Competitive Cities: An Exploration of Location and Human Capital in South African Cities

Mashego, Mpho and Letsoko, Vuyiswa and Ogra, Aurobindo (2025) Competitive Cities: An Exploration of Location and Human Capital in South African Cities. 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. 223-233. ISSN 2521-3938

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Abstract

Cities drive the economic growth of any country. In a fast globalising and urbanising world, cities are competing not only to attract investment and lure skilled labour but also to provide solutions to urban and social challenges, as well as create spaces that are liveable for its citizens. The global south has experienced an exponential increase in the number of people living in cities, making it the fastest urbanising region in the world. This presents both challenges and opportunities for the cities. South African cities are not excluded from the current realities of urbanisation and globalisation in that the cities must also position themselves to be global players but also having to deal with past spatial injustices at the same time. Cities are pushed to ensure that they enhance and maintain their unique city advantages to contest in the global arena. This study investigates factors that contribute to city competitiveness within Gqeberha aiming to position the city for global competitiveness. The study examines geographical location, human capital and urban planning as contributing factors to global competitiveness. The research provides insights into the city’s strengths and challenges. A comprehensive competitive cities framework for developmental states was developed through this research, that Gqeberha and other developing states can use to set their cities on a path to global competition. The qualitative research approach was used in the study, and primary data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with nine key informants who are professionals working with land use management, spatial planning and economic development. Furthermore, the study collected secondary data that includes documents, maps and literature. A combination of qualitative data analysis tools that includes, thematic, document and triangulation analysis was employed in the study to analyse collected data. The key findings show that Gqeberha has strategic assets, such as two seaports and Special Economic Zones, but that their influence is hampered by underutilization and a disconnected location. The city also has a human capital shortage, which results from a mismatch between industrial demands and educational attainment and a reliance on foreign expertise. Deficits in urban planning, such as old MSDF and problems with internal collaboration, further hinder development. In addressing these challenges, the study proposes a framework for enhancing competitiveness in Gqeberha and other developing states. The framework highlights that emphasis and priority needs to be placed on infrastructure development, effective urban governance, strategic spatial planning and human capital development. The implication of this study is that by implementing these recommendations Gqeberha can position itself to be globally competitive. In addition, future research should investigate other developing cities' examples of successful urban planning, assess how SEZs affect social and spatial inclusion, identify skills gaps that exist between industry demands and education, and investigate best practices for port management for developing nations.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	location, human capital, city competitiveness, urban planning, urbanisation
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Depositing User:	The CORP Team
Date Deposited:	26 May 2025 13:19
Last Modified:	07 Jul 2025 10:20
URI:	http://repository.corp.at/id/eprint/1250

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