Page 112 - IJPS-11-6

International Journal of
Population Studies Redesigning public spaces in South Africa

while these spaces are typically well-used, there are notable concerns, particularly fear of crime and harassment, were
design and management flaws that impact inclusion identified as significant deterrents. Despite meeting eight
and usability for women and girls. The major challenges of the eleven inclusive design criteria, the facility struggled
identified include inadequate safety measures, poor with insufficient lighting and a lack of visible security
maintenance of facilities, and a lack of attention to women’s measures. One participant said, “I never come here after
and girls’ needs throughout the planning process. One key dark. It’s just not safe,” emphasizing the critical need for
finding is the identification of fundamental barriers that improved security infrastructure to make the space more
prevent women and girls from fully using public spaces in inclusive.
their cities. The primary barriers found through surveys People’s Park in Durban demonstrated a combination
and interviews were crime and violence, which emerged of strengths and areas for improvement. The park’s design
as major concerns among women and girls, with many incorporated various elements aimed at women and girls,
reporting incidents of harassment, theft, and violence. The such as child-friendly zones and designated safe spaces.
fear of crime considerably reduces their presence in public However, there were reports of safety concerns and
spaces. maintenance issues. For example, a woman stated, “The
Another key finding relates to safety concerns—the park is nice for the kids, but there should be more security
pervasive sense of unease in public spaces, particularly patrols,” demonstrating a disconnect between the design
after dark, was a significant disincentive to criminal intentions and actual user experiences.
activity. This includes insufficient lighting, a lack of visible The Watershed at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town
security officers, and poorly designed spaces that provide emerged as a prime example of inclusive public space
hiding places for potential criminals. During the site visit, design in South Africa. This case study scored highly
several women and girls expressed their concerns and across all inclusive design indicators, showcasing effective
thoughts regarding the public space. A 19-year-old girl strategies such as adequate lighting, clear signage, diverse
shared, “I love coming to the beachfront during the day, amenities, and a strong sense of community safety. One
but I feel uneasy about being here after sunset. The lack participant stated, “I feel safe here even at night, and there
of security measures makes me feel vulnerable, especially are plenty of things to do,” demonstrating the successful
when walking alone.” This statement highlights women’s application of inclusive design principles. The Watershed’s
and girls’ concerns regarding the safety and accessibility of positive reception and diversity underscore the importance
the Durban Beachfront after sunset, emphasizing the need of comprehensive planning and ongoing maintenance in
for modifications to improve the evening experience and establishing accessible public spaces. The findings indicate
encourage broader inclusion in the area. that, while efforts have been made to develop inclusive
A visitor from another South African city—a 26-year- public spaces in South African cities, significant challenges
old woman—expressed her worries about the beachfront: remain, particularly concerning safety and security. The
study’s findings emphasize the importance of targeted
It’s a shame that the beachfront is n’t more inviting at improvements and evidence-based design approaches to
night. I live in Johannesburg, and whenever I come to enhance inclusivity in these spaces. These findings underpin
Durban, I love to spend time with my family at the the HopeScape model, which seeks to address these gaps
beach. We don’t come often, and whenever we do, we by combining best practices and lessons learned from both
try to make the most of the best spot in Durban, the local and international contexts, thereby fostering more
beaches. I would love to enjoy the sea breeze and ocean inviting and inclusive public spaces in South African cities.
views in the evening, but the deserted atmosphere
makes me feel uncomfortable. 3.4. HopeScape model: Addressing the need for
Several major observations were revealed during the inclusive design in South African public spaces
evaluation of public spaces in Durban and Cape Town Public spaces play a crucial role in fostering social
from the perspective of inclusivity for women and girls. interaction, enhancing community cohesion, and
The chosen case studies, the Durban Beachfront, People’s improving overall well-being. However, in South Africa,
Park in Durban, and Watershed at the V&A Waterfront as in many other countries, access to and inclusion in
in Cape Town, provided a thorough understanding of the public spaces are often unequal. This inequality can be
current condition and challenges of public space design particularly pronounced for women, girls, and other
in South African cities. The Durban Beachfront emerged marginalized groups, who may face physical, social, or
as a vibrant, highly utilized space during daylight hours. safety-related barriers when attempting to use these spaces.
However, the findings revealed a considerable reduction Recognizing these challenges, the HopeScape model has
in the number of women and girls after sunset. Safety emerged as a strategic framework aimed at promoting

Volume 11 Issue 6 (2025) 106 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.5813