An exploratory analysis on Kayamandi as a sustainability conundrum : identifying the missing links towards a more sustainable future

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Informal settlements in South Africa are home to a large proportion of the country'spopulation and many of these people live in atrocious conditions which infringe on their basichuman rights. It is imperative that the problems synonymous with informal settlements beaddressed. Kayamandi is situated on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, a town with abundantfinancial and human capital and resources. In relation to other informal settlementsthroughout South Africa, Kayamandi is relatively small. Thus, the progression towardssustainability and development would be deemed to be an easier prospect here than in manyother urban areas in South Africa. Evidently, this has not been the case.This thesis identifies the shortcomings in the way that various proponents of development,such as the private and public sectors as well as non-profit organisations, approachdevelopment and sustainability in Kayamandi. The research was conducted through anextensive literature review, case study analysis and qualitative research methods. The aimwas to: Identify what the main social, environmental and economic issues are in Kayamandi;To analyse policy, plans and programs and to assess whether these have been practicallyachieved in relation to the stipulated objectives, and; To assess some of the sustainabledevelopment initiatives and programs that have been implemented in Kayamandi with theaim of identifying why sustainable development has as yet not been achieved.An extensive literature review sheds light on the nature of poverty and informal settlements,while explaining concepts surrounding sustainable development, good governance and howsustainability as a paradigm holds the key to addressing issues synonymous with informalsettlements. It also focuses on how sustainable development can unlock the potential ofdeprived and informal communities. Subsequent chapters give insight on what is prescribedin national policy, plans and programs; what the current situation in Kayamandi is withregards to environmental and socioeconomic issues, as well service delivery, housing andinfrastructure delivery; and how the proponents of development have approacheddevelopment in Kayamandi.From the research conducted it was found that: There is a lack of good governance; Policyimplementation is poor; Developmental initiatives tend to be linear and reactive; There is alack of innovation; There is poor communication between stakeholder and developmentalproponents, which is further exacerbated by tedious bureaucratic procedures, and; There is noclear and comprehensive sustainability framework or plan in place. However, the research indicates that this can be resolved via several mechanisms and through the implementation ofseveral strategies: By building and developing public and community leadership as well asrecognising the importance of knowledge in fostering sustainable development; Improvingcommunication and developing appropriate communication networks and feedback loopsbetween stakeholders and proponents of development; Implementing unbiased, proactive andinnovative initiatives which address the triple bottom line of sustainability and; By makinguse of suitable assessments and indicators alongside an appropriate, inclusive and holisticsustainability plan or framework.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University