This paper discusses transformation as a multi-dimensional concept to effect social change in
South African society in the post-apartheid era. The policy implications of such a variegated
understanding of social change are examined with special reference to planning principles such
as holism, capacity building, self-reliance, community integration, participatory democracy and
so forth. It is argued that transformation is a multi-dimensional process, and whilst on the
basis of provisional evidence there appears to be nascent forms of socio-spatial change, structurally,
such apparent change is shot through by a number of contradictions, tensions and
potential conflicts.