Orania Takes a Leap with Public Transportation
In a move that might seem unremarkable to outsiders but speaks about the unique position of Orania in South Africa, the town has announced the addition of two new 22-seat bus coaches to its fleet.
To those of us outside South Africa, particularly in Europe or the USA, the excitement over a couple of buses might seem odd. After all, in most Western cities, public transportation is a given. We take for granted the ability to hop on a bus, train, or tram to get around town safely and efficiently.
However, the reality in South Africa is starkly different. Outside of the Gautrain - a train service connecting OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria - public transportation in South Africa is largely dysfunctional and unsafe. The culture in South Africa is very much car-centric; you drive everywhere, you don't walk, and you certainly don't rely on public transport.
This car dependency is deeply ingrained in South African infrastructure. Cities and towns are simply not built with pedestrians or public transport users in mind. It's quite the contrast to what many of us experience in countries like Sweden, where city planning puts walkability and public transport accessibility front and center.
Orania: Breaking Away from South African Norms
What's particularly intriguing about Orania's new public transportation system is how it represents another step in the town's divergence from broader South African cultural norms. We're witnessing Orania separating itself from some of the more dominant aspects of South African culture, piece by piece.
The first and most noticeable break, of course, was Orania's policy of not employing foreign workers. This set the tone for Orania's unique approach to community building and self-reliance.
Now, with this new public transportation initiative, we're seeing another significant departure. By introducing these bus services, Orania is building a town that encourages residents to leave their cars at home. They're creating an infrastructure where one can comfortably go for a walk and now also utilize public transportation. This is a refreshing contrast to the car-centric culture that dominates most of South Africa.
This approach resonates more with Western urban design principles - creating open, interactive spaces that are less reliant on private vehicles. It's a move that goes beyond just providing a transport service; it's shaping the very nature of community interaction and daily life in Orania.
In essence, Orania is crafting its own unique environment within South Africa - one that prioritizes community cohesion, safety, and functionality in ways that diverge significantly from the national norm. It's a community development that continues to evolve in interesting ways.
In the meantime, the residents and guests of Orania can look forward to a new era of mobility within their town.
Best regards
Jonas Nilsson
P.S. I had the opportunity to visit Orania last year, and I'm excited to share that I have a short documentary about the town in the final stages of production. If all goes according to plan, I should be able to share it with you in about two weeks. Stay tuned for this look at one of South Africa's most unique communities.