Browsing by Subject "Development Policy and Practice"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 26
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    A phenomenological approach to profiling the life experiences of the Kayayoo in Ghana
    (2021) Dodd, Rose Aba; Govender, Rajen
    The Kayayei of Ghana have been studied over several decades though there still exists a gap in the literature based on their profiles. A contributing factor to that gap is the limited information around how many Kayayoo are across the country. Another is the varied demographic and biographic profiles of Kayayoo that provide a good extent of diversity but not depth. Current policy and program interventions are driven by the profiles of Kayayoo, as is presented in existing research. However, the existing profiles miss out on the richness and texture of the Kayayoo's life, which means that programs and policy interventions that use them are not as effective as they could be in reaching the Kayayoo's needs. This phenomenological study revealed that there is likely no need to continue trying to conduct a census of Kayayoo in other to understand their lives. Especially since the nature of their movements in migration remain nomadic. Instead, what is needed are interventions on their external environment that will strengthen their sense of choice and agency. This study's insights show that the meaning and connections the Kayayoo constructs of family, social network, and work are driven by their construction of self. It showed that the Kayayoo exercises more of their agency than may be evident. Their actions are engendered by what they perceive allows them to exercise this agency and choice. With this insight, what is needed is a mapping of the Kayayoo's external environment to identify their intersections with public policy and other services, and then design interventions on that environment to maximize the benefits of their actions when they make a choice to access it. The outcomes of policy and programs will undoubtedly be better and more impactful if designed based on this more in-depth understanding of the Kayayei from their point of view.
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    A retrospective comparative analysis of the maternal and child health MDGs in Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda: Beyond 2015
    (2019) Ntukanyagwe, Michelle M.; Levy, Brian
    The timeline of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) elapsed in 2015, global indicators showed that Africa still accounts for almost half of all child deaths globally and has the world’s highest maternal mortality rates. By the year 2015, Africa as a continent was unable to meet the maternal and child health MDG targets. This study seeks to retrospectively compare, the progress made on the maternal and child health related Millennium Development Goals namely: MDG4- Reduce child mortality and MDG5- Improve Maternal Health, in Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda. Indicators show that, only Rwanda was able to achieve the maternal and child health MDGs. Specifically, the study provides a contextual understanding of the policy interventions implemented by Rwanda, despite starting from a lower base in comparison to Burundi and Uganda due to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The study also sought to understand how broad governance indicators specifically, government effectiveness and control of corruption vary between the three countries: Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda as well as their impact on maternal and child health trends. The study illustrates how Rwanda’s governance is underpinned by a system that is strongly hinged on ideological clarity, good leadership, country ownership for effective policy execution and enforcement of accountability through home grown solutions like imihigo. The integration of imihigo within the health sector has, in addition to other innovative interventions, like the implementation of the Community Health Insurance Policy, deployment of over 60,000 community health workers, innovative use of ICT in health like rapid short message service (sms), drones among others. In contrasting the governance of the health sectors in Rwanda and Uganda, one of the striking differences is that in Rwanda, there are strong linkages between the local and central levels for policy implementation and evaluation, and between the health sector and finance ministry. These are indicative of strong intra-governmental accountability. Uganda on the other hand, despite having good laws and policies in place, still faces poor implementation and lack of strong accountability mechanisms, due to low levels of ownership. The contrast is also sharply illustrated by Rwanda’s higher score in the indicative measures of “government effectiveness and control of corruption”. In short, better quality governments usually have positive effect on development outcomes thanks to overall efficiency in the delivery of public services. Specific recommendations include for Uganda to generate good local governance, effective implementation of decentralisation, follow through of policies and enforcement of accountability for performance failures, the use of community health workers to address existing scarcity of health sector personnel as well as the adoption of ICT policies to support the implementation of health interventions.
