By

This paper describes the manifestation of gated communities in South Africa and its impact on the privatisation of public urban space, services and governance. Following this discussion, the paper contextualises gated communities within the spatial design theories of Post Modern Urbanism and then investigates the relationship between spatial transformation and territorial governance as expressed through gated communities in South Africa. It is clear from previous research that there is a relationship between the reconstruction of space (re-definition of boundaries and realms) and the recent growth of territorial governance in the country, as exemplified by the growth of home-owners associations, bodies-corporate and private firms managing enclosed or demarcated areas. The paper concludes with a discussion around the question of whether gated communities contribute to building bridges or barriers in South Africa