Sustainable urban development indicators in South Africa: Lessons for developing countries

The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) published the medium-term strategic framework 2019-2024 for South Africa, outlining seven developmental priorities.These include a capable, ethical, and developmental state, economic transformation and job creation, skills and health, consolidating the social wage through reliable and quality basic services, special integration, human settlements and local government, social cohesion and safe communities, and better Africa and the world.However, the South African government faces numerous challenges in achieving sustainable urban development, including consistent supply of clean drinkable water, high unemployment rates, and high crime rates in urban areas.For that reason, this paper reflects on the challenges associated with the sustainability of urban development in South Africa based on selected indicators.By so doing, important lessons are drawn from South African experience for developing countries that share similar characteristics as South Africa.This conceptual article suggests that the South African government needs to establish clear monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for urban development indicators and prioritise providing basic quality services to the populace while creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and create employment.