By: Nomvula Ndlovu

Planners from all over Africa gathered at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) for the 6th Planning Africa conference on Monday.

The conference, organised by the South African Planning Institute (PRISA),  was themed Making Great Places.

To give the planners more insight, an exhibition was held by different sectors from the planning industry.

Sevelina Maponyane from SACPLAN, which was one of the many exhibitors, said that it is crucial for planners to engage and gain more knowledge.

“This is a great program to experience what is happening in the planning field. I hope that from here on, we as planners will come up with fresh innovative ideas,” Maponyane said.

During the exhibition, the planners were given a platform to engage and exchange ideas.

Dylan Weakley from the University of Witswaterand’s School of Architecture and Planning, said that the exhibition was informative and well presented.

“The conference is really useful because you get different perspectives on what is happening in South Africa and the research going on. The exhibition was a great place to get informed and to network,” he said

The conference was graced with the presence of the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Pravin Gordhan.

During his address, Gordhan said that planners play a critical role in the society’s development.

“It is crucial for planners to come up with innovative plans within the South African context to improve our communities. As planners, you need to plan on existing realities,” he said.

Gordhan concluded by saying, “ Our vision is that by 2030, we live in a country with improved quality of life for our citizens. By creating great places that reflect on justice, employment, climate change and quality health care and education for all.”

The conference will continue to have more topical discussions until the 22nd of October.