Design Observer :: Join the Discussion http://places.designobserver.com/feature/south-africa-after-apartheid-from-township-to-town/31148/ en-us Design Observer Group 2011-11-22T23:01:00-05:00 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0
I grew up in South Africa and recently returned to visit. It was distressing to see the new housing projects rising in remote fields without any sign of commercial or public spaces. Many of these are doomed to become slums or to remain dreary lost spaces, but the entrepreneurial spirit of South Africans may yet save some of these areas, but it will take time.

I am curious what types of zoning parameters exist in the new housing projects, and I hope that these are kept to the minimum - i.e. as flexible as possible except for the absolute necessity for fire-safety. In which case spontaneity will take over and these spaces could become as vibrant and interesting as some of the old South African townships from the apartheid era. And don't underestimate those taxis!]]> http://places.designobserver.com/feature/south-africa-after-apartheid-from-township-to-town/31148/#comments 2011-11-22T23:01:00-05:00
Having lived in Joburg as a teen ('96 ~ '99) I can attest to the overwhelming optimism at that time, only 2 years after apartheid ended. It was a truly magical place thanks to the spirit of the people.

The townships have the potential to rise as thriving communities, culturally and economically. I believe that opportunities with continue to develop with their evolution, and they will eventually be able to shed any negative connotations that linger from Apartheid. I'll be watching and doing anything I can to help!

*Little aside: We called the black taxis "kombis."
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