(Neo-)segregation, (neo-)racism, and one-city two-system planning in Windhoek, Namibia: What can a new national urban policy do?. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kohima, Jennilee Magdalena; Chigbu, Uchendu Eugene; Mazambani, Malcon Liyali; Mabakeng, Menare Royal
• Is Part Of: Land use policy. Volume 125(2022)
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Urban policy -- Neo-racism -- Neo-segregation -- Namibia -- Urban planning -- Urban development -- Informal settlement -- Windhoek; Land use -- Periodicals; Land use -- Government policy -- Periodicals; Sol, Utilisation du -- Périodiques; Sol, Utilisation du -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.7305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2022.106480
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-8377

Abstract

Abstract: Namibia's urban problems are traceable to the colonial-era planning system — a system that was based on spatial and racial segregation to the disadvantage of local communities. This article presents ideas on what planning authorities can do to ensure that its capital city, Windhoek, becomes inclusive for all residents. Through visual analysis, the article illustrates the Windhoek planning structure reflecting a one-city two-system (OCTS) approach. The more socio-economically viable amenities are still found east of the city's western bypass. The segregation is now based more on the economic rather than racial lines. This implies racism currently manifests itself in new forms (neo-racism) and does not necessarily adhere to the concept of a hierarchy of races. The manifestation of neo-racism reflects in the current planning approaches as they still maintain the historical precedence. Following these concerns, the authors explore the role of Namibia's forthcoming urban policy in addressing this OCTS concern in Windhoek. They argued ways to desegregate the OCTS for inclusivity in Windhoek. Some of their outlined measures include conducting legislative reviews to decolonise apartheid-era legislation/policies, engaging in inclusive urban land/housing delivery, enforcing tenure security for informal settlements, introducing (re)education initiatives in urban planning, and institutionalising citizens' engagement in developing a new structure plan for Windhoek. Highlights: Post-apartheid planning created a new form of spatial segregation (neo-segregation) based on economic rather than racial lines in Windhoek. Informal settlements' growth in Windhoek is not only due to the failure of planning but also the exercise of land rights by the poor. Juxtaposing retrospective and prospective views of urban planning in Windhoek reveals a one-city, two-system (OCTS) urban scenario. Desegregating the OCTS urban scenario requires redirecting planning to inclusive spatial and aspatial practices.