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Figure 6.11: Expanded conception of a well-governed city<br />

Development<br />

and delivery<br />

Embed <strong>cities</strong> by<br />

mobilising civil<br />

society to push<br />

transformation<br />

Transformed <strong>cities</strong><br />

are integrated,<br />

inclusive, productive<br />

and sustainable<br />

Design, coordinate<br />

and implement<br />

aligned and realistic<br />

long-term plans<br />

Coordination<br />

and<br />

participation<br />

Institutionalise<br />

accountability<br />

by allocating<br />

responsibility and<br />

following through<br />

Institutional<br />

and operational<br />

capability<br />

In many ways South African <strong>cities</strong> are well governed. They have a myriad of plans that mirror the NDP,<br />

including growth and development strategies, urban development strategies, IDPs, area-based<br />

management plans and various precinct plans. They have the capacity, structures and systems that<br />

can enable “city officials and their partners to formulate and implement sound policies and systems<br />

that reflect the interests of local citizens, and do so in a way that is transparent and includes those<br />

with least power and resources” (SACN, 2011: 120). However, <strong>cities</strong> have not yet succeeded in<br />

mobilising all city stakeholders towards building a long-term vision and commitment to effect spatial<br />

transformation. This is because political processes and historically developed practices disrupt<br />

attempts to shift power away from those who have access to those who do not.<br />

6<br />

A well-governed city expands the decision-making spaces. Authority and voice are used to enable real<br />

engagement and negotiation over what the city should be. The focus moves from distributing spaces,<br />

access and resources, to establishing relationships that support development. In this ideal, well-governed<br />

South African city, role-players are committed to transforming society and creating inclusive spaces.<br />

Formally elected committees represent the interests of local communities in wards and in the council,<br />

while a professional and committed bureaucracy implements policy that favours the poor and<br />

marginalised. The city balances short-term adaptability with long-term transformation and is supported<br />

by national and provincial government. It is able not only to generate revenue, but also to form<br />

partnerships with the state and business to fund new development and generate economic growth.<br />

WELL-GOVERNED CITIES 233

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