Phase 2: Strategies
D. SPATIAL FRAMEWORKS
D.2 Integrated Spatial Development Framework of the DM
D.2.1 Strategic Spatial Proposals for the DM .1 Nodal Strategy
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Dr Kenneth Kaunda DM | 2007-12 IDP Review: 2009/10 Page 78 of 311 Klerksdorp, however, also plays an important role in the relevant space economy of the Southern District Municipal area. The PSDF determined the relevant regional growth networks for all the major centres in the province, and Klerksdorp clearly illustrates that its production linkages stretch much further than its municipal boundaries. Accordingly, areas like Vryburg (Naledi) and Schweizer-Reneke (Mamusa) have a strong economic linkage with the study area and linkages with these areas should be strengthened.
D.2.1.2Corridor Development
The N12 national road or as it is also known, the Treasure Corridor, runs through the study area. The development of such corridors has been identified as one of the key instruments for spatial restructuring in the province by both national and provincial government7. It refers to linear tracts of land containing a variety of transportation modes, especially public transport, and a variety of intense and dense land uses. Corridors contribute to economies of urbanisation, to more efficient service provision, and to better transport facilities. People living near corridors can access a wide range of opportunities distributed along the corridor.
The proposed provincial corridor development influences the study area in the following manner:
Firstly, the N12 forms an inter-city development corridor deemed important for the concentration of relevant development initiatives between Johannesburg, Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp.
Priority should be given to the improvement of the communication and transport networks that link Klerksdorp with the economic core of South Africa. Here the importance of the construction of a dual-carriageway (between Potchefstroom and Johannesburg) could not be stressed enough. See the Local Economic Development and Industrialisation Strategy, as well as the N12 SDI-projects.Secondly, the strengthening of centres such the Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp to develop as counter magnets or “equilibrium cores” as part of the development axis concept, is essential. The motivation for that is the development axis emanates from the primary centres, and not the primary centres from the axis.
The identification of “flagship” projects along the corridors with the emphasis on utilising comparative advantages and the integration of the informal economy along corridors with the formal economy.
Existing ‘bottlenecks’ in the N12 include the section passing through Wolmaransstad. This unsightly situation must be remedied through appropriate traffic-friendly facilities and supporting land use in and around the CBD, as well as the upgrading of the road.
New development should be located along corridors on prime sites, which enjoy good accessibility and visibility. The identification of these areas must take cognisance of the environmental impact assessments and constraints in the areas.
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Urban areas that are located in close proximity to each other (i.e. Klerksdorp / Orkney / Stilfontein) must as far as possible grow towards each other in order to enhance sub-regional integration.
Industrial development zones have been earmarked for development at Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp. This forms a proposed network of seven such zones throughout the province. An industrial support framework should be established, which will lead to the attraction of a specific range of axis-oriented industries to the abovementioned centres.
Focus areas for economic development linked to the N12 SDI refer to the following sectors:
o Agri-manufacturing o Jewellery manufacturing o Beehive development o Mining manufacturing o Eco-Tourism
Retail development
An economic revitalisation strategy for Wolmaransstad and Ventersdorp are crucial – these towns have sufficient ‘critical mass’ to sustain future development and as such, form an important link in establishing a functional urban hierarchy for the broader region.
On a lower level of the urban hierarchy, Leeudoringstad also has a relatively high ‘critical mass’ in terms of population and services, and should consequently also be targeted for appropriate development. The focus should be on a limited number of sectors like transport and retail, while social safety nets must be improved. The latter principle of increased social safety nets and access to services applies to the other centres in the Municipality, namely Makwassie and Witpoort.
Lastly, the study area has significant economic interaction through secondary corridors with towns and cities south of the Vaal River (e.g. Bothaville and Welkom). These networks must be strengthened and integrated into spatial planning proposals for the local SDF.
D.2.1.3Rural Development
Although the Southern District Municipality is generally not regarded as a rural municipality, a number of small villages are scattered throughout the study area, especially to the north and western regions.
Most of the rural villages have not identified as being a strategic spatial priority during this time – accordingly, this section will provide just a short review of provincial policy in this regard.
