampled population. Chapter Four deals at length with the income generating ability of the rural households, taking into account subistence agriculture, local formal and informal employment, welfare payments and remittances. In addition, a wealth index has been created, and the distribution of wealth examined. Chapter Five briefly introduces the Basic Needs Approach to development, and the remainder of the chapter concerns itself with the fulfilment of essential needs in the Umzimkulu District. Finally, chapter Six draws together the dependnecy theory discussed in chapter One, the data presented in chapters Three to Five, and the politio-economic structure of Transkei. The chapter argues that although the Service Centre Approach may appear to be a suitable strategy for development in purely spatial terms, in fiscal terms the approach contains a crucial flaw. Such an approach requires a redistribution of resources from the urban wealthy to the rural poor. In view of Transkei's dependent status viv-a-vis South Africa, and in view of the nature of the Transkeian bureaucracy , it is argued that such a transfer seems unlikely. However, in order to move away from the overall pessimistic tone of the conclusion, it is suggested the Last Word that, ultimately, it appears that the position of the rural poor will only recieve attention once this group becomes important to politicians in Umtata and Pretoria. Consequently, local development projects should seek ways in which they will be noticed by the government.Item Black education in South Africa : the case of the Qadi Tribal Area, Inanda Reserve, Kwa Zulu.(1984) Jarvis, Brian John.; Wellings, Paul.This thesis is concerned with formal education for black South Africans. Central to the argument is an appreciation of how formal educational systems tend to foster specific ideologies and reproduce particular social relations which protect the interests of the state and those class interests which are most closely reflected by it. This is demonstrated at a general level with reference to colonial and post colonial education in Africa (Chapter 1) before proceeding to the South African situation (Chapter 2). In this context educational inequalities in South Africa have been systematically entrenched by the Nationalist government following its accession to power in 1948 in accordance with apartheid ideology and the perceived needs of capital. Specifically education has been deployed to: a) help maintain the proclaimed unique identity of the Afrikaner - and more generally the white South African; b) to perpetuate the myth of white supremacy; and c) to maintain and reproduce the social relations of racial capitalism. As such, it is a form of discrimination and social control (now drawing an organised and often violent black response) which aims to 'prepare' black South Africans for distinct and inferior roles within society. This is discussed in some depth drawing on both the 'liberal' and 'Marxist' interpretations. Whereas the broad contours of the apartheid educational system have been well sketched by a variety of authors, comparatively little attention to date has been directed towards its impact on the micro level. In view of this a detailed survey of the education that is available to the Qadi tribal area of Kwa Zulu's Inanda Reserve was conducted by the author. This forms the kernel of the thesis (Chapter 3). The survey focused on both 'in-school' and 'in-community' factors to examine educational deprivation in the area. Comparisons were also made with a neighbouring white area to illustrate the depth of the inequalities that obtain under the apartheid framework. In addition, an attempt was made to evaluate the potential for education related unrest in the area by analysing pupils' aspirations and expectations. The results of this survey highlight the urgent need for remedial action. Consequently, Chapter 4 - taking note of the various recommendations of inter alia the HSRC and Buthelezi Commissions - is devoted to a discussion of possible interim measures for alleviating hardship in the educational system. It is stressed that any attempt to adequately rectify inequality is dependent on structural change within the wider political economy. Nevertheless, given that fundamental apartheid structures such as those in education are unlikely to disintegrate in the immediate future, a number of suggestions for improving black education within the present context are considered.Item The urban informal sector in South Africa : what options for development? : a case study of KwaMashu, Natal.(1985) Krige, Dulcie Jean.; Wellings, Paul.In the past few years there has been a dramatic increase in research on the informal sector in South Africa. Motivating this research, besides academic curiosity, is growing concern over poverty and unemployment amongst South African blacks. The general belief that these factors have contributed significantly to the political unrest now sweeping the country is another encouragement to research. What is being increasingly suggested, not only by academics but also by government officials, businessmen and others, is that the informal sector could be developed in appropriate directions to provide jobs raise living standards and (hence) promote political stability. Attention is now being focused on the question of how best to achieve this objective. In this thesis, proposals for 'developing ' the informal sector in South Africa are examined by a careful analysis of the relevant literature and an in-depth