Doctoral student in Town and Regional Planning at UKZN Mr Edmore Mutsaa is one of the SA Council for Planners (SACPLAN) Top 30 Young Planning Professionals.
The award is made – in recognition of excellence achieved – to individuals aged below 35 who have demonstrated leadership qualities and are making a difference in their field or communities or in both.
As a recipient of the award, Mutsaa demonstrated knowledge and experience of spatial planning, land use management and land development.
‘The award raises one’s professional profile and gives you validation which impels you to continue striving for excellence so just like anyone would, I feel great about this award,’ said Mutsaa. ‘It’s an acknowledgement from the national planning professional board – in my field that’s as good as it gets!’
His doctoral research focuses on Smart Cities, the Future of Cities in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. ‘The idea is to model or remodel smart cities in an inclusive and sustainable manner, particularly in an environment mired with a plethora of social, spatial, political and economic intricates,’ he said.
Mutsaa’s accolades during his studies at UKZN include several Certificate of Merit awards, a Golden Key International Honours Society Award, Dean’s Commendation Certificate awards, and Young Professional Planner (YPP)-ISOCARP/2016 recognition.
He is a well-rounded researcher in the built environment discipline and his work has been published in reputable journals, while his academic accomplishment and research prowess led to his appointment as a research assistant for the Inclusive Cities Initiative. He is also the assistant editor for Journal of Inclusive Cities and Built Environment.
Mutsaa is a part-time lecturer for postgraduate students in Town and Regional Planning, and is actively registered with SACPLAN. He believes in the boundless potential of blending town planning practice with academics for the advancement of both as well as for communities.
