Browsing by Author "Hirsch, Alan"
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- ItemOpen AccessA comparative analysis of housing policies of Namibia and South Africa(2018) Mathe, Audrin; Hirsch, AlanBoth Namibia and South Africa have had mixed success in their housing policies since the advent of democracy in both countries in the 1990s. This paper proceeds from the hypothesis that each country can learn useful lessons from each other in respect of housing policy. The primary purpose of this research was to describe and systematically compare the housing policies of Namibia and South Africa. The historical backgrounds of the countries, existing policies and the manner in which the policies are implemented were investigated. The research examined the housing policies of Namibia and South Africa in terms of their similarities and differences and to consider the impact and implications. Namibia and South Africa vary in their expenditure commitments to provide affordable homes. Their housing policy strategies also differ. Differences reflect different levels of prosperity and differences in governance and institutional arrangements. The study concluded that the policies of Namibia and South Africa are, in the main, similar in that both Namibia and South Africa have enacted legislation that govern matters related to housing – either as housing relates to financing and affordability or as a function of ownership. South Africa stands out, however, in that the right to adequate housing is a prescript of the constitution. In both the investigated countries, there is evidence that their policies are committed to a housing process built on the foundations of people’s participation and partnerships. But there are also differences with regard to implementation. In this study, it is brought to bear on both countries that the provision of housing was not all that successful. But good policies are a good start to a successful outcome of a process.
- ItemOpen AccessAssessing the efficacy of policy reform in Zimbabwe's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Sector(2021) Ncube, Sukoluhle Primrose; Haricharan, Shanildutt; Hirsch, AlanIn 2009 Zimbabwe experienced a cholera outbreak of unprecedented magnitude where over 90 000 cases where recorded an at least 4 500 people lost their lives. It is argued that this outbreak created the impetus for implementation of water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector reforms which would contribute towards addressing service level challenges and gaps. Through this study the researcher sought to understand the WASH sector reforms implemented and the extent to which they had resulted in the anticipated improvements in service delivery amongst targeted rural communities. The study adopted a mixed methodology descriptive survey to understand the practical aspects and intricacies of policy implementation and reform in the Zimbabwean WASH sector, with emphasis on the benefits of policy reform for enhancing access and management of rural WASH service delivery initiatives. Three empirical data sources were used, comprising of desktop review of documents on WASH policy implementation processes and guidelines, qualitative interviews carried out with four key informants from WASH coordinating committees and the case methodology to study three districts implementing the sector reforms using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to various district and community stakeholders. The researcher found that the WASH sector reforms have not fully achieved the intended objectives, although some strides have been made in terms of improving water and sanitation access to selected communities. However, the researcher notes that the gains in service coverage that have been made in the case districts are proving short-lived and unsustainable as issues such as limited funding, sustainability of the WASH coordination structures, operation and maintenance of infrastructures remain a real challenge. Considering these challenges the researcher recommends that the government explore alternative innovative sources for WASH funding including streamlining the WASH coordinating committees to improve efficiency and effectiveness, strengthening sector financing through adoption of user-pays initiatives and inclusion of community-based management structures in WASH planning and decision making to enhance effective community participation.
- ItemOpen AccessBantustan industrialization with specific reference to the Ciskei, 1973-1981(1984) Hirsch, Alan; Kaplan, DavidThe study of the development of industry in the bantustans has tended to follow one of two lines, regardless of the methodological persuasion of the writer. The subject is either approached through the analytical prism of a study of industrial decentralisation policy in South Africa or it is mentioned, usually too briefly, in studies of the development of bantustan policy, or of a particular bantustan. For different reasons both roads usually fail to provide a detailed or accurate analysis of the subject. The central problem of the first approach, or, at least of writers who have travelled it thusfar, is that it fails to distinguish, sufficiently, bantustan industrialisation from industrial decentralisation as a general programme. This problem is discussed in some detail in Chapter two. The latter approach, along the path of bantustan analysis, generally fails to analyse bantustan industrialisation in any depth and fails to situate it and thus analyse it as a programme.
