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Travelling long distances to access public service facilities is costly and time consuming, especially to those who suffer the burden of poverty and deprivation. Assessing accessibility based on route-based distances does not work well in rural areas of Africa where people often travel along footpaths and dirt roads (in and out of vehicles) that are not mapped, not necessarily well-defined, could vary based on the season or change over short periods of time. The South African government therefore recommended that geographic accessibility be assessed based on a road network that is augmented by connecting communities to the main road network via a triangulated irregular network (TIN). While this method is recommended, a study about its suitability has not been published. We do this by describing an implementation, analysing the results and comparing these to other techniques. In this paper we present and compare the recommended method to geographic accessibility results of two other frequently used distance measuring techniques: 1) straight-line distances; 2) route-based distances in the road network. We applied the techniques to South African Police Service stations in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa, which is characterized by rural villages scattered across the landscape, not connected to the road network and where data for footpaths and dirt roads does not exist. The results confirm that in the absence of a completely mapped travel network, the recommended method is a suitable alternative for measuring geographic accessibility in rural areas of Africa without having to spend time and money on mapping footpaths and dirt roads that keep on changing anyhow. However, the results reveal sensitivity to the threshold distance and significant local variation depending on distance from urban areas and proximity to natural barriers such as rivers. The latter must be considered when deciding whether to apply the recommended distance measurement technique in rural accessibility studies. Further research could compare the techniques for other study areas and also refine the method, e.g., by experimenting with different algorithms for centroids of populated areas and finding ways to estimate travel speeds on TIN arcs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Urban decision-makers in South Africa face growing challenges related to rapidly expanding populations and a changing climate. To help target limited resources, municipalities have begun to conduct climate change vulnerability assessments. Many of these assessments take a holistic approach that combines both physical hazard exposure and the underlying socio-economic conditions that predispose populations to harm (i.e., social vulnerability). Given the increasing use of socio-economic conditions in climate change vulnerability analyses, this paper seeks to explore two key research questions: 1) can the spatial distribution of relative social vulnerability be estimated in six mostly urban South African municipalities, and if so, 2) how sensitive are the results to a range of subjective methodological choices often required when implementing this type of analysis. Here, social vulnerability is estimated using socio-economic and demographic data from the 2001 and 2011 South African censuses. In all six municipalities, social vulnerability varies spatially, driven primarily by differences in income, assets, wealth, employment and education, and secondarily by differences in access to services and demographics. Even though social vulnerability is estimated from a wide array of population characteristics, the spatial distribution is surprising similar to that of the percent of working-age individuals making less than 800 rand per month. Areas with high percentages of previously disadvantaged, extended family, and informal households tend to display relatively higher levels of social vulnerability. In fact, demographics (e.g., race, language, age) are often highly correlated with other characteristics that have direct ties to social vulnerability (e.g., income, employment, education). The spatial patterns of relative social vulnerability are similar in 2001 and 2011. However, there is some evidence social vulnerability is relatively lower in 2011. While the choice of input data and aggregation method can affect the spatial distribution of social vulnerability, the general spatial patterns appear to be fairly robust across a number of subjective choices related to methodological and aggregation approach, spatial resolution, and input data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Logistics sprawl has been observed in many urban areas around the world, but the assumed link between increased logistics sprawl and increased freight transport activity has little empirical evidence. Because this link could influence policy-making to either fight or facilitate logistics sprawl, this paper investigates the implications of using different methodologies to quantify the relationship. Three different methodologies are compared. The first two methodologies are from well-respected sources in literature and the third is proposed in this paper. The methodologies measure transport activity related to logistics sprawl in three urban areas in South Africa between 2010 and 2014. The results from the methodologies are contradicting with the methodology proposed in this paper questioning the link between logistics sprawl and freight transport activity altogether. The comparison of the methodologies also shows that it is essential to include empirical data of actual vehicle movement when investigating logistics sprawl's impact on transport activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the light of fragmented post-apartheid urban development and an increasingly unequal South African society, this paper discusses the question of visionary residential developments which already exist such as Cosmo City can provide an inclusionary remedy to socio-spatial division, or if they should rather be perceived as a new form of spatial division. The term “Townships of To-Morrow” alludes to both interpretations and implicitly stresses the importance of visionary urban planning as well. 1 [1] Ebenezer Howard''s visionary solution to the urban problems of Victorian England (and beyond) was published in the second edition (1902) under the title “Garden Cities of To-Morrow”. Neighbourhoods are the places where social relations are