Urban Development Progress Amid Inequality Challenges to be Spotlighted at WUF13

While acknowledging progress in urban development, Simelane stressed that South Africa continues to face persistent structural challenges linked to the country’s apartheid spatial legacy.

South Africa says it is making measurable progress in advancing sustainable urbanisation despite facing mounting pressure from rapid population growth, ageing infrastructure, financial constraints, and deep-rooted spatial inequality inherited from the apartheid era.

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane made the remarks during the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) currently underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, where global leaders are discussing the future of cities, housing, and urban resilience.

The international gathering, taking place from 17 to 22 May 2026 under the theme "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities," has brought together governments, local authorities, international agencies, and development partners to address the growing challenges facing urban areas worldwide.

South Africa's Urban Population Continues to Grow

Delivering South Africa's Country Statement during the Ministerial Meeting on the New Urban Agenda, Simelane said urbanisation in South Africa has accelerated significantly over the past decade and is expected to continue rising steadily.

According to the Minister, South Africa was already more than 60% urbanised when the United Nations New Urban Agenda was adopted. Recent figures now place the country's urbanisation level at approximately 68.82%, with projections indicating it could rise to 71.3% by 2030.

"Urbanisation is undeniably an irreversible trend," Simelane said.

The Minister explained that growing urban populations are increasing demand for housing, transport, water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities across South African cities.

Legacy of Apartheid Spatial Planning Still Shapes Cities

While acknowledging progress in urban development, Simelane stressed that South Africa continues to face persistent structural challenges linked to the country's apartheid spatial legacy.

Many communities remain physically separated from economic centres and employment opportunities due to decades of racial segregation and unequal development patterns.

The Minister said inequality remains deeply entrenched in South African cities, where many low-income residents continue to live far from urban economic hubs, placing additional pressure on transportation systems and municipal services.

These historical patterns, she noted, continue to influence housing access, infrastructure development, and spatial planning decisions.

Integrated Urban Development Framework Guides Policy

South Africa's primary strategy for managing urbanisation is the Integrated Urban Development Framework (IUDF), which was adopted in 2016 ahead of the global New Urban Agenda.

The framework serves as the government's overarching policy for promoting sustainable urban growth while addressing spatial transformation and historical inequalities.

Simelane explained that the IUDF includes provisions aimed at reversing the effects of apartheid-era planning by promoting more integrated, inclusive, and accessible cities.

The framework aligns with broader national and international development agendas, including:

• South Africa's Constitution

• The National Development Plan

• The District Development Model

• African Union Agenda 2063

• Regional and global sustainable development commitments

Municipalities Under Growing Pressure

The Minister said rapid urbanisation is placing increasing pressure on municipalities, many of which are struggling with ageing infrastructure, limited financial resources, and growing service delivery demands.

South African cities are now required to expand infrastructure networks while simultaneously maintaining and upgrading older systems under severe fiscal constraints.

Urbanisation has also intensified challenges such as:

• Infrastructure backlogs

• Housing shortages

• Water and sanitation pressures

• Electricity and transport demands

• Governance and institutional capacity limitations

Simelane noted that these pressures have become defining characteristics of many urban centres across the country.

Global Crises Worsening Urban Challenges

The Minister also highlighted the broader international factors affecting urban development worldwide.

She said the lingering economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, geopolitical instability, rising unemployment, and global inequality have all increased pressure on governments and public institutions.

"These circumstances have significantly increased demand for essential services, including housing, healthcare, education, water, and sanitation," Simelane stated.

At the same time, governments are facing growing financial and institutional challenges in responding effectively to urban needs.

Informal Settlements and Disaster Risks Remain a Priority

One of the government's major priorities is addressing the growth of informal settlements, particularly those located in high-risk or disaster-prone areas.

Simelane revealed that Cabinet has mandated the Department of Human Settlements to develop a strategy aimed at tackling the construction of informal structures in dangerous locations.

The strategy will include medium- and long-term solutions for Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) and efforts to accelerate the upgrading and transformation of informal settlements and slums.

Officials say climate-related disasters, flooding, and unsafe living conditions have increased the urgency of improving informal settlement planning and housing safety standards.

Government Reviewing Key Housing and Urban Policies

In response to mounting urban challenges, the government is currently reviewing several major policy frameworks.

These include:

• The Integrated Urban Development Framework implementation plan

• The White Paper on Human Settlements

• Local government policy reforms

The reforms are aimed at strengthening municipal governance, improving institutional capacity, and enhancing service delivery across urban areas.

The Minister said stronger local governance structures are essential for managing rapid urban growth effectively.

Collaboration Central to Sustainable Urban Development

Simelane emphasised that collaboration between government, communities, civil society, and the private sector is critical to achieving sustainable urban transformation.

South Africa hosted two National Urban Forum sessions in 2024 and 2025 to bring together stakeholders focused on accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities.

The discussions prioritised:

• Strengthening urban governance

• Improving municipal access to development finance

• Building technical and planning skills

• Advancing climate resilience

• Expanding partnerships with private sector investors and communities

Intermediate Cities Becoming Increasingly Important

The Minister also highlighted the growing importance of intermediate cities within South Africa's urban landscape.

These cities play a strategic role in linking metropolitan economies with rural communities and regional development corridors.

However, Simelane warned that many intermediate municipalities lack the institutional capacity, financial resources, and technical expertise available in larger metropolitan areas.

She said government is working to strengthen these municipalities so they can better contribute to economic development and sustainable urban growth.

Call for Evidence-Based Urban Planning

Concluding her address, Simelane stressed that urbanisation cannot be left unmanaged and requires coordinated, evidence-based planning across all levels of government.

She said meaningful community participation, integrated governance, and stronger institutional coordination are essential for creating resilient and inclusive cities capable of supporting future generations.

As urban populations continue to rise globally, South Africa's experience reflects the broader challenge many developing nations face in balancing infrastructure development, social equity, economic opportunity, and climate resilience in rapidly growing cities.