South Africa Pushes Urban Growth Despite Rising Infrastructure Strain
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South Africa says its cities are growing faster than infrastructure can keep up. The government is now racing to balance urban expansion, housing demand, and failing municipal systems.
South Africa says it is making progress toward sustainable urbanisation even as cities face mounting infrastructure and service delivery pressures.
Speaking at the UN World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane said rapid urban growth is placing major strain on housing, transport, water, and municipal systems across the country.
Government data shows South Africa is now nearly 69% urbanised, with the figure expected to rise further by 2030. Officials say persistent inequality, ageing infrastructure, and informal settlement growth remain major challenges rooted in the country’s spatial legacy.
Authorities are also reviewing housing and urban policies while prioritising upgrades to informal settlements and disaster-prone communities.
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