Reimagining South African Urban Planning Education: Aligning Digital Skills with Professional Demands

Mndzebele, Mhlalisi Gavu and Mbatha, Siphiwe and Letsoko, Vuyiswa and Moyo, Thembani and Mzobe, Nonpumelelo and Gumbo, Trynos (2026) Reimagining South African Urban Planning Education: Aligning Digital Skills with Professional Demands. EVERYBODY PLANS ... SOMETIMES. Cherish Heritage, Plan Now, Create a Better Future! Proceedings of REAL CORP 2026, 31st International Conference on Urban Development, Regional Planning and Information Society. pp. 751-759. ISSN 2521-3938

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Abstract

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) demands a fundamental shift in educational institutions, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4’s call for inclusive, equitable quality education and lifelong learning. This study examines how digital skills are integrated into South African urban planning education in response to evolving professional demands. Using qualitative content analysis and a four-step review, the study assesses the alignment between taught digital competencies and industry expectations shaped by 4IR. Findings reveal an increasing demand for proficiency in digital technologies and analytical tools for data-driven decision-making and innovative urban problem-solving. However, gaps remain in curriculum integration, access, and preparedness. A conceptual framework is proposed, encouraging capacity building, leadership development, module-curriculum alignment with industry, and ongoing upskilling/reskilling. This framework supports a more responsive planning education system that prepares students and professionals for roles shaped by digitisation, automation, and the complex realities of urban transformation in South Africa.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Education, 4IR, GIS, AI, Bibliometric Analysis
Subjects:	Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > Z665 Library Science. Information Science Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > ZA Information resources > ZA4050 Electronic information resources Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > ZA Information resources > ZA4450 Databases
Depositing User:	REAL CORP Administrator
Date Deposited:	05 Apr 2026 13:19
Last Modified:	05 Apr 2026 13:19
URI:	http://repository.corp.at/id/eprint/1280

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