Urban Citizen

Studio leaders: Prof Carin Combrinck, Mr Jason Oberholster (PhD candidate), Ms Alexia Katranas

Stakeholders: Malusi Youth Development Centre (MYDO) Mr. Hlakudi Gert Malatji

National Research Foundation (NRF): Mr. Sizwe Khoza, Ms. Zamahlubi Radebe

Melusi informal settlement is situated in Pretoria West, in the City of Tshwane. It was established in 2008 in a mid- to low income area and has experienced rapid growth since 2015. It can be separated into 3 distinct regions, with some areas being formally regulated by the municipality, receiving basic services such as water and electricity (UP Honours 2020).

The increasing number of informal settlements in the City of Tshwane is an indicator of the vast imbalances and a systemic failure within our city, often sitting silently on valuable land amongst extravagant residential estates. This studio is a collaboration between Honours, MProf and the NRF-SAASTA funded Co-creating Wellness Research Project and will focus on the critical analysis of datasets emanating from research undertaken during 2023 and 2024 towards co-creating Community Action Plans to address socio-spatial justice with the community of Melusi. Continued engagement with the research partners will underpin the studio, so that the research outcomes may reflect the views and voices of this emerging urban society.