South Africans are proving, once again, that leadership knows no borders. The University of Johannesburg has made history by awarding its first PhD in Urban and Regional Planning to Dr Mhlalisi Mndzebele from Eswatini—an achievement that not only breaks barriers but paves the way for sustainable urban transformation across Africa.
Johannesburg, South Africa (26 November 2024) – South Africans have an uncanny knack for leading in all spheres of life. Whether it’s science, sport, or innovation, our institutions and individuals consistently break barriers and inspire change. This time, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has made waves by fostering excellence beyond our borders and celebrating a historic moment for Africa as a whole.
Recently, UJ’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) awarded its first PhD in Urban and Regional Planning to a citizen of Eswatini.
Dr Mhlalisi Mndzebele, a visionary academic and urban planner, is the proud recipient of this distinguished honour, cementing his place in history as the first LiSwati to achieve this remarkable milestone.
Dr Mndzebele’s journey to this achievement is nothing short of inspiring. With a Bachelor of Social Science in Housing and a Master of Science in Town and Regional Planning from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, he took his academic journey to new heights at UJ. His groundbreaking research tackled one of Africa’s most pressing challenges—urban informality. Using the informal settlement of Mangwaneni in Manzini, Eswatini, as a case study, his thesis introduced the Urbanism Framework for Formalisation (FUFF).
This innovative model proposes five key pillars: pro-poor planning, community finance, public participation, flexible regulations, and a hybrid approach to upgrading.
This framework reimagines informal settlements, not as challenges to be eradicated, but as vital opportunities for sustainable urban development. Dr Mndzebele’s work aligns with global initiatives like the New Urban Agenda, offering practical solutions for cities in developing countries. It’s a game-changer not just for Eswatini but for the broader African continent.
As a lecturer in UJ’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning, he has empowered countless students to think differently about urban spaces. Most notably, his undergraduate architecture class won the prestigious C40 Cities Competition 2024, showcasing his exceptional ability to guide and shape the next generation of urbanists. Beyond the classroom, Dr Mndzebele has played a pivotal role in policy development in Eswatini, contributing to sectional title regulations and spearheading the country’s Drought Management Plan—a vital initiative for enhancing climate resilience.
This milestone is more than a personal achievement for Dr Mndzebele. It’s a moment that showcases Africa’s potential for innovation, collaboration, and progress in addressing urban challenges.
As South Africans, we can take immense pride in the role UJ has played in supporting and celebrating this milestone. Here’s to Dr Mndzebele, to UJ, and to every African academic breaking barriers and shaping a brighter future for our cities!
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