Masterplan

The Masterplan, the physical embodiment of Vision 2020, was launched in August 2006. The plan, devised in conjunction with Singapore–based urban design consultants Surbana, is aimed at creating an environment in which people live with dignity and have access to facilities – health, education, recreation and employment – thus enabling them to maximize their abilities and talents.

The 30–year Masterplan is based on a detailed assessment of the opportunities offered and constraints imposed by the 1 200km² of the land owned and controlled by the Royal Bafokeng and sets the direction of development by the year 2035. The plan takes into account the population on RBN land more than doubling to 700 000 people and aims to reduce dependency on mining for economic growth. Mine boundaries, State and privately–owned land are recognised as possible developmental constraints, but the proximity of Rustenburg to Bafokeng land opens up the potential for the development of a ‘business corridor’ linking the former with the latter. A major road, which traverses a portion of RBN land, is seen as an axis for the development of tourism activities between Sun City and the Pilanesberg National Park in the north and historic and scenic sites in the south.

RBN land has been demarcated into five distinct regions:

• the Capital Region to the south–east around Phokeng, providing “an attractive, vibrant and thriving cosmopolitan” environment;
• the Central Region, providing quality housing, recreational attractions and employment opportunities; the North Region, providing “quality living” in a mining environment;
• the North–east Region, providing “an attractive residential area amidst a natural agro–setting with comprehensive facilities”; and
• the South–east Region, providing access to nature.

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A plan to safeguard land for future development is in place. By 2035, it is anticipated that some 240 square kilometres, or 20% of RBN land will have undergone substantial development. Of the area developed by that time, the lion’s share – 49% – will be for housing, 30% for infrastructure, 9% for services, 5% for manufacturing, 4% for tourism, 2% for ‘green’ facilities, and 1% for commercial activities. A major developmental focus is a four–cornered regional art, design and sports hub, linking manufacturing, retail and trade, tourism and public services.

A structured plan prioritises land division, distribution of key infrastructure, facilities, housing, major road and transport networks and the scheduling of development into three 10–year phases between 2006 and 2015, 2015 and 2025 and 2025 and 2035. From this structure plan, development guidelines will be established and implementation strategies set. This plan is ambitious and will take time to implement. If successful it will benefit not only the Royal Bafokeng but the entire region and the country as a whole.

In order to ensure the success of the plan, the RBN will partner with government, development agencies and major corporates who identify with the vision.