Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (former Departments)

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A comparison of new provincial planning laws
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-12) Bloem, M. G.; Claassen, P. E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Sustainable Development Planning & Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In terms of the Constitution (108 of 1996) provinces are given the responsibility for planning. Following the history of provincial planning it can be seen that the context of spatial planning have changed dramatically. This can be linked to changes in planning theory. The legal and policy environment for provincial planning have been shaped by different national departments concerned with planning. The Development Facilitation Act (67 of 1995) a key piece of legislation moved towards a normative based system for planning. Provinces were given the opportunity to introduce provincial specific legislation for planning. Since 1994 only four provinces the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu- Natal have introduced Acts or Bills. To assist the remaining five provinces in introducing province specific planning legislation it is important to establish if the different systems are moving towards conformity. Through analysis of the different systems, mechanisms and institutions, a comparison and evaluation of the different Act and Bills it was established that the provincial planning systems are to a large extent similar and in deed moving towards conformity.
Democratic transition in South Africa : a case study of the public participation in development planning on local authority level in the West Coast Region
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000-03) Smith, Antoinette Rachélle; Groenewald, C. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Sustainable Development Planning and Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The theme of this study is the practice of participatory democracy and its link to local development. The context is the current policy trend to consider the local authority as the core development agent. Governance is seen as a partnership between civil society and local state authority. The mechanism for linking democracy and development is the concept of integrated development planning. This study investigates the integrity of the process of public participation as reflected within integrated development planning. The democratic transition in South Africa forms the backdrop of the study. South Africa, a relatively newly formed democracy, has put legislation, political and social structures in place to support the transformation it intended. The question that remains and that is being researched in this study, is whether the lOP is a sincere attempt on the side of the government to install authentic participation on the part of the local community or is this another scheme for political expediency? The study reflects the transition to democracy on social and political level and on all levels of governance. In the case of local government, it describes the transformation of the role of local government to that of development agent in its jurisdiction of governance. A case study approach is used. The democratic transition in the field of local government and its application in a specific rural development region are selected as case material. The West Coast Development Region, a demarcated development region of the Western Cape, has been chosen as a testing ground for a number of reasons, but most importantly, because this region has taken the lead to implement the newly passed policy of integrated development planning in South Africa. The region also offered the most favorable circumstances for the study as it has been subjected to systematic and sustained development and capacity building inputs from the state since the elections in 1994. These include capacity building of ROP forums and Spatial Development Initiative. An empirical study of the process of public participation within the integrated development planning in this region was done after the first round of the process in 1997/1998. A group administered questiormaire is used to measure the knowledge and attitudes of participants who attended the workshops that were held by the local authority as medium of participation. Two measurements, one at the start of the workshop and one at the end, provided comparable data on changes in attitudes and levels of knowledge. The results indicated definite change in knowledge levels, but did not impact significantly on the attitudes of participants. The findings are presented here and form the basis of a wider study in local democracy and development to be proposed.
A descriptive analysis of how primary health care services have developed in the Cape Metropolitan Area from the period: pre-1994 to post-2000 elections
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-12) Zimba, Anthony Andile; Schwella, E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of School of Public Leadership
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Primary Health Care (PHC) approach is currently receiving tremendous attention worldwide as a mechanism to ensure effective and efficient public health services. The concept has evolved from the Alma Ata conference (1978). Since then many countries began to reorient their health services to achieve the goals of availability, accessibility and affordability of health care for all citizens and a number of management issues came to the forefront. Therefore, the provision of comprehensive PHC services is the key aspect to improving health services. A district health system has been identified as an ideal model for comprehensive PHC services to all the citizens in South Africa. Public health services in the Cape Metropolitan Area are characterised by functional fragmentation. Two public authorities render Primary Health Care services, namely the: Provincial Administration of the Western Cape through CHSO, and the Municipal Health Department. The fragmented nature of the public health services, which result in poor coordination of service delivery between the two health authorities, compromises the quality of service delivery. Historically, PHC services in the Cape Metropolitan Area - and indeed in the whole South Africa - have developed in a skewed manner. This work is an attempt at conceptualising the implications and consequences of this skewed health development. South Africa is presently undergoing fundamental reform, which has brought the PHC into disarray of fundamental change. Since the South African health care system is a highly complex institution, attempts have been made to critically analyse those aspects and features of inequality, inaccessibility, and inequity. Among these is the historical and present development of Cape Metropolitan Area health care and the structural features it assumed with the passing of time, trends and characteristics. In order to examine the theory in practice, the evolvement of PHC in the Cape Metropolitan Area will be analysed. The analysis highlights how different political formations have affected the development of PHC services and points out obstacles and limitations throughout the process, which had to be dealt with. Transformation of the existing health services, based on the principles of PHC, requires the redressing the imbalances of the past. Therefore, the integration of the two health authorities into one entity would best achieve the principles of district health system and will ensure comprehensive PRe.
A distance education management model for the Polytechnic of Namibia
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-12) Keyter, Charles Antonie; Schwella, Erwin; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Public and Developmental Management .
