Site Visit: The Urgent Case for Regenerating South Africa’s Inner Cities

Our recent visit to East London, or KuGompo City, was a reminder that many of South Africa’s inner cities and town centres remain strategically important urban assets, yet too many continue to be neglected and allowed to decline.

This is not only a Johannesburg story. There is a real opportunity to build the place-based partnerships needed to regenerate these urban centres as engines of wellbeing, investment and growth for people.

However, this will require moving beyond the repeated cycle of announcing new “smart cities” that too often resemble glorified business parks rather than serious urban solutions. What is needed now is more grounded research, stronger placemaking, deeper engagement and more decisive action, alongside a far stronger national commitment to bringing out the best in our town centres, city centres and CBDs.

For more insights, contact us at team@ourfuturecities.co.