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    An Analysis of the role of governance on effective programme management - A case of Namibia Mass Housing Development Programme Management - A case of Namibia Mass Housing Development Programme
    (2018) Wilhelm, Martha; Govender, Rajen; Platzky, Laurine
    Namibia has been praised for having rigorous policy frameworks that address various national development challenges. Over the years, the country has introduced various policy initiatives to address the housing challenge in the country. However, implementation of such policies and programmes faced various challenges resulting in suboptimal outcomes and consequently, a situation where such programmes are abandoned, and new ones are introduced with little learning from past experiences. This paper, analysed the role of governance on effective programme management using a case study of Namibia’s Mass Housing Development Programme. The findings highlight governance challenges, as one of the key contributing factors to failing programmes. A qualitative approach was employed in gathering data using face to face in-depth interviews with the informants who represented the target population in the study. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge on the importance of governance which public policy and programme makers can draw lessons from for effective programme implementation.
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    An analysis of whether Mozambique can gain greater participation in the natural gas value chain
    (2020) Bangure, Kudzanayi; Goldman, Ian
    The African continent possesses a wealth of natural mineral resources. Arguments have been put forward that these natural mineral resources can be one of the potential solutions to unlocking the challenge of underdevelopment and pervasive poverty in many African countries. Understanding how African countries can gain greater benefit from these mineral resources was the emphasis of this dissertation. Focus was placed specifically on the Mozambique natural gas sector. A case study methodology was employed with the purpose of determining whether Mozambique could gain greater participation in its natural gas value chain. Empirical and theoretical literature around mineral resources management including leading theories such as the resource curse were reviewed as key points of departure. A detailed analysis of historic natural gas projects executed in Mozambique, the legislative framework, contracts, and institutional and capacity demands then followed as a core part of the analysis. Finally, the study leaned on in-depth interviews with industry experts to understand the legal, policy, and technical barriers that could hinder Mozambique from gaining greater participation in the natural gas value chain. Key findings of the study pointed to the inadequacies of existing laws and contract provisions to deliver the vision of greater participation, barriers to entry such as high upfront capital requirements, and internal institutional and technical capacity gaps exemplified by the reliance on external technical assistance from partners such the World Bank. The study concluded that greater participation in the natural gas value chain could not be achieved through Mozambique legislating its way into upstream and midstream activities alone, rather, a progressive approach to gain greater participation was required, initially starting with increased participation in downstream activities through domestic gas to unlock industrialisation.
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    An assessment of the extent to which the city of Johannesburg's Rea Vaya bus rapid transit system is achieving its intended socio-economic and political objectives
    (2021) Mjiyako, Dominic Ntokozo; Platzky, Laurine
    South Africa is ranked number one in the world as the most unequal society by the World Bank. Inequalities are largely manifested in income, education and spatial arrangements, as well as access to opportunities and public services. My dissertation examines the impact of the City of Johannesburg's Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, and the transit-oriented development programme, known as Corridors of Freedom, in transforming the mini-bus taxi industry; providing safe and reliable public transport to previously marginalised communities; and to mitigate the legacy of apartheid spatial planning. The research examines the policy objectives of the Rea Vaya BRT system as part of the larger Corridors of Freedom capital programme, which aims to create development nodes to densify the City and improve mobility, and in turn enhance social integration. The research outlines the implementation of Rea Vaya over the past ten years, and explores the impact of the service on the City's commuters and the mini-bus taxi operators. A key argument of the paper is that while anecdotal evidence exists that the Rea Vaya BRT functions optimally, an evaluation study of the City's continued public investment is critical to ascertain whether the project is achieving its intended socio-political and economic objectives.
