Urban Management and Economic Integration in South Africa (Paperback)

Rapid urbanization and high levels of unemployment are realities in South Africa. There are widespread calls for effective spatial management and the promotion of employment. Rarely, however, are the two considered in relation to each other. In this study the authors explore the relationships between employment generation and the spatial dimensions of urban management. While the emphasis is on the economic advancement of the historically disadvantaged black majority in South Africa, the principles involved in the integration of the urban poor, urban growth processes and the mobilization of local resources are universal. The relationship between spatial management and economic development is pursued from two perspectives: that of larger urban systems and that of small towns, via a case study.;The text begins with a description of the characteristics of urbanization and the developmental challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality, and then looks at the implications for urban management by applying the principles to the particular. A case study of Malmesbury follows, where an analysis of the particular is used to formulate principles. Finally, the authors put forward proposals for an approach to urban and economic development that is centrally informed by the problems of poverty, inequality and unemployment. This work should be not only of interest to policy makers and urban planning students, academics and professionals, but also of practical use to community leaders.