GSF hosts panel to discuss spatial challenges of peri-urban expansion in South Africa

News: Mar 20, 2023

Spatial challenges arising from the peri-urban expansion of small rural towns in the Limpopo Province in South Africa, will be the focus of a panel discussion arranged by Global Sustainable Futures to be held at the SASUF Research and Innovation Week 2023. The event is organized by the South Africa-Sweden University Forum and will take place from 27-31 March.

Join us at the SASUF Research and Innovation Week 2023 to learn more about the profound expansion of small rural towns in South Africa due to the twin forces of migration and urbanization. A group of researchers has investigated the impact of these forces on small rural towns in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, and their results will be presented in a panel discussion led by Marie Thynell, Senior Advisor at the Global Sustainable Future. The panelists will discuss the impact of this expansion on sensitive areas, municipal services, and livelihoods.

In the panel, you will get to listen to researchers from both South Africa and Sweden:

• Dr Emaculate Ingwani, Senior Lecturer, University of Venda (Team Leader South Africa)
• Prof Nils Ekelund, Professor, Malmö University (Team Leader Sweden)
• Dr Per Schubert, Lecturer, Malmö University, Sweden
• Prof Verna Nel, Professor, University of Free State, South Africa
• Prof Trynos Gumbo, Professor, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

The findings of this research project could have significant implications for policymakers and urban planners in South Africa and beyond. "The panel discussion promises to be an illuminating exchange of ideas and insights into the spatial challenges that arise from the expansion of small rural towns in South Africa," says Marie Thynell.

Except from Marie Thynell, eleven delegates from the University of Gothenburg will participate on site.

Read more and register for the SASUF Research and Innovation Week 2023
 

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