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A major factor affecting higher education world wide and in particular in Namibia is a trend towards massification. Within Namibia this trend is due to an increase in population, an increased demand for skilled human resources and an increase in political power of the formerly disadvantaged communities. This resulted in a rising demand that the government of Namibia provide access to higher education for increasing numbers of young people. The Polytechnic of Namibia (PaN) has therefore opted for distance education as a means of providing flexible and cost-effective education to the people of Namibia. The term "distance education" is currently accepted internationally to describe a whole range of educational activities in which teaching and learning take place without the students and the educators being together for all, or even most of the time. This is made possible by the use of communication media in the form of print, broadcasts, audio and video recordings, telephones or computers and often a combination of several of these, usually in conjunction with occasional face-taface contact between students and educators or between fellow students. These common characteristics are the result of the convergence of various traditlena and a variety of political, economic, social, educational and technological developments in different countries at different times. Managing distance education is a complex undertaking. In addition, educators have so far only had limited experience of managing distance education, because it has such a short history. This situation is further complicated by the fact that such diverse media are used, each with its own peculiar characteristics and that the scale of operation is often larger than in conventional education institutions. For the purpose of this dissertation distance education institutions were divided into four types, namely, dedicated distance education institutions, departments of existing conventional education institutions, consortia and hybrids. Furthermore, the internal organisation and management issues related to the management and administration of distance education were explored and certain criteria were identified to develop a normative model of distance education management for a mixed or dual mode institution like the PaN. The current distance education management model at the PaN was evaluated in terms of the normative management model identified. An evaluation was undertaken to identify the shortcomings and to make certain recommendations to overcome these shortcomings. A new distance education management model was also proposed. The aim of this distance education management model is to ensure that a suitable division of labour is created to fulfill the required distance education activities, and to ensure that all distance education activities are properly co-ordinated within the PaN and that the Centre for Open and Lifelong learning (COll) which is responsible for the managing of all distance education .. activities at the PaN gets the support it needs to carry out its task. The writer believes that distance education will increasingly be an essential factor in making education accessible at all levels, in all forms, to all people at every stage of their life. New technology is increasingly making this possible. Due to the fact that distance education will become of vital importance in the twenty first century, distance education practitioners and planners need to be more flexible and open-minded about distance education's appropriate role and usage.
Die effek van multikulturele kommunikasie tydens publieke deelname
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000-12) Du Toit, L. H.; Welch, C. T.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences . Dept. of Sustainable Development Planning & Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa has a long history of social and physical segregation, which is also reflected in issues pertaining to the discipline of planning. In the past Apartheid policy and laws could be blamed for this, but today difficulties in uniting the different cultures and in addressing everyone's needs still exist. To date, the planning discipline has adopted a Western European top down approach, largely ignoring the fact that the country comprises a number of different cultures with different needs. In terms of a wide range of legislation, notably the Constitution of 1996, South Africans are bound to address and accommodate this diversity. Public participation is seen as a way to address these problems, as a result of which a number of different laws and regulations pertaining to procedures broaden the extent of public participation. Despite this, there is little visible evidence that the diversity of participants has any real influence on planning processes or their end results. Public workshops and seminars are frequently criticised because they are time-consuming and because participants have different agendas. Although a good deal of research has been done on the streamlining of procedures, not much attention has been given to the communication process and the nature of constructive dialogue. It follows that a significant part of confusion could be attributed to a lack of mutual understanding during the communication process and to faulty decoding or interpretation of message content. In this study project research was undertaken on the different aspects of communication and the effect of it on interpretation. It was found in a case study of the Stellenbosch Integrated Development Program (IDP), that disruption often occurred due to differences in multicultural communication. Solutions, as presented by the participants and other writers, are offered and discussed.
Evaluating the provision of low cost housing in the context of developmental local government : the case of Wesbank
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-12) Wyngaard, Deon A. C.; Theron, Francois; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences. Dept. of Sustainable Development Planning & Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The South African Constitution (1996), guarantees everyone access to adequate housing, and obligates the State to take all reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve such right. This commitment to housing stands in sharp contrast to the previous housing regime, which was characterised by fragmented housing policy and administrative systems, unclear role definitions and a lack of accountability. In addition, Section 152 of the Constitution also sets out objectives for Local Government in the creation of sustainable communities. The new approach to housing saw the formation of the National Housing Forum (NHF) in the early 1990's. The NHF, consisting of a broad range of stakeholders in the State housing sector, sought to reach consensus on a new housing policy and strategy for South Africa. That consensus eventually led to the adoption of the White Paper on Housing (1994) and finally the promulgation of the Housing c Act (1997). Subject only to the Constitution, the latter would eventually become the supreme law on housing in South Africa. Fundamental to the new approach to housing, is the notion that the environment in which a house is situated, is equally important as the house itself. As such, emphasis is placed on the potential contribution of housing delivery in the creation of sustainable communities. The concept of Development Local Government is advanced as the key tool to achieving that ideal. This study traces the evolution of the historical, policy and legislative contexts of housing in South Africa during the transition period (1990 -1994) and beyond, and evaluates the provision of low-cost housing in the context of Developmental Local Government. This is done by way of a case study of the Wesbank housing development in the Oostenberg region of the City of Cape Town. The question is raised whether the Wesbank housing development adheres to the principles of a sustainable housing development as prescribed by the Housing Act (1997) and Developmental Local Government. The study concludes that, based on a "narrow" and "broad" interpretation of "sustainable housing development" as defined in the Housing Act (1997), the problem statements contain both elements of validity and invalidity. In terms of the narrow interpretation, it is concluded that the Wesbank housing development has delivered on some elements in the definition, while the broader definition concluded that the development was less successful in achieving the desired outcomes. Regarding the planning process followed in Wesbank, it is concluded that the notion of Integrated Development Planning has not been followed, there appeared to be some level of political interference in the planning processes, the process of community participation, which represents a crucial component of lOP, was non-existent, and while funding was secured for the construction of 5147 dwellings, no timely provision was made for associated community facilities such as schools, clinics, etc. More telling though, is the absence of any meaningful community bonding in Wesbank Finally, having considered the conclusions made, a number of recommendations are offered in respect of improving the environment for the Wesbank community.