- ItemOpen AccessCotton textile industry in Zambia: The economic viability of revamping Mulungushi Textiles Limited(2017) Munoni, Chiluba Mercy; Hirsch, AlanThe agriculture and manufacturing sectors have been identified and prioritized by the Zambian government as sectors that could contribute significantly to poverty reduction through industrialization and creation of employment. The cotton textile industry is one such industry that cuts across the two sectors. This research paper focuses on the cotton textile industry in Zambia, with specific emphasis on Mulungushi Textiles Limited that was reopened by the Republican President, His Excellency, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu in August 2016 after having been closed for about a decade. To this end, the main objective of the research paper is to analyze the economic viability of revamping Mulungushi Textiles Limited by focusing on determinants of viability which included; production cost, government policies and strategies, and institutional arrangements, among others. The study analyzes mainly qualitatively both primary and secondary data. Primary data was principally sourced through interviews and observations, while secondary data was through online and physical sources such as books, reports and other written publications. From the research findings, Mulungushi Textiles Limited factory machinery is obsolete and dilapidated to fully operationalize the business strategic units of ginning, spinning, weaving, dyeing and printing, garment production and cooking oil processing. The study recommends that the factory should undergo a complete overhaul in the long run and in the short run, resume garment production which was identified to be a low hanging fruit. The study concludes that, with the right investment, policies, strategies and concerted efforts from both the public and private sectors, revamping Mulungushi Textiles Limited is economically viable and has great potential to contribute to the government's efforts in promoting inclusive growth through poverty reduction, particularly in rural areas where poverty is mostly prevalent.
- ItemOpen AccessA history of the Food and Canning Workers Union, 1941-1975(1986) Goode, Richard; Hirsch, Alan; Kaplan, DavidCanning workers were organised into the Food and Canning workers Union in large numbers when the union grew along with the growth of the South African canning industry, stimulated by the demand for canned goods during World War II. Formed in 1941, by Ray Alexander, a member of the Communist Party, the union spread into the small canning towns to become established with a base in the fruit canning districts of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and in the West coast fish canning industry. As a consequence of developing within a geographically dispersed and seasonal industry, the union assumed a particular organisational form, promoting the autonomy of branches and seasonal fluctuations in union strength. The Food and Canning Workers Union was a non-racial and militant union that brought tremendous improvements in wages, working and living conditions to the workers who joined its ranks and participated in the struggles it led. The union also played a major role in the affairs of the labour movement and participated in political campaigns that occurred in the 1940s and 1950s. Through a relationship to the Communist Party in the 1940s, to the South African Congress of Trade Unions during the mid-1950s to early 1960s, the Food and Canning Workers Union reveals an approach to politics that gave priority to the economic position of its members and also sought to contribute to broader political campaigns. This dissertation provides a critical history of the union from its inception in 1941 to 1975. The primary material that it is based upon are the records of the Food and Canning Workers Union and oral interviews.
- ItemOpen AccessImproving the value of coffee exports in order to improve the value of exports: A case of Rwanda(2017) Izere, Ines; Hirsch, AlanIn order for Rwanda to improve the quality of life for its people, government has prioritized coffee as a key sector to spur the economy. For the past years, while coffee has been an important commodity that brought revenues to the country, its production is still low and the value is not of high quality. The purpose of this study was to assess the possibility of increasing the value of coffee in order to increase the value of exports for the country. The coffee sector is constrained by production of ordinary coffee and the exportation of low quantities of fully washed coffee, specialty and roasted coffee. In addition, some coffee plantations are old, fertilizers are not enough and the coffee farmer is paid little money. In order to increase the value of coffee to subsequently boost exports, it would be very important to increase the price paid to the farmer, finance the coffee sector, organizational capacities of farmers, efficiency of coffee washing stations, quantity of fully washed, specialty and roasted coffee as new international clients are targeted.
