Historical Context: Urban Growth and Disaster Risks in Southern Africa

Urban risk in Southern Africa cannot be understood without referencing its historical evolution. From pre-colonial settlement patterns to colonial-era segregation and post-colonial informality, planning legacies have entrenched inequality and vulnerability. Contemporary urbanisation continues to reflect these continuities, as informal settlements, fragile infrastructure, and governance transitions reinforce systemic risks. By tracing these trajectories, the chapter shows how disasters are shaped by socio-spatial and political processes rather than by hazards alone. It emphasises the importance of addressing historical legacies in current planning reforms. It proposes approaches prioritising equity, informality, and data-driven decision-making to build resilient and sustainable urban futures.