By: Nomvula Ndlovu

“Planners are the key players in making great places”

This was the message imparted by incoming South African Planning Institute (SAPI) President Nthato Minyuku at the Planning Africa Conference closing ceremony on Wednesday.

The conference which was held at the Durban ICC was filled with intense debate and discussion by professionals in the Planning sector.

Minyuku said that the three day long journey was fruitful and a huge success.

“All the topics that were discussed are crucial. The standard of academic practitioners and debates was astonishing. It is pleasant to see planners engaging towards moving forward,” she said.

She added, “One of the three key aspects of the conference was the continued networking as a planning profession.”

Oluferm Ojo-Fajuru, a lecture in the Urban and Regional Planning Department at the Yaba College of Technology, found the conference fascinating and educational.

“The conference was enriching in that it touches on the area of human existence and that is very important. It helps to make sure that our communities are livable and inclusive for the underprivileged,” he said.

In her closing remarks, Minyuku said that the partnership with the organisation and government departments that were involved lead to the diversity and success of the conference.

“Without the collaboration of planners, architects and engineers great places cannot be completed. The discussions have driven to the paving of implementing the making great places theme,” she said