Malcom Kambanzera
Vivian !Nou-/Gawaseb
Spatial legacies refer to the lasting effects of human actions on the environment. These effects can be good or bad, such as building roads or damaging the environment. The spatial legacies of apartheid planning continue to shape the urban landscape of many cities in southern Africa, perpetuating deep-rooted inequalities and social divisions. Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, is no exception.
One of the most glaring examples of this divide is the Western Bypass, a major road that separates the affluent suburbs from the poorer townships. In this article, we explore the spatial legacy of apartheid planning in Windhoek and the ongoing challenges of building more equitable and inclusive cities.
In 1920, the League of Nations handed over South-West Africa, as a mandate to the South African Administration. This was the start of the South African legal system, which was extended to the territory, marking the beginning of South African rule and by extension the start of the apartheid era in South West Africa.
During apartheid, the South African government implemented a policy of forced removals, which resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people from their homes and the disruption of entire communities. The aim of this policy was to create separate racial and ethnic enclaves, with whites occupying the most desirable areas of the city, and people of colour confined to the periphery. This legacy of segregation and exclusion persists in many cities in southern Africa, including Windhoek.
The Great Divide
The spatial legacy of Windhoek is most evident in two aspects of its urban morphology. Firstly, there is a persistent separation of the city’s population along racial lines. Secondly, there are monofunctional suburban layouts which continue to fragment Windhoek’s urban fabric, as seen by the physical separation of the former township areas from the city.
The Western Bypass is a physical manifestation of this legacy. Built in the 1980s, it effectively divides the city into two distinct zones: the affluent suburbs, where the majority of the city’s white population lives, and the poorer townships, where the majority of the city’s black and mixed-race population lives. The road acts as a barrier, both physically and symbolically, reinforcing the social and economic inequalities that were created during apartheid.
The impact of the Western Bypass on the townships has been profound. The road has effectively cut off these areas from the rest of the city, making it difficult for residents to access jobs, services, and opportunities in the city centre and western suburbs. This has resulted in high levels of unemployment, poverty, and social exclusion in these areas. The lack of investment in infrastructure and services has also perpetuated poor living conditions, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to healthcare and education.
The Western Bypass has also had a psychological impact on the residents of the eastern townships. It serves as a constant reminder of the social and economic barriers that exist between different groups in society, reinforcing feelings of marginalisation and exclusion. It is a symbol of the legacy of apartheid planning and a reminder that, despite the end of apartheid, the city’s spatial inequalities remain deeply entrenched. To address these challenges, there is a need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to urban planning in Windhoek.
The Paradigm Shift
There is a need for a fundamental shift away from the segregationist planning practices of the past, towards a more integrated and people-centred approach to planning. Such an approach should prioritise the needs and aspirations of all residents, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.
To achieve this, there needs to be a concerted effort to dismantle the physical barriers that perpetuate social and economic inequalities. This requires investment in public transport, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and the development of mixed-use urban spaces that bring together different groups of people. It also requires the provision of basic services, such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity, in the western townships to improve living conditions and reduce poverty.
However, the challenges of addressing the spatial legacies of apartheid planning are not only physical. There are also deeply ingrained social and cultural barriers that must be addressed. These include the prejudices and stereotypes that exist between different racial and ethnic groups, as well as the lack of trust and understanding between communities. Addressing these challenges requires a more holistic approach that recognises the importance of social cohesion and community building in the process of urban transformation.
In sum, the spatial legacies of apartheid planning continue to shape the urban landscape of Windhoek, perpetuating deep-rooted inequalities and social divisions. The Western Bypass is a stark reminder of this legacy, acting as a physical and symbolic barrier between different groups in society. Therefore, addressing these challenges requires a fundamental paradigm shift.
* Malcom Kambanzera is pursuing a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Namibia and has a keen interest in urban planning laws and policies.
* Vivian !Nou-/Gawaseb is a sustainability enthusiast and an urban studies scholar, currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the Namibia University of Science and Technology.