History

The Tydskrif vir Streekbeplanning / Journal for Regional Planning was launched in December 1974 by Professor Danie Page, former head of the Department of Town and Regional Planning at the University of Stellenbosch. After editing the journal for 16 years and publishing 12 editions, Prof. Page retired. Prof. Colin Tod Welch succeeded him as editor in 1981, marking the journal’s shift to a biannual publication schedule and the name change to Tydskrif vir Stads- en Streekbeplanning / Journal for Town and Regional Planning.

In April 1983, with issue 15, the journal became the official publication of the South African Institute for Town and Regional Planners (SAITPR), later known as SAISS, and continued to receive financial support from the Institute for 14 years. Prof. Welch served as editor for 16 years, publishing 29 editions, and in 1987, the journal earned accreditation from the South African Department of Higher Education.

In 1996, following the amalgamation of SAITPR with the Development Planning Association to form the South African Planning Institution (SAPI), the journal was transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand under the editorship of Prof. Alan Mabin. However, during the next three-and-a-half years, only one edition (Issue 42, June 1997) was published under the name South African Planning Journal, which was not accredited.

Recognising the need for stability, SAPI sought a new home for the journal. In 2000, the University of the Orange Free State (now the University of the Free State) agreed to take over the publication under a formal contract, with Prof. Das Steÿn as the new editor. From that point, the journal resumed regular publication under its previous name, Stads- en Streekbeplanning / Town and Regional Planning, and added the subtitle Meralo ya Ditoropo le Mabatowa, reflecting its broader linguistic scope, including abstracts in Afrikaans, English, and other official languages.

In 2007, a policy to publish special editions with guest editors was introduced to ensure the journal’s financial sustainability. The journal now enjoys partial sponsorship from the University of the Free State, which assists with the editing and publishing process.

To expand its readership, the journal entered into a memorandum of understanding with the South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN), which distributes electronic copies to all registered planners and planners-in-training.