case study of the KwaZulu township, KwaMashu. The first question that needs to be addressed is how to conceptualise the informal sector. There are many interpretations, depending in part on the stage of development attained by the local economy, of what comprises this sector. Does it only consist of the poor, the unlicenced, the untaxed, the unprotected, the harassed? There are many perspectives, too, on whether the informal sector is independent and autonomous or whether it is integrated into the economy in ways that might impede or facilitate its development. It has been argued, for example, that the state and capital determine the parameters of the informal sector at a level most functional to their requirements. These interpretations are critically examined in Chapters One and Two with particular reference to South Africa. Attention is then directed towards the particular case of KwaMashu. The research methodology is discussed in Chapter Three. The approach adopted here combined random-sample questionnaires and case study methods. In order to locate the research in its geographical, temporal and political setting the history of KwaMashu is also briefly reviewed. The research results (which cover the extent, viability, potential and difficulties of the informal sector), are examined in Chapters Four to Six. Chapter Four gives the results of the survey - including three detailed case studies and the findings of the questionnaire survey. In Chapter Five garment makers and retailers (two categories which together make up a large component of the KwaMashu informal sector) are analysed more closely using information obtained from case studies. The field work included interviews, not only with informal sector participants, but also with the officials whose decisions influence the development of the informal sector. The latter is examined in Chapter Six. An important finding particularly relevant for policy decisions - concerned the division in levels of informal sector operation and the policy decisions affecting each level. The concluding chapter combines the findings of literature surveys with the empirical results from KwaMashu in order to assess the opportunities for and the limits to informal sector 'development' in South Africa. Practical and realistic means by which those in this sector might be assisted are also discussed in some detail.Item Working for nothing : gender and industrial decentralisation in Isithebe.(1986) Pudifin, Colette.; Ward, Sarah."One of the central tenets of critical approaches to social science is that we should not only understand society theory), but use such understanding as a basis for a programme of action (practice) to change society, change...is only possible through an endless cycle of theory and practice. The feminist approach changes and deepens our analysis" (IBG Women's Group 1984:38). A fundamental issue for planners and planning is the question of 'development.' how does it occur, for whom, and with what result? One of the South Africa State's policies which is couched in development terms is that of Industrial Decentralization. This policy is having an impact on both the organization and the location of industry. In this thesis we explore the significance of gender-relations and the geography of gender relations in the reorganization of industry and employment. Our specific orientation is towards drawing the links between gender and industrial decentralization and in order to do this we look at life experiences in Isithebe, an industrial decentralization point in KwaZulu near Stanger. Below we outline the contents of each chapter. The choice of structure and the reasons behind it are discussed in the section on Methodology in Part 1. In brief the process moves from women's personal experience of life (part 2) in Isithebe to the broader social context of this experience (Part 3).Item 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".Item Garbage picking as a strategy for survival : a case study of a sub- sector of the informal sector.(1987) De Kock, Rachelle Elizabeth.; Nattrass, Jill.In the past few years there has been a dramatic increase in research dealing with the informal sector in South Africa. This research is often motivated by academic curiosity as well as a growing concern over poverty and unemployment among South Africa's blacks. It has increasingly been suggested by academics, businessmen and government officials that the informal sector be developed and encouraged in appropriate directions in order to provide employment opportunities. This thesis is a case study of a group of people who are officially unemployed, and who work in the informal sector in order to survive. The economic activity they are involved with, represents a subsector of the informal sector namely, garbage picking. The first question that is addressed in the study deals with the problems inherent in the conceptualisation of the informal sector. There are many interpretations of what comprises this sector, depending in part on the stage of development that has been reached by the local economy and on the theoretical perspective used in the analysis. There are also many perspectives on whether the sector is independent and autonomous and on the extent to which it is intergrated into the economy of a country. Chapters 1 and 2 contain critical examination of the literature dealing with these aspects. In chapter 3 the characteristics of the informal sector are studied. Several case studies from different parts of the world