- ItemOpen AccessThe making of an African working class: Port Elizabeth 1925-1963(1992) Cherry, Janet; Hirsch, AlanThe thesis examines the 'making' of an african working class in Port Elizabeth. It offers an alternative interpretation to conventional histories which emphasize continuity both in the idea of a strong industrial working class and in a tradition of militant and effective worker organisation. At the same time, it posits the idea that there was a working-class movement which developed among Port Elizabeth's african community in the late 1940's and 1950's. Chapter 1 examines population growth in Port Elizabeth, the growth of secondary industry, and employment opportunities for africans. It is argued that limited opportunities for african employment in secondary industry affected the forms of working-class organisation that emerged. Chapter 2 examines the situation of the urban african population in the 1920's and 1930's, looking at factors which influenced its organisation and consciousness. The low wages paid to african workers were not challenged effectively in this period by the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union which had declined by the mid-1920's, or the Trades and Labour Council which did not organise african workers. However, the permanently urbanised status of the majority of the african population laid the basis for a militant community consciousness. Chapter 3 analyses attempts to organise african workers during the Second World War. It focusses on Wage Board determinations. the first african trade unions formed by the Ballingers and Max Gordon, the organisation of the Council of Non-European Trade Unions and the Trades and Labour Council, and the organisation of railway workers. It is argued that these attempts at organising african labour were largely unsuccessful in building strong industrial unions with an african leadership. Chapter 4 looks at the rise of the 'new unions' in the post-war period, when african workers were drawn into manufacturing on a large scale, and an african working-class leadership began to emerge. The response to this from the state, capital and other trade unions is examined through looking at the struggles of workers in four sectors: stevedoring, laundry, textiles and food. These sectors are contrasted with the tertiary sector where organisation of african workers was weak. Chapter 5 examines the politics of reproduction of the african working class between 1 945 and 1960. It looks at changes in the nature of the African National Congress and the Communist Party of South Africa, and at innovative strategies around issues of reproduction. The role of women's organisation and their struggle against the extension of pass laws is highlighted, and it is posited that a working class movement developed in this period. Chapter 6 analyses the application of influx control in Port Elizabeth in the 1950's, and the conflict of interests over the implementation of the labour bureau system. It examines the divisions in the african working class between migrants and non-migrants, and the response of different sections of the working class. Chapter 7 looks at the role of the South African Congress of Trade Unions. It is argued that the integration of point-of-production struggles with community and political struggles was the outcome of the position of african workers in industry combined with strong political organisation in the 'sphere of reproduction'. Changes in the structural position of african workers combined with political repression led to the collapse of this working class movement in the early 1960's.
- ItemOpen AccessOrchestrating backward linkages from the extractive sector to other productive value adding sectors : a case study of the mining and the manufacturing industries in Zambia(2016) Nsupila, Maybin; Hirsch, AlanThe quest for natural resource-based industrialisation has continued in many countries, particularly in Sub Sahara Africa. Zambia, a resource rich country, mainly dependent on copper for its exports, has been trying to industrialise with limited success. Recently, there has been renewed emphasis on leveraging the growth recorded in the mining industry to develop other economic sectors. However, the focus of the discourse has mainly been on building effective fiscal linkages. In this thesis, I argue that beyond fiscal linkages, Zambia can develop the local manufacturing industry through backward linkages from mining to manufacturing given the huge manufactured input demand in the mining sector. I investigate factors driving linkage development and establish that government, lead mining companies, local manufacturing firms, private sector associations and donors all have roles to play in the process. While government has the responsibility of putting in place the appropriate policy and regulatory framework to encourage local procurement, as well as create a conducive environment for attracting investment and fostering development of manufacturing firms, lead mining firms could contribute by ensuring they make it easy and provide adequate procurement opportunities to local manufacturing firms. They could also contribute by using part of their profits to implement development activities and corporate social responsibility programmes geared towards building capacities of suppliers to meet their drivers of procurement decisions. Further, local manufacturing firms can play a role by adopting strategies that help them upgrade capabilities to meet the key supply requirements for the mining industry. Associations too can play a significant role. Among other things, the Zambia Chamber of Mines can contribute to this effort by ensuring that a common approach with regard to local procurement is adopted by the mining firms thus making easy for local manufacturers to do business with the mines. The Zambia Association of Manufacturers can play the role of policy advocacy, coordinate the response and engagement from the manufacturers as well as stage activities that facilitate the building of business relations with mining firms. Donors can work with government in improving the policy environment, support local companies' capacity upgrading efforts as well as work with associations in their advocacy and other activities geared towards increasing valued-added local procurement.
