Page 107 - IJPS-11-6

International Journal of
Population Studies Redesigning public spaces in South Africa

The inclusion of safety measures, such as the installation development of inclusive public spaces. The 2013 Spatial
of surveillance cameras and the involvement of local Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) is
security forces, played a critical role in shifting perceptions an important legislative framework aimed at promoting
of safety in public spaces, especially for women. The equitable and coordinated urban development (Harrison
program also addressed urban obstacles such as narrow et al., 2008). Furthermore, the National Development Plan
walkways and poor street maintenance, which previously 2030 emphasizes the importance of inclusive cities in which
limited women’s mobility and engagement in public spaces all individuals, regardless of gender or ethnicity, have access
(Jabeen, 2020). Furthermore, the Femmedina program’s to safe and welcoming public spaces (Newman, 1972).
success highlights the need for continuous maintenance South Africa’s public space policy framework represents
and long-term urban planning to ensure sustainability. a comprehensive and evolving approach to urban planning
Urban spaces must remain adaptable to the evolving and development. It seeks to create inclusive, accessible,
needs of communities, and the program’s flexible, ongoing and safe public spaces for the country’s diverse population.
approach provides a valuable model for other cities Rooted in the nation’s struggle against apartheid and its
(Soraganvi et al., 2021). ongoing commitment to democracy, this framework aims
The Femmedina program offers invaluable insights to redress historical spatial inequalities and enhance the
into how cities can better design public spaces to meet the social, cultural, and economic well-being of all citizens.
diverse needs of their populations, particularly women. According to the United Cities and Local Governments
The lessons drawn from this initiative are applicable to (UCLG, 2017), the framework aims to encourage cities
other contexts, including South African cities, where to develop localized, citywide public space policies, raise
safety, accessibility, and gender inclusivity in public spaces awareness of local governments’ roles in public space
remain pressing concerns. The program’s participatory development, and maximize the benefits of public space at
model can serve as a crucial step toward creating urban the local level.
environments where all members of society—regardless Unlike comprehensive policy interventions, a public
of gender—feel safe, valued, and included (Soraganvi space policy framework provides a strategic and adaptable
et al., 2021). By applying these lessons, urban planners can plan for local governments to translate high-level
design spaces that not only promote social interaction but objectives—such as those outlined in the Sustainable
also foster a sense of community and equality. Ultimately, Development Goals—into context-specific actions. The
the Femmedina program exemplifies the transformative framework reflects the country’s dedication to designing
power of inclusive design and highlights how reimagining and managing public spaces that foster community
public spaces can contribute meaningfully to broader engagement, cultural expression, and economic
social goals, such as gender equity and empowerment development. This approach acknowledges the critical
(Soraganvi et al., 2021). role that public spaces play in promoting social cohesion
and providing opportunities for diverse socioeconomic
3.2. South African perspective and local case studies
activities. The framework also serves as a guide for municipal
South Africa’s urban planning history is deeply intertwined governments, positioning public space as a central axis
with the legacy of apartheid, which deliberately barred and of urban development. Grounded in research and best
marginalized women and non-white populations from practices, this approach treats public space as a catalyst for
public spaces. Apartheid-era spatial planning strategies urban growth, underpinned by principles of equity, public
have imposed segregation, resulting in urban landscapes involvement, accessibility, openness, efficiency, justice, and
that are not only racially separated but also markedly accountability. These values are essential in developing
unequal in terms of access to amenities and opportunities citywide public space implementation plans.
(Turok, 2014). This historical background has had a lasting The importance of utilizing public spaces for the
influence on South African cities, making the development public good has long been recognized in South African
of inclusive public spaces increasingly vital in the post- policy discourse. In South Africa, public spaces have the
apartheid era.
potential to function both as sites of increased exposure
The abolition of apartheid in 1994 marked a turning to violence and crime and as powerful tools for fostering
point in the pursuit of more inclusive and equitable social cohesion. This duality is particularly relevant given
urban environments. Subsequently, South African urban South Africa’s historical context and the persistence of
policy began to prioritize redressing historical injustices inequality and poverty. Urban theorist Jane Jacobs argued
and promoting social inclusion. Key regulations and that thoughtful design can foster a sense of safety and
procedures were introduced to guide the planning and discourage crime and aggressive behavior (Jacobs, 1961).

Volume 11 Issue 6 (2025) 101 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.5813