Four talented graduates were recently appointed as urban planners by the City of Cape Town. These staff members completed a 12-month internship at the City last year through which they developed the necessary skills and competencies to kick-start their careers as urban planners.
The newly appointed staff members started their official careers at the City as Assistant Professional Officers in the District Planning and Mechanisms branch of the City’s Spatial Planning and Environment Directorate on 1 February 2020.
These individuals were successful in securing internships through the City’s Urban Sustainability Internship Programme (USIP) last year during which they worked within various branches of the City’s Urban Planning and Design Department among which the branches for District Spatial Planning and Mechanisms, Metropolitan Spatial Planning, and City Growth Management.
This specific programme offers a 12-month internship to full-time graduates in specific fields related to urban sustainability.
‘We identified the four talented professionals through our Urban Sustainability Internship Programme. This programme assists the City in sourcing outstanding talent and developing the necessary skills and competencies required to manage urban growth and planning ahead for a sustainable future,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.
The newly appointed urban planners are Aaron Adams (26) from Summer Greens; Cleo Mazower (27) from Wellington; Abu-Bakr Sideeq Gamaldien (25) from Steenberg and Michael Brooke (25) from Observatory.
Michael Brooke and Cloe Mazower completed their Masters in City and Regional Planning at the University of Cape Town in 2018.
‘The internship provided me with a chance to practically apply theoretical knowledge learnt at university and realise where there are limits to what you’ve been exposed to. Over the past year I have gained an invaluable understanding of how local government operates; insight into the various legislative and political components as well as the practical application of plans and policy which is critical to working in spatial planning. The internship has also provided me with access to a large network of professionals in the field. We were very lucky to be part of a branch where our ideas were valued and we were allowed to experiment.’
Brooke has always had a keen interest in cities and the built environment.
‘I’m particularly curious about issues around urban mobility and access. I enjoyed dealing with the broad scope of the issues that span across multiple disciplines and the fact that urban planning is highly relevant, dealing with day-to-day practical issues. It offers a means to make a tangible change in our communities,’ said Brooke.
‘I have a keen interest in all aspects relating to cities and the built environment and I’m particularly curious about issues around urban mobility and access. I enjoyed dealing with the broad scope of the issues that cross multiple disciplines and the fact that urban planning is highly relevant, dealing with day to day practical issues. It offers a means to make a tangible change in our communities, ’says Brooke.
Mazower said that she believes the internship at the City has been an important learning experience for her as she developed important skills which has contributed towards her being an effective Professional Planner.
‘I am grateful to have had a dedicated manager who allowed me to be involved in a wide spectrum of projects and to run with some of my own ideas during my internship, ’Mazower continues.
Aaron Adams and Abu-Bakr Gamaldien completed their BTech in Town and Regional Planning at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2018.
‘The public sector has taught me to work within tight deadlines while under pressure. The experience and growth that one can achieve during the USIP internship programme is of so much value and has certainly been my foundation as I began my journey as a professional planner,’ said Adams.
‘My advice to the interns of 2020 is to learn, be flexible, assist with various work streams, and build networks so they can gain as much experience as possible while doing their internships. The time goes by so fast, so focus on adding value and remember you are part of a team who wants to see you succeed,’ said Adams.
‘This internship was the stepping stone to my professional career, and all I needed to do was to make use of the opportunity and prove myself. I was lucky enough to be part of a team of extraordinary individuals who saw my potential and gave me the space to learn and grow. I was exposed to various aspects of planning and the functions of local government. I enjoyed my experiences with public participation engagements which helped with my public speaking capabilities, crowd control, and conflict management,’ said Gamaldien
The new professionals impressed the City with their skills, work ethic, integrity, practical approach to their work and diligence. They are also self-motivated and can work well under pressure.
Some of the areas which these urban planners have been exposed to and will continue working on include preparing spatial development frameworks and plans, reviewing the City’s District Spatial Development Framework and Land-Use model and working with land-use applications, and to assist with public engagements.