THE URBAN QUESTION IN SOUTH-AFRICA - THE NEED FOR A PLANNING PARADIGMSHIFT

South Africa is in the threes of fundamental transformations, affectin g almost all dimensions of life. One of the most significant dynamics impacting on the society is rapid urbanisation, yet the track record o f South African towns and cities in managing urbanisation processes, w hen measured in terms of the performance of the urban environments tha t are resulting from current planning and management practices, is aby smal. The characteristics of the urban structure and form that are res ulting from these practices are imposing massive costs on individuals and society alike. Significantly, very similar patterns and practices prevail in other countries in the Southern African region. This paper outlines the causes and consequences of dominant urban patterns in the region and argues for a fundamental paradigm shift in relation to urb an planning and management. It also reviews the prospects of significa nt change being achieved.