This comprehensive study provided crucial insights into post-apartheid urban development patterns. Ngobeng analysed spatial data and satellite imagery to map urban growth patterns from 1994 to 2002. We conducted detailed land use surveys to identify changes in residential, commercial, and industrial areas and analysed demographic data to understand population movements and changing settlement patterns. Our team evaluated the impact of postapartheid policies on spatial integration and urban form, assessing the effectiveness of urban edge policies in containing sprawl.

We analysed the growth of informal settlements and backyard dwellings, evaluated changes in urban density, and the success of densification policies. The study assessed the impact of major infrastructure projects on urban growth patterns and analysed the changing racial composition of neighbourhoods and the progress of spatial integration. Ngobeng developed predictive models for future urban growth scenarios and prepared detailed reports for each city, as well as a comparative analysis. We presented findings to government stakeholders and urban planning forums. This study likely provided valuable inputs for future urban policy development, helping to address the persistent spatial inequalities in South African cities.