Abstract

Our urban places, villages, towns, cities and metropolises are built slowly and by many hands. Planning them is not an exact art and the results vary: the importance of man’s primary habitation is that in the end through observation, anticipation of change and speculation we must plan wherever possible to improve the eventual outcome for us all. With increased involvement in the decision making process, the accountability of communities in the process of housing delivery will also increase. An environment conducive to all parties meeting their obligations must be created, if sustainable development is to be achieved. Turflaagte was researched as a case study. This informal settlement was identified by the local municipality to be upgraded. Turflaagte is a previously disadvantaged area on the outskirts of Mangaung, a middle-sized city in the centre of South Africa. The community of Turflaagte has the potential to become a thriving, dynamic and sustainable human settlement.