Morning Sessions: Malls Aren’t Public Squares

​What is a Third Space in the South African context, and how can it be reimagined as an avenue for cultural development, democracy in practice and better liveability? Researcher and writer Drew Haller meets the Mission for Inner City Cape Town’s head of placemaking Gareth Pearson; Young Urbanist and Rent Control Group coordinator Kyate Mugerwa-Sekawabe; urban planner Marco Morgan; and Southern Urbanism scholar Raeesah Noor-Mahomed to consider these questions. Together, they will unpack the dichotomy between private and public spaces, the opportunities and challenges associated with Third Space creation, and the various approaches these can be met with. Each panellist brings practical perspectives to guide us in rethinking the significance of and necessity for these spaces.

​Raeesah Noor-Mahomed — MPhil, Southern Urbanism

​Kyate Mugerwa-Sekawabe — Young Urbanists & Rent Control Group

​Marco Morgan — Urban planner & strategist

​Gareth Pearson — Mission for Inner City Cape Town

​Drew Haller — Researcher & writer