A Systematic Review of Policy and Legislative Gaps in Advancing Sustainable Human Settlements in Small Rural Towns: A Case of South Africa

Despite South Africa’s progressive policy and legislative frameworks aimed at transforming human settlements, the unique spatial, social, and economic dynamics of rural towns remain largely marginalised within mainstream planning discourses. As rural development gains prominence in national planning priorities, the question of whether existing policies and laws effectively support sustainable rural human settlements becomes critical. This paper contends that a disconnect exists between the legislative vision and the practical realities of rural settlement development. The study aims to systematically examine South Africa’s policy and legislative environment to identify gaps, inconsistencies, and biases that hinder sustainable rural development. The study employs the PRISMA method, focusing on frameworks such as Breaking New Ground (BNG), the Integrated Urban Development Framework (IUDF), the Rural Development Framework, SPLUMA, and other sectoral policies and legislation. Findings indicate that most frameworks adopt an urban-centric approach, offering limited guidance for rural spatial forms, tenure arrangements, or informal settlement upgrading in small towns. Integrated planning is often cited but seldom achieved due to institutional fragmentation and inadequate coordination across governance levels. Moreover, rural development strategies lack enforceable rural-specific standards and actionable instruments. The paper proposes a multi-level governance framework anchored in spatial justice, legislative alignment, and capacity building at local levels. It calls for the localisation of planning tools, legal recognition of rural informality, and enhanced intergovernmental synergy to ensure that rural towns are not left behind in South Africa’s human settlements agenda.