Seshego: an unexpected suburb

In spite of substantial agreement on the need for urban integration in the South African urban development policy framework, there is also significant scholarly opinion that the outcomes have fallen short of the desired targets. The case of Seshego/Polokwane, however, suggests that some level of integration is possible given predisposing factors. The methodology used in this study included a desk top review and interviews which formed part of a larger study of the area. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with various officials within local government departments, property developers, business people, community leaders, NGOs, and local ward councillors. In-depth interviews were also held with five Seshego households. The paper found that, unlike other South African townships, Seshego remains a well-located, better developed (compared to the alternatives outside formerly white Polokwane), ‘suburb’ after the ending of influx control. The relatively favourable location and the directed efforts of the municipality led to subsequent (post-apartheid) developments having seen significant integration of Seshego and Polokwane.