Urban Decay and Regeneration Strategies in Small Towns: A Case Study of Thohoyandou, South Africa

Abstract

Evidence of urban decay in small South African towns is on the increase over the years. Small towns face a myriad of challenges attributable to historic apartheid planning, and are distressed and underperforming despite having urban regeneration strategies in place. Small towns are faced with urban decay. This complexity is exacerbated by the vulnerability to Covid-19 pandemic stress, apart from locational disadvantages. This paper proposes workable regeneration strategies in small towns using Thohoyandou Town CBD as a case study. This case study applied a mixed method research approach. A total of 202 questionnaires were administered, and complemented by 3 key informant interviews. The data were analysed using the SPSS computer program, thematic analysis, and descriptive statistics. The study unravelled the obstacles that impede the implementation of urban regeneration strategies in small towns; and recommends a framework to strengthen the implementation of urban regeneration strategies in these small towns. The study findings also revealed that Thohoyandou Town CBD grapples with urban decay despite the implementation of urban regeneration strategy. The current urban regeneration strategies are limited, ineffective, and outdated. This is due to poor urban management, abandonment of projects, political interference in project implementation, lack of monitoring and evaluation systems, lack of policy alignment, and poor governance and inadequate institutional capacity linked to staff shortages with appropriate expertise. The current urban regeneration strategies need revision to enhance policy alignment, consideration of other funding modalities, and establishment of special public entities to implement the strategies.