The world population is rapidly urbanising, cities are gradually becoming the location at which and the means through which civil and political as well as socio-economic rights are realised. Cities are becoming locations for access to basic socio-economic amenities and essential services. South African cities have changed tremendously over the past twenty years, both in terms of demographic (social) and economic dimensions. South African cities are no longer exclusive reserves of a particular racial group. Since the dawn of democracy, legislative measures promulgated during the apartheid regime which limited Africans’ access to the cities were repealed. The government has an obligation to promulgate and implement legislative measures that promote the spirit and purport of the Constitution. The Bill of Rights contained in the Constitution provides for fundamental human rights. The State has an obligation to ‘promote, protect’ these fundamental human rights. The Bill of Rights contains the right to dignity and equality. The right to dignity and equality can be used to redress all the injustices and prejudiced experienced by Africans during the apartheid regime.

Apartheid regime strenuously promoted fragmented spatial planning for different racial groups. South African cities, were, therefore, reserved for White people. The spatial configuration of South African cities during the apartheid regime ‘impacted on the size, shape and functioning of cities…which were designed and built to serve white minority interests’ The State has a responsibility to promote the not only to promote the enjoyment of the socio-economic rights but to promote spatial and political transformation in order to uphold the right to dignity and equality of all citizens. Consequently, the post-apartheid government obligation is to eradicate apartheid legacies that denied Africans access to the city and economic opportunities it offers. This obligation requires the government to focus on development and creation of sustainable urban environments that are favourable to the realisation and enjoyment of the rights contained in the Bill of Rights. The reconfiguration of the South African cities is a laden process. It must strive to balance the conflicting interests of the capitalism, consumerism, class and racial conflicts. It must strive to eradicate poverty and hardships associated with the past discriminatory practices. The South African cities’ transition must be rights-based and promoting good urban governance.