Welcome to SAPI

Our Purpose and Objectives

The purpose and aim of the South African Planning Institute (SAPI) is to enhance the art and science of sustainable local, regional and national human and physical development planning, and the theory and practise relating thereto. The objectives of SAPI are as follows: to promote the profession of planning in South Africa; to promote a high level of professionalism and ethical conduct in the broad interests of society at large; to promote and protect the interests of its members; to promote the standard of education and training of persons in the planning profession; to ensure that planning within South Africa promotes sustainable use of natural resources, social and economic upliftment of all population segments; to initiate and promote reforms in the laws, policies and programmes relating to planning in South Africa; and to promote inter-disciplinary discussion and collaboration, and also national and international contact and exchange  

Our Constitution

website >> About SAPI

The South African Planning Institute (SAPI) was formed on 1 July 1996 following the amalgamation of the South African Institute of Town and Regional Planners (SAITRP) and the Development Planning Association of South Africa (DPASA).The Constitution and Rules of SAPI state the main purpose and objectives of the Institute, all intended to promote planning as a profession in South Africa and to ensure that its members concern themselves with issues relevant to planning, as well as who should benefit from the Institute.  The Constitution describes the membership to the Institute, who may become a member, the duties and rights of members and the relevant procedures for application, resignation, etc..  The Constitution makes provision for structure and procedures for the Institute’s governance and management, a National Board and Regional Committees.  The Rules summarizes the Planner’s responsibilities to clients and employers and sets rules for the Institute’s members and their professional conduct.    

Important Notices

World Town Planning Day 2011 - SAPI Launches the “Know Your Block” Campaign 8 November is the annual celebration of World Town Planning Day globally. It was founded to advance public and professional interest in planning, both locally and abroad, and is a special day to recognize and promote the role of planning in creating liveable communities. South Africa still faces enormous challenges ranging from high youth unemployment to backlogs in basic services, infrastructure and housing. World Town Planning Day is an excellent opportunity to remind ourselves of these challenges and the role that sound urban and regional planning can play in addressing them from the community level upwards. World Town Planning Day this year ought to promote a better understanding and awareness of the role of planning in South Africa. It presents an opportunity to reflect on and recognise the valuable contribution that sound planning makes to the development of a healthy humane society and environment. It also brings the ideals of professional planning practitioners and the general public of South Africa together. The South African Planning Institute (SAPI) is a voluntary organization which seeks to promote planning in society and to advance urban and regional planning as a profession.　 It is made up of planners from all regions of South Africa, and from all sectors, including the Public Sector, NGO's, CBO's, Private Consultants and Academics. Every year SAPI celebrates and supports World Town Planning Day through local activities and events in its regions, messages and information sharing. In marking World Town Planning Day 2011, SAPI would like to generate a more sustained awareness campaign where all South Africans have an opportunity to live and embrace the principles and ideals of sound planning by becoming change agents to improve their neighbourhoods. The "Know Your Block" campaign recognises that everyone can make a difference, and that change can happen block by block. In building a better country we all have to start with our own neighbourhoods. Over the course of the following year the campaign will be aimed at getting the South African public to become more aware of and appreciate their immediate living spaces as well as to consider their challenges and finding creative solutions. The campaign will entail a competition and various activities involving local communities, schools, tertiary institutions, government, business, ward committees, NGOs and CBOs to become more aware of planning practices and tools in South Africa and how it can be applied at a neighbourhood level in an exciting and fulfilling way. SAPI is inviting all interested individuals and organisations as well as potential sponsors to contribute ideas to developing the campaign and to participate in the campaign. Interested parties are invited to submit their ideas and contact details by 30 November 2011 to Frandri Smith at frandri@sapi.org.za This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Latest Updates

News items, events and resources are regularly added to this page.  Please return soon for the latest updates.