(Neo-)segregation, (neo-)racism, and one-city two-system planning in Windhoek, Namibia: What can a new national urban policy do?

Abstract

Namibia’s urban problems are traceable to the colonial-era planning system — a system that was based on spatial and racial segregation to the disadvantage of local communities. This article presents ideas on what planning authorities can do to ensure that its capital city, Windhoek, becomes inclusive for all residents. Through visual analysis, the article illustrates the Windhoek planning structure reflecting a one-city two-system (OCTS) approach. The more socio-economically viable amenities are still found east of the city’s western bypass. The segregation is now based more on the economic rather than racial lines. This implies racism currently manifests itself in new forms (neo-racism) and does not necessarily adhere to the concept of a hierarchy of races. The manifestation of neo-racism reflects in the current planning approaches as they still maintain the historical precedence. Following these concerns, the authors explore the role of Namibia’s forthcoming urban policy in addressing this OCTS concern in Windhoek. They argued ways to desegregate the OCTS for inclusivity in Windhoek. Some of their outlined measures include conducting legislative reviews to decolonise apartheid-era legislation/policies, engaging in inclusive urban land/housing delivery, enforcing tenure security for informal settlements, introducing (re)education initiatives in urban planning, and institutionalising citizens’ engagement in developing a new structure plan for Windhoek.