This research investigates the components of a governance framework for planning approvals of housing developments in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a focus on its linkages to economic growth. Through qualitative research, including interviews with 25 experienced professionals and analysis of municipal reports, the study identifies the roles of key stakeholders – such as municipal officials, technical experts, and community representatives – in the planning approval for housing development. Findings reveal that while multiple digital and administrative systems support planning approvals, their lack of integration hampers effective monitoring and reporting. The research highlights spatial disparities in development activity and demonstrates a correlation between certain approval types and economic growth datasets. However, fragmented governance structures and inconsistent reporting practices limit the ability to align planning approvals with broader economic and spatial goals. The study proposes a collaborative governance framework that incorporates standardized indicators, improved integration of digital systems, and multi-level oversight to enhance transparency, accountability, and turnaround times. While the framework may be tailored to the city of Johannesburg, the methodology and recommendations offer valuable insights for other metropolitan areas regionally and internationally.
Buthelezi et al. (Thu,) studied this question.