produced and reproduced, and thus the orchestration of this process by urban planners, architects and real estate developers is a central field of contestation when debating the desired quality of future social relations. The paper will assess the potential of socio-spatial integration in a “multi-cultural” society through a discussion that reflects on the existing Cosmo City in comparison with more abstract visions of possible post-apartheid urban futures, such as the “African City” debate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Traditional master planning has been criticised, but continues in various forms. This paper critically assesses an initiative by a South Africa metropolitan municipality to develop ‘local spatial development frameworks’: comprehensive integrated plans, dealing with 22 sectors, for some 103 areas, to guide land use decisions and to provide a framework for development. The paper concludes that despite some innovative aspects, several elements of traditional master planning were evident. New approaches to spatial planning were being shaped by older thinking, but also by the impact of a traditional land use management system. The findings point to the need for greater attention to debating alternative forms of spatial planning and their appropriateness in various contexts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this paper is to select appropriate waste-to-energy (WtE) technology considering both subjective perspective of decision-maker and objective evaluation of the actual performance metrics of each alternative. Based on this premise, a novel hybrid multi-criteria decision making method based on Fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process (Fuzzy-AHP), Fuzzy-Entropy and Fuzzy-Multi-Objective Optimization on the basis of Ratio Analysis plus full multiplicative form (Fuzzy-MULTIMOORA) is applied as a decision tool. In this study, four (4) alternative WtE technologies (i.e., anaerobic digestion, incineration, pyrolysis and gasification) with fourteen (14) sub-factors that cut across four sustainability aspects (i.e., technical, economic, environmental and social factors) are considered. The applicability of the model is tested for a WtE technology selection in the City of Cape Town, South Africa. The result obtained reveals that for all the alternatives considered, the most sustainable WtE technology for investment in the City of Cape Town follows the order: anaerobic digestion > gasification > pyrolysis > incineration. Sensitivity analysis shows a high degree of consistency, robustness, and stability in the obtained results. The current work recommends that the integration of anaerobic digestion and gasification should be promoted as it has the potential to offer a well-balanced WtE technology compared to the stand-alone systems. Although, the case study is a city in South Africa, the methodology could be applied for selecting WtE technology in any developing countries' city with similar waste characteristic and economic nature like that of South Africa. • An objective-subjective hybrid MCDM model is put forward. • The criteria weights are determined using Fuzzy-AHP and Fuzzy-Entropy methods. • The waste-to-energy technologies are ranked using Fuzzy-MULTIMOORA approach. • Managerial implications of the most sustainable waste-to-energy technology is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sustainable development, an objective of urban planning, is difficult to put into practice. Data to monitor sustainable land use management is often lacking, particularly in developing countries. This paper investigates the use of earth observation data for supporting sustainable land use planning. It proposes the use of decision consequence analysis (DCA) as a simple and structured way to put sustainable development into practice. The study demonstrates how land use change (LUC) which also includes land cover, the local land use mix index (LLUM) and land use frequency (LUF) can be used as indicators of objective land use sustainability. The results show that the use of DCA, consequence analysis, earth observation and land use indicators can aid local planning authorities to assess and monitor urban sustainability. Planners can also use the indicators to effect policy change and to support land use decisions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Adolescents who are changing residence, as well as their social and economic circumstances may experience lifestyle changes that have an effect on body composition outcomes such as undernutrition, overweight or obesity. This paper uses data from Birth to Twenty, a birth cohort of South African urban children, to determine the relationship between residential mobility and body mass index (BMI) amongst Black adolescents aged 15 (n=1613), and to examine the role of changes in household socioeconomic status (SES). The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the sample was 25% in females and 8% in males. Amongst the females, a strong positive association between residential mobility and BMI was observed for those who also experienced an increase in household SES between birth and 15 years (β=0.42, SE=0.13), while no effect was identified for males. The study shows the potential for environmental change and increased resources to influence the risk for obesity. It also highlights the value in considering the range of social environmental factors and changes across the early life course that might play a part in evolving nutritional patterns in urban transitioning environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Public authorities in many countries around the world are seeking to raise urban densities. Residential densification is particularly important in South Africa because of the colonial and apartheid legacy of sprawling, fragmented, racially divided cities. This paper examines the case for densifying central Cape Town and provides a framework to help deconstruct the concept and explore some of the policy challenges faced. It focuses on the bold aim to treble the area’s population within 10years, and identifies issues where further consideration and public debate are required for how this can be achieved in a way that is desirable, affordable and fair. A key message is the need to understand both the composition of demand for central city living and the challenges involved in supplying suitable housing and amenities at higher densities. The level of social inequality in the city poses greater