Abstract
Based on an analysis of documents and interviews, the chapter recasts the role of planning vis-à-vis elite interests in urban Zimbabwe. It deploys three cases to examine the (ab)use of planning by the elite. Cautioning against hasty judgements of impropriety and vice, the chapter argues for the recognition of planning systems as being programmed to serve elite interests. This is seen as an important step towards a more realistic interpretation of how cities are governed in Africa. The chapter maintains that productive lines of enquiry are those that focus on whether and how the pro-elite ‘programme’ can be violated. The chapter concludes by arguing that only through reflective practice and the resultant insurgency can the pro-elite programme be challenged.
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Interviews
Interview 1: Local government expert, 3 August 2010
Interview 2: Planner, 30 June 2012
Interview 3: City of Harare councillor and committee member, 30 June 2012
Interview 4: Planning academic, 26 June 2012.
Interview 5: Planning officer, 24 June 2012.
Interview 6: Retired local government planner, 26 June 2012.
Interview 7: Senior planner, 20 June 2012.
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Kamete, A.Y. (2016). ‘Programmed to Serve’: Urban Planning and Elite Interests in Zimbabwe. In: Silva, C. (eds) Governing Urban Africa. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95109-3_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95109-3_6
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