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Socio-Economic Dynamics Inhibiting Inclusive Urban Economic Development: Implications for Sustainable Urban Development in South African Cities

Author

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  • Robert Mutemi Kajiita

    (Department of Social Work, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa)

  • Simon Murote Kang’ethe

    (Department of Social Work, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa)

Abstract

Globally, the need for sustainable urban development has never been more urgent than it is now. This is because estimates indicate that more than half of the global population will be living in urban areas by 2050, with South Africa estimated at 80%. This paper focuses on socio-economic nuances that impede sustainable urban development, as well as the strategies that can accelerate sustainable and inclusive urban development in South Africa. Through a literature-review methodology, the analysis identified the following issues as impediments to sustainable urban development in South Africa: informality, lack of consultations with urban citizens, unresolved apartheid legacies, crime and insecurity, and migration intricacies in South Africa. The paper also establishes prospective strategies to accelerate sustainable urban development, such as working with informality and not against it, promoting inclusivity and access to resources, accelerating policy reforms, investing in rural towns, and investing in superior technology and innovation. These findings imply that there is a need to seek alternative development models and approaches, to address poverty, unemployment, and poor housing, aspects that negatively impact urban development planning and sustainable development. The paper recommends inclusive urban housing as a remedy to address the challenges of access, affordability, and the quality of housing facilities in urban areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Mutemi Kajiita & Simon Murote Kang’ethe, 2024. "Socio-Economic Dynamics Inhibiting Inclusive Urban Economic Development: Implications for Sustainable Urban Development in South African Cities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:7:p:2803-:d:1365298
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Maria Rusca & Elisa Savelli & Giuliano Di Baldassarre & Adriano Biza & Gabriele Messori, 2023. "Unprecedented droughts are expected to exacerbate urban inequalities in Southern Africa," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 98-105, January.
    2. Faraaz Shahaboonin & Oladipo Olalekan David & Abigail Van Wyk, 2023. "Historic Spatial Inequality and Poverty along Racial Lines in South Africa," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 13(1), pages 102-111, January.
    3. Buyani Nkabinde & Lawrence Mpele Lekhanya & Nirmala Dorasamy, 2018. "The Rural Immigration Effects on Urban Service Delivery in South Africa (SA)," Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, AMH International, vol. 10(6), pages 11-24.
    4. Sarah Jacobs & Oladipo Olalekan David & Abigail Stiglingh-Van Wyk, 2023. "The Impact of Urbanization on Economic Growth in Gauteng Province, South Africa," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 13(2), pages 1-11, March.
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