Cape Town Essay

INTRODUCTION

In Southern Africa, a city is defined as “a rather permanent and highly organized centre of population, of greater size or importance than a town or village” (Ayokunde 2005). Cities have turned into the economic engines of most countries, in some cases accounting for up to 80% of the gross national product (GNP). Positive social change takes place faster in the city. There is usually better health, higher literacy, more diverse employment options and greater equality between men and women. Although, there is also difficulty in defining a city, as cities are not only defined on the basis of population size but also administrative or legislative function, such as Cape Town in South Africa.

CITY STRUCTURE AND DESIGN

The design and structure can be very influential in the life of a town or city and indeed to the building of community in and of itself. In Africa, a city is described by economic growth, social services (health, education, transportation, energy, and culture), infrastructure and governance. These key factors have direct impact on spatial development of

In terms of economic strength, South Africa is by far the dominant power of the region. South Africa's GDP alone is many times greater than the GDPs of all other countries in the region. However, this economic growth in South Africa lead to urbanization. In Johannesburg, people migrated to the city in large numbers leading to over-population, in search of employment and socio-economic services. Thus, urban planning efforts in Johannesburg face key challenges in common with other sub-region cities: urban downfall; substantial housing buildups; poverty and inequality; segregation; slum and informal settlement propagation within the city centre and on the urban peripheries; as well as inadequate infrastructure and service