The book provides a reflective account of the evolution of the territorial governance structures and processes in South Africa over a period of 30 years after the transition to a post-apartheid society in 1994. It also considers the role and influence of these changing governance institutions and processes and their associated outputs (in the form of policies and plans) on several priority dimensions of urban spatial transformation. The synthesis of the experiences and lessons learnt provides the bases for contemplating important future focus areas for territorial governance such as spatial transformation towards smart cities, an African perspective for future South African cities, and transitioning towards a streamlined integrated territorial governance system. The lessons and experiences are not only of local significance in South Africa, but also globally in countries and regions faced with territorial governance and spatial transformation challenges.

D J du Plessis: I am a town and regional planner with 30 years of experience in the fields of urban management, policy development, and spatial and statistical analysis of cities and urban systems. Prior to my academic career at Stellenbosch University I spent 17 years as town and regional planning consultant during which time he has successfully completed more than 200 research and contract assignments both locally and internationally. These include spatial development plans and frameworks, housing plans and strategies at local, regional and national level, long term city development strategies, regional growth and development strategies, Integrated Development Plans, and Environmental Management Frameworks. I have been a senior researcher at the Centre for Regional and Urban Innovation and Statistical Exploration (CRUISE) at Stellenbosch University since 2009, and Director of the Centre since November 2019. My teaching and research focusses on innovation in urban planning systems, urban transformation, and spatial statistical analysis and modeling of cities and urban systems