Research workshop in eThekwini South Africa: understanding rapid urbanisation in former homeland areas
Published: 19 May 2026
Paula Meth joined a Southern African and UK researchers to run a workshop on rapid urbanisation in KwaZulu-Natal’s former homeland areas. The session forms part of a British Academy–funded project on evidence use in post-apartheid policymaking.
Paula Meth was part of a team of Southern African and UK researchers delivering a workshop in late April at the University of KwaZulu Natal, eThekwini, led by Prof Cathy Sutherland with municipal officials (primarily urban planners), provincial government representatives (mainly from COGTA), and key local researchers to discuss rapid urbanisation in the former homeland areas of the province of KwaZulu Natal. Workshop participants' expertise on questions of dual governance, fiscal challenges, infrastructure delivery, population and urbanisation trends will be used to finalise the draft report produced by the KZN team, discussed at this event. Mapping and a systems-analysis approach was used to advance understanding.
The workshop is one of 4 being held in South Africa as part of the wider British Academy funded project, led by Prof Phil Harrison, exploring evidence cultures in post-apartheid policy making - with a focus on former homeland areas, informed by ideas of extended urbanisation.
Overview of workshop participants (Paula Meth, 2026).
Systems mapping during the workshop (Paula Meth, 2026).
Mapping exercise during the workshop (Paula Meth, 2026).
First published: 19 May 2026