The proposed redevelopment of multi-purpose community centres: The case of uBumbano Community Centre, uMlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

In the period after South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994, the development of ‘multi-purpose’ community centres in peri-urban areas, constructed under Group Areas legislation, proliferated. These were facilitated by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and municipal government. However, despite considerable outlay on the officially named Multi-Purpose Community Centres (MPCCs), they remain underutilised and have failed to fulfil their intended purpose. This research focuses on their redevelopment, taking advantage of their potential to re-energise communities through the dissemination of information which is vital in the digital age. A critical re-evaluation and reconceptualisation of present mono-functional community centres into multi-use hubs is proposed, whereby upliftment programmes can be offered to local residents as part of a community empowerment approach to address livelihood strategies. Previous plans for the establishment of government-facilitated community centres to form part of an integrated information and service delivery system have not come to fruition. Using a sequential mixed methodology, and embracing the qualities of New Urbanism, this research aims to highlight the opportunity presented by this failed proposal by coming up with alternative solutions and strategies so that community centres may fulfil their intended purpose.