- ItemOpen AccessSaldanha Bay Industrial Development zone: Co-ordination as a determining factor of opportunity lost or gamechanger(2017) Moses, Denver; Hirsch, AlanAs a fledgling democracy, South Africa has had to contend with a slowing economy that has been accompanied by increasing unemployment. The Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) is one of the policy instruments used by the South African government in an attempt to overcome these challenges. This research study takes a closer look at this policy instrument within the specific context of the Saldanha Bay IDZ. Saldanha Bay is an operating port on the West Coast of South Africa which, after a series of feasibility studies, has been deemed a suitable location to establish a services hub for upstream oil and gas activities. Its competitive advantages are inter alia a naturally deep port and close proximity to Cape Town. This study seeks to construct a rich narrative that unravels key activities that emerged from the project's conceptual phase through to its implementation phase. This is a period of a little less than two decades stretching from around 1999 to 2016. In linking this narrative to a timeline, this dissertation explores three central issues. The first is whether the Saldanha Bay IDZ presents a commercially viable option for investors. Secondly, it explores whether the public sector has been able to establish the necessary enabling environment required for project success. Finally, it seeks to determine the factors that influenced the speed of project delivery. This narrative is built by having conversations with key stakeholders from both the private and public sectors who have had an involvement with the project for a considerable amount of time. The intention is to extract lessons from their journey and use these learnings as a basis to improve stakeholder co-ordination in this and other projects characterised by multiple actor and principal relationships.
- ItemMetadata onlySouth Africa’s evolving political settlement in comparative perspective(2015-05-28) Levy, Brian; Hirsch, Alan; Woolard, Ingrid
- ItemOpen AccessStrategies for increasing investment in a city: A case for Buffalo City(University of Cape Town, 2020) Naina, Ruweida Anastacia; Hirsch, Alanin developing countries have recently started to focus on retention and aftercare programs to stimulate local economic development. Buffalo City, through the success of its collaboration with key corporates like Mercedes Benz South Africa, could leverage local growth for the development of the economy through the establishment of collaborative agreements with existing investors. A robust investment promotion and aftercare program could serve to attract new investors, while promoting reinvestment from within current investors. The main aim of the study is to investigate whether the establishment of an official public and private sector partnership will not only serve to attract investment but will also provide critical aftercare and reinvestment services. In addition, the study examines key aspects relating to investment promotion and aftercare to review the learning gained to establish Buffalo City as an investment destination. It further engages diverse stakeholders who share their experiences of investment promotion and aftercare in Buffalo City. The research reviews investment promotion agencies like Wesgro and Durban Investment Promotion Agency. This study examines investment in Brazil, who like South Africa has a huge population dependant on grants, and Vietnam, who like South Africa is faced with huge infrastructure challenges. The research also reviews Malaysia's visionary move to facilitate business development which positioned Malaysia as one of the 20 best economies in the world. The literature review also explores Tangier, a Moroccan City, which like Buffalo City has a river port which facilitated economic development providing local inhabitants with modern infrastructure and amenities, unlocking the economic potential of the city. Both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies are used in this study to address nine research questions to determine whether current Buffalo City investors are satisfied and how the city is positioned as an investment-friendly destination. The analysis of the literature was incorporated into questionnaires for the face-to-face interviews and self-administered surveys for the respondents. An electronic questionnaire will be used as the main instrument to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The questionnaire will consist of both closed-ended and open-ended questions. Respondents will select a single option which is for calculation of statistical information and percentages of various types. Closed-ended questions thus enables the researcher to arrive at opinions about a product or service in a more efficient manner. Open-ended questions will be used at the end of the questionnaire to elicit accurate feedback and recommendations from the respondents as well. Ranking will be used to ascertain which six factors in order of importance respondents regard as most crucial in relation to service