As the economies of developing nations are transformed by the power and lure of the urban space, ever increasing waves of migration from rural hinterlands transform the city edge. Despite being predominantly seen from abroad as places of desperate poverty and crime, the townships of the Western Cape are also vibrant hubs of creative endeavour and unshackled entrepreneurship. However, will the challenge of future enhanced human freedom be possible with a backdrop of political mismanagement and institutionalised corruption? With enlightened leadership and policies designed to harness the incredible energy of these edge cities the modern world promises a road out of subsistence to more engaged and sustainable communities. Edition of 7