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    Are South African Businesses Adapting To The Demands Of The Carbon Tax Policy ? A Case Of Distell
    (2023) Trimble, Dale; Ismail, Faizel
    Climate change is our planet's biggest threat, making it one of the most important subjects. Climate change adversely affects the temperature, weather, and the environment we live in, which causes rising sea levels, prolonged droughts, supercharged storms, wildfires, and flooding. Governments have addressed strategies to create more climate-resilient economies. One approach being adopted by countries is using pricing mechanisms such as Emissions Trading Systems, which was predominately used in Europe, and the Carbon Tax policy, which is being used in South Africa and is the focus of this paper. The carbon tax system is designed to put a value on GHG emissions when businesses produce goods and services. This research focuses on whether South African companies are adapting to the demands of the carbon tax policy. This study initially sought to discover whether the carbon tax policy promotes behavioural change by reducing GHG emissions within businesses. The rationale for this paper is that South Africa must decrease GHG emissions per its agreements with the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. South Africa is currently the 14th highest carbon emitter globally, and the reason for its high carbon emissions is that its primary power provider, ESKOM, relies on fossil fuels for electricity generation. Despite the carbon tax system being a pricing mechanism to reduce GHG emissions, there have been criticisms about the policy as it is seen as progressive. However, the tax raises production costs and could negatively impact firms' competitiveness. The research design used was a case study approach performed on South Africa's largest wine producer, namely Distell Group Limited, thus having an idiographic approach with semi-unstructured online interviews conducted. A convenience sampling method was used to gather participants, and the data collected were unstructured and nonnumerical, thus making it qualitative. The main finding of this research was that businesses are generally reducing GHG emissions due to the increased energy costs incurred; thus, limiting and conserving energy is important. The policy has not had much influence in this area as the effective tax rate is too low to encourage any radical change needed to achieve the environmental targets stated in the NDCs. This paper illustrates that there are very few adverse effects on the competition among firms as a consequence of the carbon tax policy. For South Africa to achieve the double dividend, the government must display more transparency in raising and applying carbon taxes. The recommendations for practice are based on the study of the literature and case study insights. The government should limit the discretion around allocating carbon tax revenues and treat them separately for financing environmental reforms, adverse effects on low-income people, and protecting trade-exposed sectors of companies like Distell. Implementing tax incentives for programs that focus on mitigation and adaptation, as well as sustainable business practices and investments in green technology, will assist in transitioning into a green economy.
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    Cotton textile industry in Zambia: The economic viability of revamping Mulungushi Textiles Limited
    (2017) Munoni, Chiluba Mercy; Hirsch, Alan
    The 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.
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    Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP): A solution to institutional challenges in Zambia’s Medical Supply Chain or another technical solution?
    (2019) Chenga, Kaputo Melody; Levy, Brian
    Do technical solutions override or fast track institutional reforms? This study interrogates the extent to which Zambia’s newly introduced Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) is addressing the procurement challenges [for essential drugs and medical supplies] in the Ministry of Health (MoH). A brain child of the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA), the e-GP is but one of the components of the wider procurement reform agenda. The e-GP was introduced with the intention of enhancing efficiency, effectiveness and Value for Money (VfM) in public procurement. Since 2016, ZPPA has been piloting the approach in selected Procurement Entities (PEs), a combination of sector ministries and state parastatals. Based on review of project documentation, publicly available data, and interviews from key stakeholders; the study explores and interrogates the contextual and institutional challenges characterising the e-GP design and pilot implementation phases, and the extent to which these realities impact the achievement of the intended outcomes. A fair amount of information from interviewees was provided under conditions of confidentiality, thus individuals are not often identified. It is perhaps too early to ascertain the extent to which the e-GP is realising the intended objectives. This is partly explained by the project’s slow start, occasioned by delayed procurement which had knock - on effects on the overall project’s pace. An interrogation of the history and political economy of Zambia suggests however that it is the opaque challenges bordering on the political economy which is the single most binding constraint to reforms; defining the process, the pace and outcomes. The design of the e-GP was generic and non-participatory. There is no evidence to suggest that the process had provided opportunity for PE’s to define and customize the problems that mattered for them to be addressed by the e-GP. Instead, the e-GP seems to have been sold to PEs as a best practice solution. Because of the deep incentive fabric at both organizational and individual levels, the project seems to have some traction. Effort of various actors does not appear to be supportive of each, often latently contradicting each other. Project progress is held constant by the relative ability of the ZPPA to push some strands of work within some pilot PEs. This relative ability of the ZPPA shields the low levels of acceptance and questionable authority within PEs and among actors. Progress on the e-GP appears like a façade of success; suggestive of isomorphic mimicry.
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    An exploration of actions to forge public entrepreneurship in the implementation of the expanded public works programme in the Eastern Cape
    (2016) Mageza, Quinton Qengeba; Levy, Brian
    The dissertation begins by outlining the history and objectives of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) as one of the key government interventions to address poverty and unemployment. The paper moves on to analyse the Vukuzakhe programme which is an initiative of the Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works within the infrastructure sector of the EPWP. This analysis looks at policy assumptions in respect of institutional arrangements that informed the development and implementation of the Vukuzakhe Programme. The study goes on to identify and assess the outcomes of public entrepreneurship with the context of the Vukuzakhe programme. The hypotheses made are that: A: "The success of the Vukuzakhe programme was as the result of effective acts of public entrepreneurship." B: "The successful and effective acts of public entrepreneurship were demonstrated in the way in which change was orchestrated and directed, through the building of internal capacity and ability to marshal support from diverse stakeholders."
