Tshwane University of Technology

A series of visuals, sounds, conversations, provocations: Broadening the dialogue on the development of cities in Africa and the Global South.

As part of my work as the Chair for Spatial Transformation, the past president for the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) and as well as my collaborations with various national and international partners, my team and I have participated in multiple international events and showcased the Tshwane University of Technology on multiple platforms. At the WUF, Katowice, one of these engagements led to a collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), as well as helped us recruit collaborators on projects that have resulted in research outputs across continents and borders. The Bicycle Pathway Project In Zanzibar is spearheading an innovative project which aims to reduce vehicle congestion and traffic jams by promoting cycling as a viable mode of transport. These initiatives have also meant that younger members of staff have had the opportunity to build networks on the global stage. In Copenhagen, 2023, the main creative output was our exhibition stall. The stall represented entities: ada (archiving of Architecture & Design), The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA), and Platform 100. Instead of approaching the exhibition in a conventional way, we presented two films. The first was entitled In Plain Sight: 5 Decades of Aziz Tayob, and the second, Somewhere In-Between. In Cairo, we will continue this exploration and collaboration through introducing the the concept of home, belonging and displacement. We interpret these themes in such a manner as to offer a deeper insight into the conditions of urban dwellers, and the daily challenges that they face. It is now a reality that cities are made up of diverse communities, from diverse backgrounds - many times people have been displaced with due to wars, political unrest, climate change and economic struggles. How do we revisit OTHERWHERE: HOME AND DISPLACEMENT?