EDITORIAL

 

From the deputy editor

From the deputy editor: Prof. Ernst Drewes 2022

Over 50 years ago, a pioneer in the geographical realm, Wilbur Zelinsky, provided an interesting hypothesis, namely that there "are definite, patterned regularities in the growth of personal mobility through space-time, and these regularities comprise an essential component of the modernization process" (Zelinsky, 1971: 221-222). Although the obvious interpretation reflects on migration from local up to global levels, the model described also reflects on space and geographical scale.

Being a spatial science, the building blocks of spatial planning are initiated by the space required for an individual not only to survive, but also to prosper. As Urban and Regional Planners, we need to understand the realm of space, as described by Zelinsky, from the lowest level of personal space to a global spectrum. Each individual, household, neighbourhood, town, city, metropolitan region, country and continent reflects its own character and relevant need to live and prosper.

Half a century later, this still rings true. The articles included in this edition of the Journal, reflect on these spatial scales and principles.

The article from Ajayi, Mahlakanya and Willemse and that of Omollo reflect on an individual and household level and scale in terms of their study areas and case studies. The latter article takes issue with the need for appropriate pedestrian footpaths in a Kenyan town. The need for walking (mobility) and the benefits thereof for all is purposely described, but the lack of developmental control by authorities is highlighted. Mobility is, therefore, restricted in the neighbourhoods that were analysed, and suitable proposals were made to improve hereon in the future.

On grassroots level, the study on pedestrian footpaths is appropriately supplemented by Ajayi's research on the typology and placement of open spaces on neighbourhood level. An appropriate correlation between urban densities and open space typologies such as playgrounds, incidental open space, school playgrounds, etc., are made.

Similarly, Mahlakanya and Willemse determined the living conditions for people residing in backyard shacks and rooms in three metropolitan areas of South Africa. These detailed measurements were reflected in a Living Conditions Index, resulting in potentially policy-enhancing proposals for these and other metropolitan municipalities in South Africa.

Zooming out to a municipal and regional scale, Wüst provides the reader with an interesting review of South Africa's primary strategic planning instrument, namely Spatial Development Frameworks, for municipalities in general. These forward planning instruments have seen some two decades of application, interpretation and implementation, with various levels of success.

Also on a regional scale, is Mokhele and Fisher-Halloway's analysis of the interrelationship between the provision of land use for 'Warehousing and Distribution' and the lack of urban policy in making appropriate provision for this land use. The past two years have certainly shown the global community the importance of supply chains, and these correlate directly with these types of land use.

On a national level, Sani analyses spatial planning legislation and the adoption thereof across 36 states in Nigeria. The relevant legislation was promulgated some 30 years ago, but less than a third of the states or provinces have adopted and passed the law locally. The author duly reflects on the difference between the intent of national legislation and the competence available in the regions to adopt and enforce this legislation.

Kabundu et al. consider the use and acceptance of 'Sanitation Technologies' across two countries, namely Malawi and South Africa. Underlying factors affecting the use and acceptance of these technologies were reviewed, and a suitable index was used to analyse the comparisons. Similar patterns were found between the countries and suitable findings and generic recommendations provided.

Lastly, taking a generic spatial planning view, the article by Jacobs and Cornelius reflect on an integrated approach to support research methodology in the spatial planning domain. Spatial planning certainly has a unique research approach and focus, and this article provides for building blocks both academics and students may find useful.

That concludes my journey through spatial scales of individual mobility at household level up to multi-national and generic planning scales of this edition of Town and Regional Planning.

 

REFERENCES

Zelinsky, W. 1971. The hypothesis of the mobility transition. Geographical Review, 61(2), pp. 219-249.         [ Links ]