Nicholas Pinfold
Lecturer
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
South Africa

Biography
Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning - University of the Free State. B Honours Spatial Planning - University of the Free State. B.Tech (Baccalaureus Technologiae) Surveying - Cape Peninsular University of Technology. Professional affiliation - PLATO; registered Professional Surveyor (Engineering); SACPLAN; registered Candidate Planner.

Abstract
Using Geographic Information System (GIS) Pedagogy as a Catalyst for Community Engagement

In the last decade there has been a surge of urban development throughout the world. For the first time urban population growth has surpassed rural settlement. Urban areas continue to be planned through the formal approach however the informal sector is growing in South African cities and plays an important political role in determining the type of urban space and settlement it becomes. In recent years there has been a paradigm shift towards “community-led development” in South Africa whereby partnerships are created between informal settlement communities and local governments. The purpose of these partnerships is to engage with communities so that residents become active partners in upgrading their built environment. Local governments are required to provide more resources to prevent urban insecurity, violence and environmental deterioration. Without participation and involvement of the poor a crisis in governance can result. Human beings have needs that are complex and interconnected. Urban prosperity lies in the linking of all city-dwellers in their interdependence. The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has adopted the Triad partnership model that identifies three partners: the local government (service provider), the community and academia (CPUT). This tri-sector partnership approach is believed to encourage equitable and sustainable participation in economic growth and opportunity. This paper reports on CPUT’s proposal that different disciplines brought together in a common community-led enumeration and mapping event will promote sustainable and meaningful community engagement and partnership building amongst professionals.