Young Urbanists is a platform for open dialogue, engagement and action aimed at challenging the apartheid legacies we face in our cities. It brings together a growing network of practitioners, activists, government officials, civil society leaders and academics working toward more inclusive, accessible and sustainable South African cities.

Since its founding in 2013, Young Urbanists has evolved from a small volunteer-led network into a national movement focused on shaping the future of the built environment. The organisation supports and empowers members to act as change agents through collaboration, advocacy and on-the-ground action. It creates space for critical dialogue and the cross-pollination of ideas across disciplines, with a clear focus on turning ideas into real change.

This work is driven through a set of core programmes that test, advocate and implement change in real conditions. The Active Mobility Forum builds a coalition to push for safer streets and better infrastructure. The Urban Design and Mobility Forum creates a platform for dialogue between government, practitioners and the public. The Safe Passage Programme delivers projects that improve connections between communities and key urban nodes. Street Experiments South Africa tests new street designs through live pilots. The Safe Mobility Hub Programme rethinks how public space supports last mile delivery and everyday users. Together, these programmes move beyond discussion and focus on practical interventions that reshape how cities are planned, designed and experienced.

The platform is open to all. It exists to foster learning, sharing and networking while advancing economic, social, environmental and spatial justice. Through partnerships, public engagement and on the ground implementation, Young Urbanists works to shift how cities are built and experienced, enabling active citizens and creating safe, inclusive and vibrant urban spaces.

Young Urbanists Manifesto, 2026
Chairperson Report, 2025