The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has awarded the first PhD in Urban and Regional Planning to an Eswatini citizen, marking a historic milestone. Dr. Mhlalisi Mndzebele, a visionary urban planner and academic, has become the first LiSwati to achieve this qualification during the UJ’s summer graduation ceremony on 21 October 2024.
Under the supervision of UJ’s Prof Trynos Gumbo and Dr Nyasha Mutsindikwa, Dr. Mndzebele’s academic journey reflects a remarkable blend of innovative research, practical policy contributions, and a deep commitment to advancing sustainable urban development across Africa.
Championing sustainable urban development in Africa
Dr. Mndzebele holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Housing and a Master of Science (MSc) in Town and Regional Planning from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Pursuing his doctoral studies at UJ, his research focused on formalising informal settlements, using Mangwaneni in Manzini, Eswatini, as a case study.
His thesis produced the Urbanism Framework for Formalisation (FUFF), a model addressing urban informality challenges through five key pillars: pro-poor planning, community finance, public participation, flexible regulations, and a hybrid approach to upgrading. This framework merges local solutions with global best practices and reimagines urban informality as a vital component of city planning.
Dr. Mndzebele’s research offers insights that contribute to the New Urban Agenda and other development frameworks, providing practical applications for cities in developing countries.
Fostering inclusive city planning through research and education
In his role as a lecturer in UJ’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning, and in collaboration with the Department of Architecture, Dr. Mndzebele has inspired the next generation of urbanists. Under his mentorship, an undergraduate architecture class recently won the prestigious C40 Cities Competition 2024, underscoring his influence in sustainable city planning.
Registered as a candidate planner with the South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN), Dr. Mndzebele has been instrumental in policy development in Eswatini. He contributed to drafting sectional title regulations during his internship and is now helping shape the Eswatini Drought Management Plan, a key initiative for the country’s municipalities.
Reflecting on his PhD journey, Dr. Mndzebele commended UJ’s inclusive approach, noting the valuable teaching, mentorship, and research experiences that enriched his academic path as an international student.
Dr. Mndzebele’s contributions underscore UJ’s role in advancing inclusive and resilient urban planning for a sustainable future in Africa.
