cities

However, the success of the Corridors of Freedom programme will depend on its implementation. The
experience since 2013 offers some valuable reflections:
• The basics must be in place: although pressure to build the corridors is high, the “footwork” needs to be
done before the private sector can be brought in as partners.
• Major programmes of transformation require a complete re-think of how to do things, as well as very
high capacity (which may not be available even in the large metros).
The plans for the corridors were done quickly, which created momentum but also meant that the broader
community and other sectors (e.g. private developers and individual land owners) were not sufficiently engaged
in all aspects of the programme. The city needs to look at how to generate a whole-of-society response to
transforming areas of the city, while ensuring that it maximises the value captured from increased property
values that result from this public investment. The success of the Corridors of Freedom rests on sufficient and
well-managed infrastructure balanced with effective maintenance, as well as strong project management and
partnerships with stakeholders. Extensive focus on community participation and consultation is critical in
order to bring about behavioural change and acknowledgement of the role of the programme in bringing
about improved mobility and social inclusivity in the city 5 .
Looking forward
Although some projects are already underway or close to completion, the Corridors of Freedom is a medium-
to long-term programme. The City of Joburg is actively pursuing the acquisition of land for the future, which
can be released to the private sector, as well as developing:
• infrastructure master plans (Bulk and distribution network)
• a housing action plan to meet the target of 30% low income housing (affordable, social and low income users)
• a detailed spatial economic analysis and database
• important non-motorised transport linkages.
City of
Johannesburg
The city is also reviewing its rates policy to support implementation of the corridors and exploring funding and
support agreements, and partnerships with property sector developer and investors.
An important component of large-scale public investment programmes such as the Corridors of Freedom is the
concept of value capture, whereby the municipality can benefit from the increase in private land values that
result from new public investment. Strategic state investment in new infrastructure (e.g. roads or the Gautrain)
can encourage people and business to move to the area, which increases property values. South African
municipalities have not adopted many value capture mechanisms apart from using development charges. Other
mechanisms include additional property taxes or requiring an in-kind contribution, such as land or improvements.
The additional revenue can be used to finance other infrastructure or for poverty alleviation programmes.
References
CoJ (City of Johannesburg). 2011. Joburg 2040: Growth and Development Strategy. Johannesburg: CoJ.
CoJ. 2014. 2014/15 Integrated Development Plan. Johannesburg: CoJ.
NPC (National Planning Commission). 2011. National Development Plan. Pretoria: NPC.
Stats SA (Statistics South Africa). 2013. National Household Travel Survey. Pretoria: Stats SA.
Strydom L, Corridors of Freedom, 12 Dec 2014
Urban LandMark, 2013 Improving access to the city through value capture: An overview of capturing and allocating value created through the
development of transport infrastructure in South Africa
5. SACN Conference, How does mobility support inclusivity and efficiency in the city?
City of JOHANNESBURG: Corridors of Freedom 349