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    Exploring skills development within the interface of public and private sectors
    (2016) Malambe, Lucas; Levy, Brian
    Designed to be in line with the then government's apartheid policy, the manpower training system created a highly polarised national skills development system characterised by huge socio-economic inequalities, and an unemployment and poverty problem that was defined along racial lines (McGrath, 1996). The defeat of apartheid in the 1990s meant that the new government desperately needed to address these socio-economic challenges. It needed to do so while also trying to catch up with a rapidly globalising world economy characterised by rapid change, unprecedented competition, new technology, fast-growing emerging markets, workforce diversity, and a demand for new skills. The Draft 1997 Green Paper on Skills Development Strategy for Economic and Employment Growth in South Africa advocated for a state-driven national skills development system in partnership with firms, labour and a range of public and private training providers (Republic of South Africa, 1996: 62). The Green Paper led to the promulgation of a number of skills development legislations including the Skills Development Act (SDA) (No. 97 of 1998). The SDA envisaged Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) to act as key agencies in the delivery of skills development and workplace experience seen as essential in addressing the triple challenges of inequality, unemployment, and poverty (Republic of South Africa, 1998). Despite this new bold vision, SETAs have been relentlessly criticised for failing to respond to the demand for medium and high skills in an inclusive manner because of a crisis in governance and administration, poor planning, and corruption (Marock, Harrison-Train, Soobrayan & Gunthorpe, 2008; Barclay, 2012; Scott & Shuttleworth, 2007). SETA Boards tend to be riven with conflict as a result of their often opposing expectations and mandates, and the infighting spills over to executive managers and to the rest of the organisation. Boards that are preoccupied with internal power struggles are wont to lose focus on their fiduciary duties which revolve around the implementation of the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) (Scott & Shuttleworth, 2007). Even though optimum value can be derived from having institutional arrangements that are geared to the implementation of projects supporting organisational strategy, one in three of all strategy implementations fail as there is often a major rift between strategy (as designed by principals) and the actual projects (as implemented by agents) (Buys & Stander, 2010). Levy (2014) theorised that where the public is linked to service delivery nodes via politicians and policymakers who are in turn linked to service delivery providers, it is crucial to align the goals of agents with that of their principals. The SETA arrangement is, nonetheless, unique in that Board members are appointed by the Minister of Higher Education and Training in their capacity of representing a particular constituency such as a union or a business association. Even so, stakeholders must work together to optimise joint benefits and minimise their temptations to otherwise shirk, free ride or pursue selfish goals.
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    Governance reforms and national benefits : problems and prospects in Marange diamond mining in Zimbabwe
    (2016) Makombe, Percy Fungayi; Levy, Brian
    Zimbabwe is among the top diamond-producing countries and is believed to hold a quarter of the world's diamond reserves. Yet it is still one of the poorest countries as the economy is slumped and growth has slackened, and it is expected to further weaken. This study tracks the history of diamond mining at Marange diamond fields, describing what has played out since the discovery of huge diamond deposits in 2006.The study considers potential entry points to try and effect reform in diamond mining in the country. It also explores the governance options and their experience, distinguishing between domestic and global mechanisms and exploring the prospects for each. The study interrogates the strength and ability of various stakeholders to affect reform casting light on the politics and power dynamics at play.
