OP-ED: Battlefield Gauteng: Sustained local action is needed

The recent violent looting of foreign-owned shops and burning of buildings and vehicles across Gauteng’s urban centres has prompted a security crackdown and mass arrests. The malicious damage to people and property has patently caused enormous distress and anger at home and abroad. But no one has noticed that the disorder could set back a vital process of central city renewal and regeneration that was under way in many of the affected areas.

These complex grievances and social dynamics won’t be rectified by more forceful policing and punitive action on the part of the justice system. Stopping the violent crime and restoring law and order are imperative, but a lasting solution to the unrest requires a more profound and sustained effort to transform these crucial locations into more prosperous places and to strengthen their social assets and liveability.

Governing these unique places is inevitably complicated because of the potent activity mix, the ethnic diversity and the transient nature of some population groups. Special forums and institutional arrangements are needed to find common purpose, to channel people’s energy and goodwill in constructive directions, and to prevent the social strains and burdens from boiling over.

Despite the difficulties faced by all spheres of government in overseeing and supporting these places, research reveals that a notable turnaround has taken place in central cities. After the extensive dislocation, decentralisation and decline of the 1990s and early 2000s, people and firms have rediscovered the fundamental advantages of core urban locations over the sprawling suburbs and peripheral townships as places to live, work, play and invest.

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