Spatial Development Framework corrects inequality – metro

The metro has defended its updated Regional Spatial Development Framework (RSDF), tabled before council this month, insisting the long-term planning document will bring order and fairness to future growth across the city.

The RSDF, a document of more than 2 500 pages, is meant to serve as a strategic guide for development and spatial planning in the metro for the next five years.

However, its late release to councillors raises questions about whether public inputs were sufficiently taken into account, and ongoing disputes around issues such as parking, transport, and road classifications have raised red flags.

Ward councillor Siobhan Muller said while the DA supports the need to update the RSDF and recognises its importance as the most significant long-term planning document of any municipality, the way in which it has been handled leaves serious concerns.

“This important document containing over 2 500 pages has been loaded late and has not provided the members of this council the opportunity to fully scrutinise the contents and changes made after public participation,” said Muller.

She stated that adequate time must be provided for people to apply their minds.

According to Muller, attempts to reduce parking requirements in certain areas, the introduction of new maps after public participation has closed, and undefined terms such as ‘Site Assembly Principle’ could open the metro to legal challenges.

“Favouring developers over the individual rights of landowners cannot be supported. Changing the name doesn’t change the intent,” she warned.

Residents across Pretoria east shared similar frustrations.

Members of the Old Pretoria East Ratepayers and Residents Alliance, which represents areas such as Menlo Park, Hazelwood, Lynnwood, Arcadia, Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, and Groenkloof, said they are not convinced their comments were fully considered.

Spokesperson Erik Buiten said their associations submitted detailed objections but received little feedback.

“We are very concerned that our comments haven’t been taken on board,” he said.

Buiten said they were supposed to support or encourage public participation in the preparation of the document.

According to him, what the metro did instead was hold one briefing session.
He said they were presented with a document that would be changed and then given 45 days to comment.

“There was no further consultation, no feedback, no real engagement,” he said.

Buiten added that reduced parking standards and incorrect maps remain major sticking points.

“We feel they are pursuing a pro-development policy that is not in the interest of residents. It looks reckless rather than thoughtful.”

In response, the metro has defended its processes and emphasised the benefits of the RSDF.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo explained that the document is designed to provide clear direction for development, infrastructure, and investment.

“The RSDF is not simply a planning document; it is the implementation mechanism for the city’s Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework.

Mashigo said it gives clear spatial direction for development, helps correct apartheid-era planning by promoting equitable growth, and ensures that infrastructure development is aligned with the city’s budget and long-term vision.

He added that the RSDF will help guide land-use applications, direct public and private investment, and support sustainable, integrated communities.

On the matter of public participation, the metro insisted it followed a structured process as required by law.

According to Mashigo, the draft was made available for a formal public participation period lasting 60 days, which was later extended to accommodate more residents.

“During this period, written submissions were accepted, and all comments were reviewed comprehensively.

“Submissions that raised technical or statutory concerns were referred to the relevant city departments for review, and a report with the comments and responses was included in the version of the RSDF presented to council,” Mashigo said.

The metro also rejected claims that unapproved documents were quoted as if they had been adopted.

“All approved and final draft documents from national and provincial spheres of government were considered to produce a comprehensive RSDF for Tshwane,” the metro said.

On concerns around parking, Mashigo explained that the RSDF itself does not alter parking requirements.

“The Tshwane Land Use Scheme 2024 prescribes parking as per zoning or approved land use. The RSDF merely amplifies the principles contained in the scheme,” he said.

According to Mashigo, taxi facilities, which some councillors claim were neglected in the RSDF, are dealt with at the land development application stage.

He explained that the RSDF promotes transit-oriented development and aims to integrate public transport infrastructure into planning.

“Transport modes such as taxi ranks are addressed depending on the size and type of development submitted for consideration and are circulated to Tshwane’s Roads and Transport Department for commenting,” he said.

The metro explained the ‘site assembly principle’ as a principle that encourages developers to work with larger consolidated parcels of land rather than multiple small ones.

Mashigo said this reduces traffic problems from multiple driveways, allows for co-ordinated development, and ensures that future opportunities for larger, more efficient developments are not blocked by piecemeal construction.

He insisted that on the rights of property, the RSDF respects the constitutional protection of landowners.

“The RSDF does not automatically change zoning. It only sets the policy framework.

“Any change to land use requires a formal application process where vested rights are protected. Section 25 of the Constitution guarantees no one may be arbitrarily deprived of property.”

The city said its classifications align with the National Roads Act and national policy to address concerns about roads.

“Consultations were held with Roads and Transport, and adjustments were made to align with functional classification standards such as TRH 26.”

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