The main problem with these settlements in the Municipality are that they are relatively far from job opportunities or services and unrelated to major commercial and public transport routes. The
Dr Kenneth Kaunda DM | 2007-12 IDP Review: 2009/10 Page 80 of 311 settlements in the study area also lack a formal productive function, which is the result of premature urbanization. Another one of the main challenges in the Southern District Municipality is to address the imbalances created by numerous past policies. Presently problems such as social problems related to the break-up of family units (because heads of families move out looking for jobs) with related impacts on the spread of HIV/AIDS and a severe impact on housing provision all still contribute to the widening of disparities.
The impact of this tendency affects the lives of woman in rural areas especially, and stresses the focus on them when implementing the rural development strategy. According to the PSDF, they are not only playing an important role in ensuring the economic survival of their families, but can also play a critical role in sustainable environmental development in rural areas. Based on this short background and previously mentioned documentation, the following guidelines are proposed with regard to rural development:
(a) Phase 1:Identification and development o rural nodes. The main departure point in this regard is to identify only a selected number of villages based on inherent growth potential.
(b) Phase 2:Formalisation of villages. Accordingly, these settlements must be formalised in terms of relevant spatial planning legislation. Specifically, ownership must also be formalised.
(c) Phase 3: Integration into urban system. The last phase of rural integration and development refers to the functional integration of the existing formal urban system. Issues like improved transport linkages, strengthened trade linkages and improved socio-economic services are relevant in this phase.
New and existing multi-purpose centres and agri-centres have been identified and strategically strengthened through the Southern District Municipality. Lastly, a differentiated system of rural development, based on basic needs on the one hand, and economic viability on the other hand is relevant. Accordingly, social support structures (e.g. welfare, education, training, and basic infrastructure) must be provided in or close to all villages, while fixed capital investments (i.e. a higher level of services, including housing) must be focused on villages with potential for sustainable development.
In summary, as far as the development of new rural settlements is concerned the following aspects should be taken into consideration:
(i) Sustainability of the village (Can the land on which the village is situated sustain the people of the village).
(ii) Suitability of the land for settlement (Is it situated in an environmental sensitive area or land that is classified as prime agricultural land).
Dr Kenneth Kaunda DM | 2007-12 IDP Review: 2009/10 Page 81 of 311 (iii) Provision of services (Can services such as water, electricity, roads and sanitation are provided
in a cost effective manner. Can municipality maintain the services).
(iv) Access to social facilities (Schools, clinics, pension pay points, business facilities, transport).
D.2.1.4Zoning Plan
Although the Provincial Zoning Plan’s main contribution will be towards Land Use Management Systems, a number of issues need to be taken cognisance of for the Southern District Municipality’s SDF. The Provincial Zoning Plan’s main focus, for the purpose of this SDF, is on the non-urban or rural- oriented areas. The Provincial Zoning Plan prescribes that the following zones or areas must be shown as part of the SDF, i.e.:
` Formal protected areas
` Proposed protected areas
` Cultural heritage sites
` Conservancies
` Dolomite aquifers and eyes
` Ridges
` Wetlands
` Areas of high biodiversity
` Prime agricultural land
Based on this approach, the proposed local SDF will provide a practical planning tool whereby the negative impact of future human related activities can be minimised. The Zoning Plan identified all four municipalities in the study area as regions that need urgent attention with regard to environmental threats (human and naturally induced). The integration of environmental management principles to reduce the human impact on the natural environment should, therefore, receive detailed attention in the formulation of spatial planning proposals in the last section of this document.
Lastly, according to the IUCN, at least ten per cent of all habitat types in a region should be formally protected. Again, this seems to be a major problem area for Southern District Municipality. The habitat types not sufficiently protected in the study area are as follows:
` Hoopstad open Woodland
` Klerksdorp Thornveld
` Rocky Highveld Grassland
` Carletonville Dolomite Grassland
` Eastern Dry Sandy Grassland
` Western Dry Sandy Grassland
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` Kuruman Thornveld
Not one of the abovementioned habitat types is sufficiently protected formally, and areas need to be identified for formal protection in the local SDF.