Sustainable Development in the Gauteng Metropolitan Area Focusing on the Tshwa Ring Rail Development Project

In considering the requirements defined by the Gauteng Spatial Development Framework, the existing rail system within the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (Approximately 100km of dual track) presented the ideal opportunity to restructure the existing fabric of the city. This is due to the following aspects: (1) It is a public transport facility, the focal point of an extensive metropolitan rail system, which is accessible to all disadvantaged communities; (2) It links with most of the major nodes of economic activity and job opportunities in the metropolitan area; (3) It links to most of the major community facilities in the metropolitan area, such as hospitals, schools, universities and technicons; (4) There are many opportunities for residential redevelopment, infill development, densification and upgrading in areas along the rail network that could provide for the future integration of historically segregated communities.