Spatial plan quality trends in post-apartheid South African municipalities

The introduction of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) in 2013 was a key milestone in South Africa's post-apartheid planning governance reform process and positioned Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs) as central instruments for advancing spatial transformation. Various shortcomings have however been identified in the first-generation SDFs produced after 1994 that contributed to limited transformative outcomes. This study evaluates whether the second-generation SDFs prepared after the implementation of SPLUMA exhibit improved plan quality compared to first-generation SDFs developed before 2013. The study identifies notable improvements in (i) the treatment of the informal sector, (ii) integration of physical and socio-economic restructuring strategies, (iii) incorporating sustainability considerations into spatial plans, and (iv) improved infrastructure and investment strategies to support spatial plan implementation. Persistent weaknesses include limited monitoring and evaluation of spatial plan implementation and the absence of spatial statistical analysis to inform plan preparation and monitor implementation outcomes. The findings highlight both progress and enduring constraints, underscoring that improvements in plan quality must be accompanied by stronger institutional capacity, clearer implementation mechanisms, and robust monitoring systems to achieve meaningful spatial transformation.