This open access book presents multiple disciplinary perspectives on the challenges and
opportunities for sustainable development in the South African mountain city of Phuthaditjhaba.
These challenges are embedded in the complex environmental socio-cultural and political
contexts of the region. Established as the capital of the QwaQwa 'homeland' under Grand
Apartheid this city is now home to between 400 000 - 700 000 people but in many areas lacks
formal infrastructure and services. Each chapter of this volume addresses a different aspect of
the city's development and all take the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a common framework
to guide their reflections on potential sustainable futures for Phuthaditjhaba. While the
circumstances in Phuthaditjhaba will be familiar to many researchers of informal and growing
cities in developing regions the mountain setting of the city brings its own set of challenges
and opportunities linked to the rugged and steep terrain remoteness and natural resources.
This book serves to showcase the diverse research taking place in this emerging mountain city
and provide reflections on how a sustainable future can be ensured for its environment and
inhabitants.