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    Islands of effectiveness in co-government arrangements : the case of three coalition-led municipalities in South Africa
    (2016) Salie, Saarah; Levy, Brian
    Co-government arrangements are a necessary evil that provides political parties with an opportunity to take office, exercise power and share the spoils of power. My dissertation examines the reforms and principles that are most useful in co-government arrangements, which are characterised by unstable, complex and sometimes predatory political environments, to ensure that governance and developmental gains can be achieved. Using case studies of the co-government arrangements in three local municipalities, all based in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and led by an array of small opposition parties, I make two arguments. Firstly, senior public officials can act as a countervailing platform to achieve governance gains by implementing a range of reforms and principles. The most pertinent of these being to make concessions in coalition arrangements that have a kingmaker and by implementing a functional political-administrative interface to protect the integrity of the powers and functions delegated to both arms of the municipality. Secondly, political principals with mixed interests can effectively cooperate to find joint gains. Some of these reforms and principles require that forums be put in place to encourage effective communication to expedite decision making that enable governance gains, while the coalition agreement should have comprehensive terms to guide the rules of engagement of the parties in the co-government arrangement. Coalition led governments at a municipal level can thrive if coalition partners communicate effectively, act in goodwill towards a common goal and uphold credible commitments to serve with integrity.
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    Local governments' changing power in South Africa's energy system: reshaping the regulatory space for renewable energy, from the bottom up
    (2017) Hermanus, Lauren; Levy, Brian
    In 1994, South Africa's post-apartheid government inherited a highly-centralised energy sector, in which all aspects including planning, procurement, generation, distribution, pricing, and management were determined through top-down institutional arrangements and investments, centred around Eskom. In 2016, however, following rounds of energy sector reform, and the successful implementation of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), this centralised configuration of power showed signs of disruption. Municipalities began to ambitiously redefine their role by building on opportunities related to renewable energy, resulting in an emergent challenge to centralised energy policy and planning. This dissertation sought to explore how this contestation took shape and to explain how seemingly ad hoc actions have created new possibilities, as well as new regulatory frameworks, by municipalities for municipalities. To achieve this, an analysis of the evolution of decentralised renewable energy generation in South Africa between 2008, when it first began, and 2016, was undertaken, applying the method of process tracing to two case studies. In order to contextualise these bottom-up processes within the national political economy of energy, process tracing was also applied in a high-level analysis of countervailing movements that consolidate centralised energy planning and procurement during the same period, with a particular focus on national plans to undertake massive investments in nuclear energy. It was found that municipalities' bottom-up actions have positioned them to drive renewable energy in such a way that seriously challenges the historical configuration of power that has determined South Africa's energy future up to now.
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    Managing the welfare impacts of urbanization in Zambia: A case for a composite district performance index
    (2018) Masumbu, Gibson; Platzky, Laurine
    This paper looks at the evolution of urbanization in Zambia. The country has a population of just over 15 million people with about 35% living in urban areas. The population in the urban areas is projected to increase driven by both natural population growth and rural-urban migration. This population growth is expected to put pressure on the provision of services in urban areas. The country has been implementing a decentralization programme that is meant to devolve vital tasks to the local authority. If this happens, the local authorities will have the pressure of ensuring that people in their cities have decent standards of living. The localized city development index will assist local authorities with information to use in assessing their performance. The index adopts the Alkire Foster multidimensional measurement approach.
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    NetOne Cellular Private Limited's underperformance : causes and the way forward
    (2016) Munyaradzi, Rwakurumbira; Levy, Brian
    This research is a case study analysis of NetOne Cellular (Pvt) Ltd, a state enterprise in the mobile cellular telecommunications industry in Zimbabwe which has failed to perform to government and public expectation since its launch in 1996. At the advent of mobile telecommunications industry in Zimbabwe in the 1990s, it was expected that the Government of Zimbabwe would reap huge revenues in the lucrative telecommunications industry by being the pioneer and monopolising the provision of mobile telecommunications in the country. Government therefore, set up NetOne, initially as a department under the Postal and Telecommunications Corporation (PTC) and later turned it into an incorporated company in 2001. The company has however failed to perform to expectations despite the advantages which usually go with government protection and favouritism in comparison to its competitors Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and Telecel Zimbabwe. This study provides evidence of the company's poor performance, an analysis and discussion of the underlying and proximate causal factors thereto as well as a set of recommendations and possible ways forward. The study seeks to explore and prove that the Zimbabwean political settlements, mismanagement of economic rents, as well as the scourge of poor corporate, undercapitalisation, unfavourable sectoral and regulatory dynamics negatively impact on NetOne's performance. Derived from the foregoing the above are the cascading effects of inadequate leadership and business practices within the organisation which also played a major role in the company's modicum growth and underperformance over the years. It concludes that the Zimbabwe political settlements and failure to manage and effectively exploit political rents is the major contributor to the company's failure and lead to both external and internal poor governance of the company thereby affecting its performance.
