South Africa’s Future Townships: Dunoon, Khayelitsha & Langa
The rapid expansion of areas like Dunoon, Khayelitsha and Langa highlights the need for better urban design strategies that address not only livability but also broader lessons in urban development. While formal areas of South Africa have traditionally been the focus of urban design, less formal and informal spaces are where the most rapid growth is occurring. Part of Design Week South Africa, Young Urbanists will host an informative talk about how can design be leveraged to not only improve these areas but also serve as a model for sustainable, inclusive development?
Dunoon is a unique case. Originally planned as a 'less formal' township, it has gradually 'informalised,' showcasing a complex mix of formal, semi-formal, and informal structures. One significant challenge is the Dunoon Library area, which sits in a part of town originally designated as a quarry but now has become an informal settlement within the broader mix. It represents the intersection of rapid urbanisation, resource constraints, and the urgent need for design interventions.
Khayelitsha, one of South Africa's largest and fastest-growing townships, highlights the need for adaptable, scalable urban design. Originally planned under apartheid, it has grown beyond its intended capacity, with many residents living in informal structures. This rapid expansion has strained infrastructure and services, but the community’s resilience in fostering informal economies presents opportunities for designers to support and enhance bottom-up initiatives.
Langa, the oldest township in South Africa, serves as a reminder of apartheid-era spatial planning, where highways physically cut off the community. Today, Langa stands at the forefront of integrating non-motorized transport (NMT) and inclusive mobility solutions. What can the past and present of Langa teach us about designing urban spaces that are equitable, accessible, and resilient?
Join us for a session of presentations and discussion featuring key experts from the City of Cape Town and Urban Think-Tank Empower.