Speaker, on Friday, 25 October 2013, the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the Department of Human Settlements, in partnership with key national sector departments such as Environment and Water Affairs, Finance and Transport, successfully hosted the National Conference on Human Settlements and Urban Development.
This conference marked the launch of a discussion document entitled, Towards an Integrated Urban Development Framework. This document seeks to profile our regional and urban development patterns, our policies and interventions and, through a series of collaborative engagements, proposes a new deal for South Africa's towns and cities.
The discussion document responds to the call made by President Jacob Zuma during the state of the nation address when he said:
We should also remain mindful of rapid urbanisation that is taking place. The Census Statistics reveal that 63% of the population are living in urban areas. This is likely to increase to over 70% by 2030.
Apartheid spatial patterns still persist in our towns and cities. Municipalities alone cannot deal with the challenges. We need a national approach. While rural development remains a priority of government, it is crucial that we also develop a national integrated urban development framework to assist municipalities to effectively manage rapid urbanisation.
As part of implementing the National Development Plan, all three spheres of government need to manage the new wave of urbanisation in ways that also contribute to rural development.
The conference was characterised by robust debates amongst the participants who came from the Portfolio Committees on Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements as well as sector departments, academic institutions, professional organisations ... [Time expired.] [Applause.]