ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a perspective on the role of spatial policy in addressing the inequalities in South Africa’s cities, using the largest city, Johannesburg, as a case study. It points to both the possibilities and limitations of spatial policy in addressing the mega challenge of inequality, and identifies particular blockages or constraints that are limiting the efficacy of spatial interventions. The major real estate developers oriented towards the northern edge of Johannesburg, further developing decentralized nodes such as Sandton and Rosebank, and establishing new nodes and exclusive residential precincts. An inclusionary housing policy, requiring property developers to provide 30 percent of units in schemes above 20 residential units as affordable housing or as small units was accepted for the first time in 2019 City of Johannesburg, despite criticisms by the property industry.
