Mitigating Gentrification Effects in Urban Regeneration: A Conceptual Framework for Equitable Community Development in Johannesburg, South Africa

The issue of urban decay is a common challenge experienced globally, characterised by the deterioration of buildings, declining economic activity, and increasing crime and unemployment rates. Urban regeneration policies have been introduced to revitalise infrastructure, housing, and economic activities while reducing unemployment and crime. However, such policies often raise concerns about gentrification, which may lead to the displacement of low-income residents from regenerated areas. This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework that can mitigate the negative effects of gentrification resulting from urban regeneration. A systematic literature review is employed to propose the conceptual framework, which draws from sociological institutionalism and investment theories to reduce gentrification effects by engaging all stakeholders. The context of Johannesburg, South Africa is particularly important in guiding future urban regeneration policies and practices to ensure equitable distribution of regeneration benefits among all community members.