complications than elsewhere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Significant spatial and structural changes have occurred in the business sector of intermediate-sized cities in South Africa since the mid-1990s. These changes can largely be ascribed to responses of entrepreneurs, from both formal and informal sectors, to the profound changes that have taken place in business markets in those cities over the period. This paper addresses the question how the business environment has changed in three rather representative intermediate-sized cities in the North West Province of South Africa since the demise of apartheid and what economic, environmental, social and political key factors may have played a role in those changes. It analyses changes in the spatial distribution of formal and informal businesses in those cities and, based on that, identifies general trends in the structural changes that have become apparent in them since the political transition. Some general conclusions are drawn from our survey results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Basic services have improved in many urban areas of South Africa, which should improve health and well-being. However, poverty and ill-health persist and are unequally distributed by race, class and place. This paper explores conditions of the most marginalized group, female-headed households, in a case study of Msunduzi Municipality (formerly Pietermaritzburg). Data from two household surveys conducted in 2006 show important patterns regarding the incidences of and coping strategies around, illnesses and deaths. While some positive environmental health outcomes are apparent, considerable stresses face households in relation to HIV/AIDS related deaths, poverty, and lack of health services. The insights of both urban environmental health and feminist geography assist in explaining the gendered and spatialized patterns of health in post-apartheid urban South Africa. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper investigates evidence of a possible spatial mismatch in South Africa’s metropolitan labour market that could contribute towards explaining why black unemployment rates are significantly higher than white unemployment rates. The spatial mismatch hypothesis is evaluated by considering evidence on whether (a) there has been suburbanization of jobs in South Africa, (b) residential segregation has declined, and (c) commuting costs (distance) is a significant determinant of unemployment rates. The accumulated evidence suggests that there is a spatial mismatch in at least some of the country’s metropolitan labour markets – noticeable differences were found between coastal and interior cities. It is also found that distance from the city centre generally plays a much more important role in explaining black unemployment in South Africa, even when controlling for education and income levels. In contrast, in the case of white unemployment rates, distance from the city centre is insignificant. This may suggest that the spatial mismatch in South Africa may be due to differences in ‘friction of distance’ as experienced by different groups given their differential access to transport. Areas for further research are identified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In response to the failure of existing means of service provision, environmental health policy is increasingly adopting a framework of governance for providing sanitation. Governance refers to the patterns of interaction between civil society and government. It is viewed here in terms of four dimensions: political, institutional, technical and cultural. The interactions are often described as partnerships and imply a balancing of joint responsibility. A number of issues can be identified in the literature as requiring consideration when adopting a joint responsibility for environmental health issues. These include, the need to distinguish between community and individual rights; the extent to which there is a shared interest in a community rights issues; the institutional framework for upholding the rights of citizens and the need to guard against new inequalities. The research question was: what are the factors that may inhibit or promote the involvement of community-based organisations (CBOs) in the sanitation provision process? From October 1996 to March 1997, an exploration of these factors was conducted in Cape Town, South Africa. A multiple-case study, with an embedded design, of two CBOs was conducted. This paper focuses on the extent to which there was a shared responsibility between local government and CBOs towards sanitation provision in the context of a bill rights which provides people with a right to a healthy living environment. It was found that institutional and technical capacity, political will and cultural diversity will impact on the balance between rights and responsibility. The four dimensional framework of governance is thus a useful tool for exploring the dynamic and diverse nature of environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial planning plays a significant role in enhancing climate change adaptation especially within urban areas by improving their resilience. Despite all this, cities especially in developing countries still experience the effects of climate change. This paper adopted a mixed method approach to examine township spatial planning and climate change adaptation in identifying potentialities for an integrated approach. Mdantsane case study as one of the largest townships in South Africa was assessed as a unique landscape with reminiscent of apartheid legacies to improve the people's climate change adaptation under urban poverty, lack of basic facilities and other environmental challenges. In keeping with a case study design, we collected data making use of pretested open and close-ended survey forms with an interplay of GIS and remote sensing techniques. This study reveals that Mdantsane is extremely susceptible to the impacts of climate change due to their built-up and natural environment set up as well as the existing interrelations. Thus, comprehensive integration of spatial planning is essential for proofing, health, wellbeing and resilience. Consequently, recommendations to seek strategic intervention and planning were made to sustain adaptation of residents to climate change in the future with specific focus to reduce climate and environmental risks in Mdantsane Township. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]