Corridor development in Gauteng

Date
2015-10
Authors
Brand, Andre
Geyer, Hermanus Stephanus
Geyer, Hermanus Stephanus Jr
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Springer Verlag
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The development corridor concept has been regarded as an important development instrument in spatial planning and geography for many decades. Expanding literature on the theme indicates that development centres or nodes play an important role in the establishment of such corridors. Flows of goods and information between such centres are key in creating conditions that are potentially favourable for further urban development along the communication axes connecting such centres. Combined, the various nodes form a unique flexible exchange environment allowing for dynamic synergies of interactive growth that can achieve scope economies aided by fast and reliable corridors of transport and communication infrastructure. In the South African development sphere, there is strong belief that functional relationships between nodes can play a decisive role in the establishment of development corridors. This research showed that the degree to which economic activities are concentrated in the greater Gauteng region; the resulting current or emerging multinodal structural composition; and the flows of economic activities between the various nodes result in the creation of developing corridors that channel and focus economic growth between networks of cities. This confirms the importance of corridors as spatial and economic development instruments. The research concluded that corridor development in Gauteng still favours monocentrism. Johannesburg and Pretoria feature as the most dominant nodes, exerting great forces of attraction on the distribution of development and economic growth in the region. The research also suggests a degree of polycentrism whereby economic growth is channelled between networks of cities, however development potential is most favourable in areas in close proximity to primary centres and tends to be functionality driven.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die ontwikkelende korridor-konsep is oor baie dekades heen as ‘n belangrike instrument in ruimtelike en geografiese beplanning beskou. Uitgebreide literatuur dui aan dat nodusse ‘n belangrike rol in die vasstelling van korridors speel. Die vloei van goedere en inligting tussen nodusse is uiters belangrik in die samestelling van toestande wat gunstig is vir ontwikkeling rondom kommunikasie-asse wat nodusse verbind. Die kombinasie van nodusse vorm ‘n unieke vloeibare omgewing waarin medewerkende interaksie die omvang van ekonomiese groei bepaal en word ondersteun deur vinnige, betroubare vervoer- en kommunikasie-infrastruktuur. In die Suid Afrikaanse ontwikkelingskonsep, word sterk geglo dat funksionele verhoudings tussen nodusse ‘n belangrike rol kan speel in die vasstelling van korridors. Die navorsing toon dat die wyse waarop ekonomiese aktiwiteite binne die Gauteng-streek versprei is; die huidige of opkommende samestelling van meervoudige nodusse; en die vloei van ekonomiese aktiwiteite tussen nodusse die skepping van korridors wat ekonomiese groei tussen netwerke van stede kanaliseer tot gevolg het. Dit bevestig die belangrikheid van korridors as ruimtelike en ekonomiese beplanningsinstrumente. Die navorsing kom ook tot die gevolgtrekking dat korridorontwikkeling in Gauteng steeds die konsep van monosentrisme aanneem met Johannesburg en Pretoria as die mees dominante nodusse, wat groot aantrekkingskragte op die verspreiding van ontwikkeling en ekonomiese groei in die streek uitoefen. Die navorsing dui ook aan dat daar tog ‘n mate van polisentrisme is waardeur ekonomiese groei tussen netwerke van stede versprei word. Die mees gunstige ontwikkelingspotensiaal lê egter in gebiede wat in die nabyheid van primêre nodusse geleë is.
Description
CITATION: Brand, A., Geyer, H.S. & Geyer, H.S. 2015. Corridor development in Gauteng, South Africa. GeoJournal, doi:10.1007/s10708-015-9683-x.
The original publication is available at http://link.springer.com/journal/10708
Keywords
Corridor development -- South Africa -- Gauteng, Regional development -- South Africa -- Gauteng, City planning -- South Africa -- Gauteng
Citation
Brand, A., Geyer, H.S. & Geyer, H.S. 2015. Corridor development in Gauteng, South Africa. GeoJournal, doi:10.1007/s10708-015-9683-x.