Innovation in Informal Settlement Upgrading: A Case of Johannesburg

Mbatha, Siphiwe and Gumbo, Trynos (2025) Innovation in Informal Settlement Upgrading: A Case of Johannesburg. URBAN INNOVATION: TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO CITIES HAVE GONE BEFORE. Medium sized cities and towns as a major arena of global urbanisation. Proceedings of REAL CORP 2025, 30th Intl. Conference on Urban Development, Regional Planning and Information Society. pp. 599-607. ISSN 2521-3938

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Abstract

Globally, rapid movement from one state to another, mostly from under-developed areas to developed areas takes place. When this movement happen, there is a need for provision of accommodation. Due to lack of proper housing affordability and socio-economic inequalities lead to formation of informal settlements. In Johannesburg there is an increase of informal settlements across the city and now some of these informal settlements developments emerge close to the Central Business District (CBD). Accordingly, the increasing of these settlements create challenges for urban development and service delivery. Traditional approaches to informal settlement upgrading have often fallen short in addressing the complex and dynamic needs of residents. The aim of the study is to explore innovative strategies and technologies being implemented to improve living conditions in Johannesburg’s informal settlements, focusing on infrastructure development, housing solutions, and community participation. A case study research approach is deployed to examine key upgrading initiatives, including in-situ upgrades, smart infrastructure, and participatory planning approaches. Consequently, assesses the effectiveness of these interventions in enhancing access to basic services, and promoting social inclusion. Technological innovations stategies have demontrated the ability to improve housing quality and urban resilience, challenges such as land tenure security, policy constraints, and resource limitations persist. The findings of the study aim to provide insights into the evolving landscape of informal settlement upgrading in Johannesburg, offering recommendations for scalable and sustainable solutions that can be replicated in other urban contexts.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	urban innovation, participatory planning, informal settlements, service delivery, sustainability
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Depositing User:	REAL CORP Administrator
Date Deposited:	23 May 2025 09:50
Last Modified:	07 Jul 2025 10:21
URI:	http://repository.corp.at/id/eprint/1203

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