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    Orchestrating 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, Alan
    The 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.
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    Rapid Urbanisation in Zambia – the challenge of providing low-income housing in urban areas – 1964 to 2018: The case of the city of Lusaka
    (2018) Chileshe, Alexander; Platzky, Laurine
    Soon after independence, in 1964, Zambia’s urbanisation proceeded very rapidly presenting significant housing problems to the independence government. In the last five decades, Zambia’s Capital City, Lusaka has been growing most rapidly. Unfortunately, most of this growth has been in informal settlements on insecure land because most residents cannot afford formal lowincome housing. Since 1964, government has undertaken several initiatives to bridge this low-income housing crisis. These include; providing complete housing, providing housing subsidies, providing serviced land, enacting new laws, establishing new institutions and even giving away housing for free. But all these initiatives, designed around the ruling political party governance system, have not yielded the desired results. As a result, the urban housing backlog which was estimated to be around 24,000 housing units at independence may now grow to over 3.0 million by 2030 if urgent action is not taken. Government has an opportunity to transform the urban housing sector by addressing weaknesses in the current laws and institutions, providing specific support to low-income households and encouraging private sector involvement. In all this, government must remember that context matters.
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    Rescuing urban regeneration from urban patronage: towards inclusive development in the Voortrekker Road Corridor
    (2016) Uppink, Lauren Kim; Levy, Brian
    The Voortrekker Road Corridor in Cape Town was recently identified as an Integration Zone according to National Treasury's Integrated City Development Grant (ICDG). Prior to this a number of private and public stakeholders founded the Greater Tygerberg Partnership, in response to the need for a coordinating body to champion inclusive regeneration and local economic development in the corridor and neighbouring northern suburbs. Funded wholly by the City of Cape Town for its first three years of operation, the Partnership had after two years in operation appeared to have made little progress in catalysing interest and tangible investment in the area, even on a micro level. This dissertation utilises the qualitative analysis method of process tracing for the period of 2012-2015 to explore themes of urban governance and conversely urban patronage. It firstly considers whether the apparent stasis is due to the Partnership being subjected to capture by strong private and political elites. Subsequently it examines whether incremental, micro-level governance initiatives and acts of public entrepreneurship, though seemingly small, have the potential to build momentum capable of overcoming such threatening predatory networks, and in so doing redirect the organisation towards achieving substantive inclusive and equitable regeneration.
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    The role of politics in the construction of a capable bureaucracy
    (2017) Malale, Ishmael; Levy, Brian
    This research explores the role of politics in the construction of a capable bureaucracy. The dominant discourse deals with the structural attributes of a developmental state, and eschews the inherent politics of the construction or emergence of bureaucracy in a state. The focus of the research is about how capable bureaucracies emerge out of an abidingly complex and messy political reality. This research endeavours to unravel the complex, dynamic, often messy inherent intersection of politics and bureaucracy. It is argued that politics are an inherent ingredient of the fermentation of a capable bureaucracy, in which the agency of political actors is critical and that public reforms often spawn from particular critical junctures. This research undertakes a comparative study of South Korea, Unites States of America and South Africa, and juxtaposing the first two comparators with South Africa in order to draw important lessons for the latter. The endeavour looks at the pre-history, critical junctures, and the moment of consolidation to demonstrate how history shapes and influences the institutional realities of different countries; examine the proximate events or driving forces that contribute to or precipitated the emergence of capable bureaucracies in the successful comparators and distill lessons for South Africa. In the United States of America public service reforms fostered by broad coalitions in collaboration with political actors eradicated patronage and ensured economic progress. In South Korea the symbiotic relationship of meritocratic bureaucracy with an uncorrupt political elite ensured high speed growth. The research strives to demonstrate that building a capable bureaucracy is not a straightforward affair - exposing the nature of challenges and complexities of setting up a capable bureaucracy, thus contributing to the discourse - grappling with constructing a capable bureaucracy in South Africa.
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    Saldanha Bay Industrial Development zone: Co-ordination as a determining factor of opportunity lost or gamechanger
    (2017) Moses, Denver; Hirsch, Alan
    As 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.