Episode 16: Conversations From Down Under

Talking Transformation

In this first TTPod episode of 2020 - and the new decade - we take a journey "Down Under" and discuss challenges - new and old - facing two built environment professionals who have transferred skills and perspectives from South Africa to Australia. The loss of professional talent to the international market has become a major capacity constraint for both the public and private sector here in South Africa - and it's not just the built environment that is feeling that pressure. It’s not just the talent but the experience that is being eroded and whilst this will always provide opportunities for the next generation of South African built environment professionals the loss of creativity and committed professionals for a variety of reasons is a significant challenge. Tony Marks and Marco Geretto have proven track records of excellence in South Africa supporting dynamic development processes and initiatives. Both have served within the public and private sector and contributed to spatial targeting initiatives such as the Voortrekker Road Integration Zones and land packaging of public land (in Tony’s case) and informal settlement upgrading guidelines and numerous urban design initiatives in Marco’s. Marco was also one of the driving forces of the Open Streets initiative in Cape Town – an initiative which continues to challenge the status quo and car-based design and use of space (NB: he's also the designer of the TTPod logo!). We hear about (and travel on) public transport, property markets driving rapid city building and economic growth, the influence of international money and the unintentional. We reflect on societal challenges issues of homelessness and drug dependency and climate change. There's plenty to reflect on and think about. Consider this a "busman's holiday" for the podcast and a warm welcome back to 2020.