are examined. Chapter 4 examines the marginality concept in relation to the garbage pickers with a view to determining the extent to which these people are marginalised in society. Attention is then directed towards the particular case study. The characteristics of garbage picking and the people who do this work, as well as the conditions under which they work, are examined in chapters 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the thesis. The results show that there is very little potential for the garbage picker to improve his/her position within the informal sector. The garbage pickers regard formal sector employment as their only way out of their present position and, given present circumstances, it seems that their view is correct. However, since the likelihood of their finding formal wage employment seems very limited, alternatives were examined and it seems that within the garbage industry the potential does exist to create formal sector jobs for the pickers. This potential can, however, only be realised once the garbage industry recognises this and re-organise itself to employ these people on a permanent basis.Item An interpretation of political violence in Lamont and KwaMashu.(1987) Booth, Douglas George.; Wellings, Paul.; Zulu, Paulus Mzomuhle.The field of political violence is introduced with an overview of anti-State political violence in South Africa between 1 January 1977 and 21 July 1985. Incidents of political violence in that period were classified into one of three categories, each of which reflects different sources of political violence. Subsequently, the research analysed what is referred to 'spontaneous' collective violence in two of Durban's townships Lamont and KwaMashu. The theoretical framework for the analysis of this type of behaviour is provided by T.R. Gurr using the formula: MPV = RD + (RD x JUST x BALANCE) where MPV is the magnitude of political violence; RD is discontent; JUST is the justifications for engaging in violence; and BALANCE is the ratio of support for, and coercive capacity of, dissidents vis-a-vis the State. The weight of each variable (RD, JUST and BALANCE) was assessed in Lamont and KwaMashu through interviews with 25 group leaders from both townships and by various inferential techniques. While discontent was found to be universal in both townships, the justifications for engaging in violence as a strategy to alleviate that discontent and alter existing power relations were found to be a function of ideology. For the purposes of this research two ideological classifications were employed: 'reactionaries' (those organisations operating within government created institutions, including bantustans, e.g. Inkatha); and 'progressives' (those organisations operating outside government created institutions and which are popularly labelled the Left e.g. the United Democratic Front). In Durban there is a specific spatial distribution of ideology which has resulted in support for, and the coercive capacity of, reactionaries' being greatest in bantustan townships ' (e.g. KwaMashu), while among 'progressives' support and coercive capacity are highest in townships in 'white' South Africa (e.g. Lamont). The distribution of ideology has its origins in historical forces which are discussed in detail. The question to be answered thus remains at what point does political violence reach a crescendo? This question was answered by identifying the issues precipitating political violence in Lamont and KwaMashu and then analysing specific incidents. Frequently, the most intense collective violence erupted when resistance to State hegemony was interpreted by the State, or its proxies, as challenging the existing status quo. In Lamont the State has directly intervened to crush resistance through the use of its security forces while in KwaMashu Inkatha vigilantes have acted as proxies for the State.Item The public library as a community service in a developing society : case study of Botswana.(1988) Nkabinde, Thokozile M. N.; Lund, Frances Jane.; Schlemmer, Lawrence.; Zulu, Paulus Mzomuhle.This study evaluates the purpose and role of the public library in national development in Botswana. Particular attention is focused on the public library as a community resource as well as its sensitivity in meeting the needs of community members and of organizations operating in the community. Chapter 1 introduces the nature of the problem, and brief historical and current developments of the public library in Botswana. Research objectives of the study are also outlined. Chapter 2 attempts to locate the public library in developing countries within development strategies such as the modernization and basic needs approach. Discussions further illustrate how policies emanating from these development strategies have influenced public library policies in these countries, and in Botswana. Attempts are made to show how the public library in Botswana is trying to adjust to shifts in emphasis of government development plans, especially the rural development emphasis. Chapter 3 outlines methods of research used to collect and process data obtained from the village Molepolole in Botswana. There is a brief discussion of the nature of this village as well as that of the community public library. Chapter 4 and 5 present findings of the household survey, and of community organizations and public librarians interviewed. An analysis and interpretation of findings of the household survey based on a sample of 203 readers drawn from the village is also