THE GATHERING 2026: A top urbanist’s guide to building modern South African cities

South Africa has made significant strides in providing housing and infrastructure since the advent of democracy, but the country still struggles to create truly liveable cities. Urbanist Edgar Pieterse, speaking at The Gathering 2026 in Cape Town, proposed three bold ideas to enhance urban living in South Africa.

Pieterse's first proposal focused on harnessing the potential of minibus taxis in the country's urban landscape. He suggested that the government could work with the taxis to increase their revenue tenfold, thereby incentivizing them to comply with regulations and safety standards. Furthermore, Pieterse believed that minibus taxis could play a pivotal role in the transition to electric vehicles, potentially becoming a new revenue stream through real estate development.

He envisioned a future where Cape Town's Nyanga Station features social housing at the top, informal trading at the front, and electric minibuses in the center.

The second hack Pieterse put forth involved embracing alternative materials for constructing infrastructure such as schools and housing. He introduced nonCrete, a low-carbon building material made from alien vegetation cleared from mountains. NonCrete boasts superior insulation, cooling properties, and is more effective than traditional concrete. By utilizing this innovative material, South Africa could create a valuable job chain and improve the overall quality of the environment across the nation.

In his third proposal, Pieterse emphasized the potential for transforming creative spaces in South African cities. He proposed turning the Cape Flats into a "Waterfront" that would serve as a training ground for young people in arts, culture, and technology. This waterfront would also include maker spaces, a retail experience akin to the V&A Waterfront, and affordable housing.

By leveraging public-private partnerships, Pieterse argued that this innovation could spread across various township sites throughout South African cities.

According to Pieterse, the ultimate goal is not to create world-class smart cities but to ensure that people live in safe, job-rich, green, and inspiring neighbourhoods. He envisions cities efficiently connected, comfortable in their own skin, and leveraging the unique challenges as sources of invention and innovation.