African Cities: Envisioning an alternative future

We will be discussing African cities, and the challenges they face, with a focus on spatial fragmentation and unequal access to opportunities. This is an initiative of the Chair for Spatial Transformation located at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa. This podcast will take a deep look at African cities and the built environment in African cities; it will look at opportunities, and restrictions on opportunities, that emerge due to spatial policies and realities. This is done by seeking lessons from across the continent through interviews with professionals and communities alike. Through these interviews and the profiling of research, we will reach out to partners in the continent. We aim to change thinking on cities, space and design and, in the process, influence change in practice in the built environment.

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African Cities: Envisioning an alternative future

A Sudanese/South African with an interest in cities, space and transformation

November 18, 2020 • Amira Osman • Season 1 • Episode 1

0:00 | 20:14

In this opening episode, I present some of my interests and background as a Sudanese/South African with an interest in cities, space and transformation. I start off by reflecting on the disruption caused by COVID-19 and how personal and professional challenges soon became opportunities. Yet, I acknowledge that the spatial disadvantage posed by our cities have meant that many have been further disadvantaged by the crisis. For the overall health of the city and its inhabitants, I argue that the first line of defense needs to be in areas of extreme poverty. I reflect on my background and how my thinking has been shaped over the years. I challenge a deeper understanding of concepts of participation. I also argue that cities in different African contexts have similar spatial realities despite the very diverse histories. A comparison is made with regards to the level of progress in terms of policy approaches. The podcast ends with an invitation to bring our own voices and our own heritage into the academic realm and into our professions.