presented. Community organizations interviewed include both government and non-government. Patterns of reading and views on the library of both readers in the survey and public library users, are explored. Chapter 6 presents a brief review of developments of the national campaign to eradicate illiteracy in Botswana, which was launched by the Department of Non-formal Education (DNFE) in 1970. The study shows what role the public library has been, and what it should be, in the provision of effective support for the promotion of literacy and reading. The last chapter gives a summary of findings, and suggests a model that could be adopted to develop an effective rural public library service in Botswana. The model is based on principles of the basic needs approach to development, which emphasizes appropriateness, focus on target groups, accessibility, affordability, integrativeness, participation and assertiveness.Item Historic hospitals in Natal.(1988) Gorny, Hanna Barbara.; Kearney, Brian.The object of this research is to investigate in detail the origin and growth of Natal Hospitals - their design and function. The 19th Century saw the birth of the Republic of Natalia, and with it the establishment of towns and villages where public institutions, including hospitals, were being founded paraliel with private dwellings. Twofold development of the colony by Voortrekkers and English settlers resulted in different cultural influences, which can be observed in the architecture of that time. Whereas public, commercial, religious, domestic and collegiate buildings in Natal were, in their own scaled-down fashion, comparable with their counterparts in the United Kingdom, matters of public hygiene, mental health and prison systems were seriously neglected. The importance of the problem was recognised only in the late 1850's. The change in thinking was caused by the radical improvements in European Hospitals which were considered to be: "....essentially creations of the era beginning in the mid-18th century (for before this date the accommodation was provided in ad hoc premises), and all possessed the common quality of demanding, that certain clearly defined functions be fulfilled. The new hospitals imposed an overriding demand for maximum ventilation. It was in buildings such as these, that modern functionalism best expressed itself, and as a result, the 19th century subjected to a considerable amount of architectural research." Natal Hospitals represent an interesting group of institutions. Their layouts and architectural styles originating in Europe, they were brought here by Dutch and English settlers. Though the study of the function and design of the hospitals included in this research is focused on a limited range of buildings, the general conclusions-are related to the overall situation in Natal. In addition the research is done only on some specific aspects, covering the most important issues regarding the quality of hospital services and general standard of design. In the complex environment of the Natal hospital, the influence of design upon function is very significant, although it is often believed that function has dictated the design.Item The political economy of urban and regional planning in South Africa, 1900 to 1988 : towards theory to guide progressive practice.(1989) Smit, Daniel Petrus.; McCarthy, Jeffrey J.; Kahn, Michael.The dissertation has three major objectives. The first is to examine the relation between the nature and trajectory of urban and regional planning in South Africa, and developments within the, South African political economy of which it is an integral part. The second is to contribute to the sparse literature on the history of urban and regional planning in South Africa. The third is to consider the historical record on and the prospects for facilitating progressive social change through planning in South Africa. An empirical analysis of the history of urban and regional planning for the period 1900 to 1988 provides the basis for the achievement of all three objectives. In attempting to fulfil the first objective Sate emphasis is placed on examining the relationship between territorial apartheid and planning. The experiential basis of the distinction often made between planning and apartheid by South African planners is explored. The conclusion reached is that whilst a distinction between the trajectory of professional town planning and territorial apartheid is sustainable, there has also been a very substantial measure of articulation. Special emphasis is also given to examining the relationship between planning and the specific nature and history of the accumulation process in South Africa. In this regard it is concluded that the accumulation process has bone both an indirect and direct relation to planning at different junctures. At times the trajectory of accumulation has simply provided a context which has affected the definition of social priorities and placed limits on what could be pursued through planning. At other times the momentum of accumulation has quite directly affected planning, providing opportunities for or requiring responses from planners. As far as the record on the social role played by planners is concerned, it is concluded that planning has not cut a particularly progressive profile. The emergence of a progressive planning movement in South Africa is however noted. Possibilities for pursuing progressive practices are identified against the background of a detailed analysis of the contemporary period.