Wamkelekile, Welkom
Collective Conversations on urban land use: Navigating justice, ecology and climate
08 June 2026 | Video Production Ruairi Abrahams and Nomfundo Xolo Photo Je'nine May.The fourth Collective Conversation: Science for Society series, brought together experts in urban planning, environmental governance and food systems to examine how land-use decisions shape justice, ecological sustainability and climate resilience in South African cities.
On 27 May 2026, the University of Cape Town (UCT) hosted the fourth instalment of the Collective Conversations on Science for Society series, a dialogue platform that convenes voices from academia, government and civil society to address complex societal challenges. This conversation focused on urban land use and the difficult choices cities face as they navigate competing demands for housing, infrastructure, livelihoods, environmental protection and climate adaptation.
The discussion featured Associate Professor Pippin Anderson from UCT's Department of Environmental and Geographical Science; Robert McGaffin from the City of Cape Town's Spatial Planning and Environment Directorate; and Rirhandzu Marivate from the South African Urban Food and Farming Trust and Stellenbosch University. Together, they explored how land-use planning extends beyond technical regulation to encompass questions of equity, biodiversity, governance and public values.
The Collective Conversation series underscores UCT's commitment to fostering collaborative spaces where diverse perspectives can inform evidence-based solutions to some of society's most pressing challenges.
#ChooseUCT #Vision2030 #UCTCollectiveConversations #UrbanLandUse #ClimateResilience #EnvironmentalJustice #FoodSystems #UrbanPlanning #SustainableCities #LandGovernance #ScienceForSociety #JustTransitions#SDG11 #Sustainable Cities and Communities #SDG13 Climate Action #SDG15 Life on Land #SDG10 Reduced Inequalities
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Climate change
The University of Cape Town is an internationally renowned hub for climate change research and training. Our work is a strategic response to urgent knowledge and capacity needs on the African continent – climate change impacts have severe implications for economic and social development, and Africa is particularly vulnerable. Greater expertise is needed to understand the challenges and to design, evaluate and sustain solutions. Engaged research can help society innovate and support effective climate policies and strategies.
This series of articles shows how UCT researchers are working with governments, civil society and the private sector to co-produce knowledge that is impactful, moving us towards a more resilient African society.
