Top 5 Tips for Aspiring Town Planners in South Africa
- Clayton Otto
- Apr 25
- 3 min read

Urban and regional planning is more than just zoning maps and regulations—it's about shaping the future of our cities and communities. For young people, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, becoming a town planner offers an incredible opportunity to build sustainable, inclusive spaces that improve lives. If you're dreaming of a career where your decisions leave a long-lasting impact on your community, here are five top tips to guide your journey into urban and regional planning in South Africa.
Checkout our Interview with Clayton Otto here.
1. Find a Knowledgeable Mentor
Urban and regional planning is a complex, ever-evolving discipline. A seasoned mentor can provide critical guidance, career advice, and opportunities you might not find on your own.
Connect with professionals via LinkedIn, planning forums, or local government networks.
Attend industry events hosted by the South African Planning Institute (SAPI).
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek feedback—mentorship is a powerful tool for growth.
2. Stay Informed and Read Widely
Great planners stay up-to-date with the latest developments in planning, policy, and sustainability.
Read up on local municipal by-laws, Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), and Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs).
Follow national and international planning journals and platforms, such as UrbanAfrica.net, Planetizen, and UN-Habitat.
Keep tabs on national, provincial, and municipal planning documents and development news.
3. Understand People and the Places They Inhabit
Planning is fundamentally about people and the environments they live in. Successful urban planners listen to communities and create solutions that reflect their diverse needs.
Develop empathy and cultural awareness.
Spend time in different communities, both urban and rural.
Research the history and identity of spaces to understand the context behind planning challenges.
4. Adopt a Multidisciplinary Mindset
Urban planning intersects with many fields—architecture, public health, transportation, environmental science, economics, and sociology.
Take elective courses or workshops in related fields.
Engage with professionals from other disciplines.
Learn tools like GIS (Geographic Information Systems), which are essential for data-driven planning.
5. Embrace Public Participation and Community Engagement
Effective planning is not top-down—it's about co-creating the future with the community.
Facilitate town hall meetings, workshops, and surveys.
Encourage feedback loops with local stakeholders.
Advocate for inclusive planning processes that centre marginalized voices.
High School Subjects to Prepare for a Planning Career
If you're still in high school, focus on subjects that enhance your analytical, communication, and spatial reasoning skills:
Geography (a must-have for planners)
Mathematics (for statistics and GIS work)
English (for communication and report writing)
Life Sciences or Physical Science (helps with environmental understanding)
History or Business Studies (contextual knowledge and policy literacy)
University Pathways in South Africa
To become a professional town planner, you need to complete a Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning (BTRP) or similar degree. Accredited institutions include:
University of Cape Town (UCT)
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
University of Pretoria (UP)
University of the Free State (UFS)
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
After your degree, register with SACPLAN (South African Council for Planners) to practice professionally.
Influential Town Planners to Follow
Historical Figures:
Le Corbusier (France) – Pioneer of modern urban planning.
Patrick Geddes (UK) – Promoted the idea of regional planning.
Lúcio Costa (Brazil) – Designed Brasilia, the planned capital of Brazil.
Modern Influencers:
Dr. Mpho Maphoto (South Africa) – A respected academic and urban policy expert.
Prof. Vanessa Watson (UCT) – Known globally for advocating pro-poor urban planning.
Brent Toderian (Canada) – Urban design consultant and former chief planner for Vancouver.
Follow their work, talks, and publications to stay inspired.
Notable Planning Decisions That Shaped Cities
Successes:
Curitiba, Brazil – World-famous for its innovative bus rapid transit (BRT) system and sustainable planning.
Cape Town's MyCiTi System – A planning success in promoting public transit, although challenges remain in accessibility.
Controversial Decisions:
Apartheid Spatial Planning – The Group Areas Act and forced removals left lasting urban inequality in South Africa.
Highway development through District Six (Cape Town) – A tragic example of top-down planning that displaced vibrant communities.

Final Thoughts
Becoming a town planner means shaping the physical and social fabric of our communities. Whether you want to work in government, consulting, or NGOs, your role can drive change. As a young South African—especially from historically marginalized groups—you have a unique perspective that the profession urgently needs. Keep learning, stay curious, and believe in the transformative power of thoughtful planning.
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