delivery. The findings from the research illustrates that Buffalo City does not have an official public and private sector partnership with a dedicated focus on aftercare services. This is demonstrated by 54,5% of respondents who indicate that they have a good relationship with BCMM, while the remaining 45,6 do not believe BCMM is competent. It is interesting to note, that 63,3% of respondents perceive Buffalo City to be an investor friendly destination, while 36,4% do not believe this to be the case. This further demonstrates the critical need for an effective aftercare program. The findings from the data also suggests that by improving basic service delivery, repairing roads, introducing cleaning and greening programs, improving public amenities, upgrading infrastructure and engaging with stakeholders, Buffalo City will not only position itself to retain current investors but will also attract new investors who will create jobs and enhance the economic growth and development of the city. The city will need to adopt a more robust and focused approach to investment promotion and facilitation in order to compete and succeed in both national and global markets. Buffalo City has to ensure that policies, regulatory frameworks and basic service delivery are enhanced to enable to improve the city's investment offering. The city has to focus on the establishment of a dedicated investment aftercare program not only to attract new investment, but also to retain current investors. Buffalo City needs to identify its competitive advantage as an investment destination, to meaningfully participate in foreign direct markets and to grow the local economy. The city must restructure and reorganize the regional ambition of investment winning and job creation to position itself as an attractive investment destination with a competitive business environment.
- ItemOpen AccessStructural crisis and liberalism : a history of the Progressive Federal Party, 1981-1989(1991) Shandler, David; Hirsch, AlanWhereas an extensive literature has developed on the broad conditions of crisis in South Africa in the seventies and eighties, and on the dynamic of state and popular responses to it, little focus has fallen on the reactions of the other key elements among the dominating classes. It is the aim of this dissertation to attempt to address an aspect of this lacuna by focussing on the Progressive Federal Party's responses from 1981 until 1989. The thesis develops an understanding of the period as one entailing conditions of organic crisis. It attempts to show the PFP's behaviour in the context of structural and conjunctural crises. The thesis periodises the Party's policy and strategic responses and makes an effort to show its contradictory nature. An effort is made to understand this contradictory character in terms of the party's class location with respect to the white dominating classes and leading elements within it; in relation to the black dominated classes; as well as in terms of the liberal tradition within which the Party operated.
- ItemOpen AccessUsing quantitative analysis to identify binding development constraints and options for their alleviation - two case studies in health and vocational training in Zambia(2016) Mwenge, Felix; Hirsch, Alan; Nattrass, Nicoli; Govender, RajenThis report is a quantitative analysis of two case studies demonstrating the binding development constraints and options for their alleviation. The first case study is an analysis of health inequalities which remain an important policy issue in many developing countries. Using the 2014 data for the Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), the paper assesses health inequality in Zambia using Child stunting as a health variable. The paper finds that those in the poorest group had more than thrice the Child stunting rate of the richest group, proving the existence of health inequality in Zambia. The paper further investigates the factors associated with stunting and finds that the mother's age, education, marital status, socio-economic status, location and nutritional status measured by body mass index (BMI) are significantly associated with Child stunting. Policy recommendations center on women empowerment, improving household food security and rolling out Social Cash Transfer schemes among others. The second case study is concerned with technical and vocational skills development, which despite being a key factor in economic growth remains limited in Zambia. Using multiple regression, the study finds that participating in skills training is determined by age, level of education, gender and location (rural or urban). These factors also affect participants' choices among the various skills training options that exist in Zambia: on-the-job training, public institutions, private institutions and apprenticeship. The study provides a number of recommendations. One relates to improved access to education for girls to improve their chances of accessing skills training. Another one calls for the formalisation of apprenticeships which remain informal and unofficial despite a substantial proportion of people acquiring skills through this avenue.