South Africa

BRT Takes Babysteps in South Africa

This post from The City Fix discusses the new bus rapid transit system that just opened in Johannesburg, South Africa, and why the system was sorely needed.
23 October 2009 - 7:00am
The City Fix

Despite Intimidation and Violence, Officials Vow to Complete South Africa BRT

Amid recnt violence thought to be related to the country's plans to implement a bus rapid transit system, South Africa's national transport minister has vowed that the transportation project will move ahead.
9 October 2009 - 7:00am
The Times

World Cup Bus System Causes Conflict in Cape Town

Taxi and minibus drivers in Cape Town are concerned that a new Integrated Rapid Transport (IRT) system will put them out of work. The city cites lack of regulation, safety concerns, and standardized work hours as reasons the new system is necessary.
30 September 2009 - 11:00am
BBC News

The Road to South Africa's World Cup

South Africa is gearing up to host the 2010 World Cup next June. As it prepares to be the tournament's first African host, the country faces a number of hurdles.
14 September 2009 - 9:00am
The Independent

The Dangers of Mega-Events

2010 will bring with it a series of huge international events -- the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the World Cup in South Africa and the World Expo in Shanghai. Though seen as major opportunities for their hosts, these events can also be dangerous.
5 September 2009 - 9:00am
Next American City

The Planetizen News Brief - 9/3/09


4:35 minutes (4.2 MB)

Creating a new New Orleans, getting on the BRT in Johannesburg, and finding value in parks -- all on this week's Planetizen News Brief, airing weekly on the nationally-syndicated radio show "Smart City". Read, listen or download.

3 September 2009 - 5:00am

BRT Gets Rolling in Johannesburg

A new dedicated-lane bus rapid transit system has begun operations in Johannesburg, South Africa. The system is part of a nationwide plan to update public transit facilities as the country prepares to host the 2010 World Cup next June.
1 September 2009 - 10:00am
AFP

The Planetizen News Brief - 8/27/09


4:45 minutes (4.36 MB)

States reach out for rail money, HUD tightens lending rules, and slum dwellers pin hopes for revival on summer blockbuster -- all on this week's Planetizen News Brief, airing weekly on the nationally-syndicated radio show "Smart City". Read, listen or download.

27 August 2009 - 5:00am

Despite Protests and Strikes, BRT Moves Ahead in Johannesburg

Despite strong opposition from taxi driver associations, a new bus rapid transit system is set to open later this month in Johannesburg, South Africa.
23 August 2009 - 9:00am
AllAfrica

The Burgeoning Art Center of Africa

Cape Town, South Africa is developing into the cultural center of the continent, according to this piece from Travel + Leisure.
27 July 2009 - 9:00am
Travel + Leisure

Who Really Needs A World Cup

Wed, 04/15/2009 - 23:38

Whether you've realized it yet or not, soccer is a big deal in this gloabalizing world. And every four years it's a huge deal for one country: the host of the FIFA World Cup. All eyes are on the host country for the 32-team tournament, which is the most-watched sporting event in the world. And though showtime is just one month long, the host spends years vying, preparing and investing for the tournament. It has major potential to spur broad countrywide improvements and economic development. So when the U.S. made news recently by offering forth 70 stadia as possible host sites for either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup (along with a reputation booster from President Barack Obama), I had to filter out my national pride. Sure, the U.S. would make a good and clearly able host for the event, but it seems that the potential of the World Cup could be better directed towards a country that really needs large-scale civic improvement and investment.

Cape Town CBD Flourishing

Major office and retail projects are adding new life to Cape Town's central business district. Though much investment centers around South Africa's 2010 World Cup, many expect the CBD investments to continue for years.
27 February 2009 - 5:00am
iAfrica

Building High Rises Without Hurting Cities

High-rise buildings are coming back into vogue in South Africa, and planners are trying to balance iconography with urbanism.
16 November 2008 - 1:00pm
Engineering News

Cape Town's Growth Outpaces Infrastructure Funding

The pace of development in Cape Town, South Africa, is too fast for the city to keep up with infrastructure improvements. Officials are calling for increased gas taxes to generate funding for maintenance of roads and other infrastructure.
22 September 2008 - 11:00am
Cape Times

Concerns Persist as Venue is Cut From World Cup Dress Rehearsal

Delays in construction have cased FIFA officials to remove Port Elizabeth from the list of host cities for the 2009 Confederations Cup, the dress rehearsal tournament before the 2010 World Cup. Concerns remain about the country's readiness.
7 September 2008 - 1:00pm
Sports Illustrated

A Look at Housing in South Africa

Posh gated communities are juxtaposed with shanty towns in South Africa, where a constitutional housing guarantee is seen by many as a far-off dream.
28 August 2008 - 6:00am
Progressive Planning Magazine

Cape Town Considers BRT

As the country prepares for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, officials in Cape Town, South Africa, are considering plans for a citywide bus rapid transit system. BRT pioneer Enrique Penalosa was recently in town to stump for transit.
20 August 2008 - 10:00am
The Independent Online

Crime, Rising Costs Draw Concerns for World Cup Host

With the first game of the 2010 World Cup exactly two years away, many in host country South Africa are concerned about rising inflation, increased violence, and skyrocketing costs of stadium construction.
11 June 2008 - 5:00am
ESPN
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