Lowton, Zubeida (2021) Socio-spatial transformations: Johannesburg and Cape Town public spaces. PhD thesis. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/82415/ Copyright and moral rights for this work are retained by the author A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge This work cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the author The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the author When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given Enlighten: Theses https://theses.gla.ac.uk/ [email protected] Socio-Spatial Transformations: Johannesburg and Cape Town Public Spaces Zubeida Lowton N.Dip, B-Tech, MA Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor in Philosophy in Urban Studies School of Social and Political Sciences College of Social Sciences University of Glasgow November 2020 ii Abstract The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the experience of public space users and analyse the perceived socio-spatial transformations of South African cities. Studies on South African spatial and social transformation focus on macro-policy approaches and negate the micro-perspectives of public space users. Additionally, there is a lack of understanding in the academic discourses of the user experience and the way post-apartheid public spaces are navigated. To address these gaps, I ask how socio-spatial transformations are perceived and experienced by public space users in light of the apartheid legacy? I am also concerned with how addressing the legacy of socio-spatial fragmentation contributes towards new forms of socio-spatial fragmentation? This thesis takes a social constructivist stance and uses a qualitative comparative case study approach. Between 2017 and 2018, 26 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 participants in six public spaces. The study shows that there is a disconnect between displaying uncomfortable apartheid spatial reminders and a willingness to share personal experiences or memories related to the public spaces. Many of the participants expressed caution when entering discussions of apartheid. This suggests that apartheid discussions relating to memories and experiences remain a sensitive topic. My analysis also shows that accessibility and economic affordability result in some public space users being excluded from public spaces. This exclusion results in new forms of inequality based on socio-economic status. The significance of this study contributes to the gap in understanding the micro-perspective experiences of public space users in South African cities. Empirically, the research also improves our understanding of the social function, use and perceptions of socio-spatial transformation. iii Table of Contents Abstract ...................................................................................... ii List of Tables ............................................................................... vii List of Figures ............................................................................. viii List of Maps .................................................................................. xi Acknowledgement ......................................................................... xii Author’s Declaration ..................................................................... xiv Definitions/Abbreviations ................................................................ xv 1 Introduction ............................................................................ 1 1.1 Research Questions, Aims and Objectives .................................... 3 1.2 Core Arguments ................................................................... 4 1.3 Research Findings ................................................................ 5 1.4 Contribution to Knowledge ...................................................... 5 1.5 Thesis Structure .................................................................. 6 2 Socio-Spatial Fragmentation Discourses within the African Context .......... 9 2.1 Fragmentation Discourses within the African Context ..................... 10 2.2 South African Cities ............................................................. 17 2.2.1 Socio-Spatial Development History ...................................... 23 2.2.2 Post-Apartheid Urban Development ..................................... 28 2.3 Johannesburg: The City of Gold ............................................... 41 2.3.1 The Root of Socio-Spatial Fragmentation at City Level ............... 44 2.3.2 Race and Public Space ..................................................... 46 2.3.3 Socio-Spatial Transformation ............................................. 48 2.4 Cape Town: The Mother City................................................... 50 2.4.1 The Root of Socio-Spatial Fragmentation at City Level ............... 53 2.4.2 Race and Public Space ..................................................... 56 2.4.3 Socio-Spatial Transformation ............................................. 58 2.5 Summary .......................................................................... 61 iv 3 Developing a Socio-Spatial Perspective ........................................... 64 3.1 Analysing Theoretical Socio-Spatial Perspectives ........................... 64 3.1.1 Social Sustainability Theory ............................................... 64 3.1.2 Liveability Theory .......................................................... 77 3.1.3 The Right to the City Theory .............................................. 83 3.2 Socio-Spatial Analytical Framework .......................................... 89 3.2.1 Fragmentation .............................................................. 90 3.2.2 Public Space ................................................................. 91 3.2.3 Chicago School of Sociology ............................................... 94 3.2.4 Analytical Concepts ........................................................ 94 3.3 Summary .......................................................................... 98 4 Methodology ......................................................................... 100 4.1 Philosophical Perspective ..................................................... 100 4.2 Social Constructivism Approach .............................................. 102 4.3 Case Study ....................................................................... 104 4.3.1 Pilot Study .................................................................. 107 4.3.2 Main Study .................................................................. 109 4.4 Data Collection Methods ....................................................... 113 4.4.1 Interviews ................................................................... 116 4.4.2 Multisensory Walking ...................................................... 120 4.4.3 Observation ................................................................. 123 4.5 Data analysis .................................................................... 125 4.6 Ethical Considerations ......................................................... 132 4.7 Researcher Reflexivity ......................................................... 134 4.8 Research Strengths and Limitations ......................................... 136 4.9 Summary ......................................................................... 137 5 Thematic Analysis of Fox Street, Johannesburg ................................ 138 5.1 Geographical Location and Spatial Orientation ............................ 138 5.2 Thematic Analysis .............................................................. 142 v 5.2.1 Urban Connectivity ........................................................ 143 5.2.2 Planned Opportunities for Social Encounters .......................... 151 5.2.3 Underutilised Public Spaces .............................................. 162 5.3 City Plans and Policies ......................................................... 171 5.4 Discussion ........................................................................ 174 5.5 Summary ......................................................................... 183 6 Thematic Analysis of Cape Town ................................................. 185 6.1 Geographical Location and Spatial Orientation ............................ 185 6.2 Thematic Analysis .............................................................. 189 6.2.1 Urban Connectivity ........................................................ 189 6.2.2 Planned Opportunities for Social Encounters .......................... 198 6.2.3 Underutilised Public Spaces .............................................. 210 6.3 City Plans and Policies ......................................................... 217 6.4 Discussion ........................................................................ 220 6.5 Summary ......................................................................... 230 7 Comparative Analysis: Johannesburg and Cape Town Case Studies ......... 232 7.1 Research Question 1: How are socio-spatial transformations perceived and experienced by public space users in light of the apartheid legacy? ..... 232 7.1.1 The lack of spatial displays and spoken accounts of apartheid ..... 232 7.1.2 The representation of a preferred socio-spatial history ............