ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the historical evolution of the profession from its early beginnings to the present day, using a review of academic literature, policy documents, and legislation. The urban and regional planning profession in South Africa was established early in the 20th century and initially had a close relationship with the Royal Town Planning Institute. It has since grown and established its own formal organizations and planning schools. The devastation brought about by the South African War and severe droughts led to the urbanization of destitute Afrikaners and black people drawn to the opportunities in the young mining industry. The South African Council for Town and Regional Planners, established by the Town and Regional Planners Act of 1984, with the first Council appointed in 1986, was to be the ‘vanguard of the movement for transformation’. The South African urban and regional planning profession has largely followed the phases of the adaptive cycle listed above: rapid growth, conservation, release and re-organization.
