The City of Ekurhuleni joined the global community in celebrating World Town Planning Day under the theme, ‘With Planning We Can’.

This annual observance underscores the transformative power of urban planning in building integrated, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient cities.

Nomadlozi Nkosi, MMC for Development Planning and Real Estate, highlighted the crucial role of urban planning in advancing spatial transformation across South Africa.

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Nkosi emphasised that effective planning not only shapes the physical environment but also drives equitable access to housing, services, and economic opportunities.

“Urban planning remains one of the most powerful tools for bridging historical divides, enabling equitable access to opportunities, and fostering sustainable urban growth,” said Nkosi.

“For Ekurhuleni, the theme reflects our commitment to reshaping the spatial landscape into a connected, investment-ready, and people-centred metropolitan region.”

Ekurhuleni’s strategic location as Africa’s Gateway City – anchored by OR Tambo International Airport positions it as a key player in global connectivity and economic integration.

With South Africa hosting the upcoming G20 Summit, Ekurhuleni will serve as a vital entry point and a showcase of urban innovation, infrastructure readiness, and spatial transformation.

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Through ongoing precinct planning and CBD revitalisation, particularly around the OR Tambo Aerotropolis, the City is demonstrating how strategic spatial planning drives economic diversification, job creation, and inclusive urban regeneration.

According to the Census 2022, Ekurhuleni is home to over four million residents and more than 1.4 million households. This rapid urbanisation highlights the urgency of forward-thinking planning.

The city’s Spatial Development Framework 2025 (SDF 2025) provides a clear roadmap for land use, infrastructure investment, and environmental management.

Embedded within the SDF is the Capital Investment Framework (CIF), which ensures that infrastructure and service delivery investments are spatially targeted to promote integration, efficiency, and sustainable growth.

A notable example is the Harambee Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System, which reflects the city’s vision for an integrated, affordable, and reliable public transport network that connects communities, enhances mobility, and supports compact, sustainable urban development.

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The city continues to implement precinct plans and CBD revitalisation initiatives across key nodes such as Germiston, Benoni, Kempton Park, and Thembisa.

These interventions aim to transform traditional business districts into vibrant, mixed-use centres that stimulate local enterprise, attract private investment, and improve the quality of urban life.

“Through integrated planning, urban regeneration is being leveraged as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth and sustainable city-building,” said Nkosi.

“We are ensuring that public spaces, economic corridors, and transport networks become engines of opportunity and social cohesion.”

Ekurhuleni’s planning approach aligns with national frameworks such as the Integrated Urban Development Framework (IUDF) and the National Spatial Development Framework (NSDF). These guide the city in creating a compact, connected, and climate-smart urban form that promotes long-term sustainability and resilience.

Programmes such as the Dolomite Risk Management Programme, Urban Regeneration Strategy, and Strategic Infrastructure Investment Projects underscore the City’s commitment to building a safe, environmentally responsible, and economically vibrant metropolis.

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“As the City of Ekurhuleni celebrates World Town Planning Day 2025, we reaffirm our vision of a well-planned, inclusive, and sustainable metropolitan future where every resident can live, work, and thrive,” said Nkosi.

He said, with planning, the city can:
• Connect communities and bridge spatial divides.
• Revitalise CBDs and unlock urban investment.
• Drive sustainable infrastructure and green innovation.
• Build resilient, future-ready, and globally connected cities.
“Through visionary planning, strategic investment, and community partnership, the City of Ekurhuleni continues to demonstrate that With Planning We Can – we can shape the future we want, together,” said Nkosi.