An evaluative analysis of industrial development zones and export processing zones with reference to the Coega Industrial Development Zone
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-12) Brand, Daleen; Claassen, P. E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences. School of Public Management and Planning.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa is experiencing similar problems as those occurring in other developing countries. Such problems include: large scale poverty; unequal regional development; inefficient policies; fragmented transport systems. The list goes on. This is largely due to apartheid policiesthat were implemented. After 1994 a series of new policies and programmes was implemented. Their aim was to eradicate apartheid planning; to provide equal and fair development for everyone and to stimulate and boost the economy. The Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) was the first policy of its kind, followed by the Growth, Employment and Redistribution programme (GEAR). The aim of these two policies was to stimulate the economy, especially in areas where there is a need for an economic boost. This ultimately led to programmes such as the Spatial Development Initiative (SDI); Local Economic Development and Export Processing Zones or as they are better known in South Africa, Industrial Development Zones. Programmes or initiative such as these were aimed at boosting the economy, providing employment and utilising resources in a region. This is the shift that has taken place in development planning, from traditional regional policies towards incentive driven policiesthat try to attract investment into under-developed regions. Programmessuch as Industrial Development Zones however have a long history, not all of it positive. These zones have been known as sweatshops and that they use child labour. The largest problem of these zones is that labour legislation is almost non-existent. In 2001 South Africa declared Coega the first Industrial Development Zone in the country. The zone will link to the Spatial Development Initiative programme that was implemented in 1996. An uproar followed when labour organisations such as COSATUlearned that the government is going to use Industrial Development Zones, which are similar to Export ProcessingZones, to stimulate the economy and to solve the problem of unemployment in specific areas of the country. However the labour legislation of South Africa will be applied in the Industrial Development Zones. That just leaves the problem of efficiency and effectiveness. Will these zones really address and solve the employment problems in South Africa? Zones such as those in Mauritius have been a success, but there are cases where the zones did not create employment and more money was spend on putting in the infrastructure and services in the zones, than was made in the zone. Time will be the judge in the case of Coega Industrial Development Zone.
The evolution and substance of integrated development planning
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000-12) Simpson, Graham; Claassen, P. E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Sustainable Development Planning & Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Development planning, or more specifically integrated development planning, has been identified as the most appropriate form of planning to satisfy the wide range of needs of the very diverse populations of South Africa's cities and towns, and to mirror the political and social changes brought about by the advent of democracy. In this study the evolution of the concept of development planning as well as the present form of integrated development planning in South Africa is looked at. This is complemented with a study of the process itself, as it has materialised in reality in six local governments. What was found was that an innovative system has come about, culminating in the first cycle of the integrated development planning system. This consists of a number of steps or phases, namely, assessing the current reality, formulating goals and strategies, and ultimately monitoring and reviewing what has been achieved, all guided by a set of predetermined principles and implemented through the municipality's budget. It was found that the process has much potential to plan for real development, allow for authentic public participation and promote sectoral and intergovernmental integration.
The evolution, substance and application of environmental impact assessments in South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000-03) Parkes, L.; Claassen, P. E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences. Dept. of Sustainable Development Planning & Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Environmental impact assessments have become increasingly popular over the past few years, by necessity and due to the general increase in environmental awareness. By definition, environmental impact assessment is a process having the ultimate objective of providing decision makers with an indication of the likely consequences of their intended actions. First popularized in the United States of America in the seventies, environmental impact assessments have since evolved worldwide into an effective decision making tool. In South Africa, environmental impact assessments became legally enforceable in 1998 under the Environment Conservation Act (Act 73 of 1989) and presently serves as an effective tool in facilitating decision making for sustainable development. A large number of impact assessments are at present being produced for all categories of activities, but questions arise about the effectiveness of these assessments in fulfilling their intended purpose. The present study aims to answer these questions and provide insight into the nature, content and standard of environmental impact assessment in South Africa by examining the foundations and application of the concept. The main method of research was the analysis of various assessments, already submitted to regional authorities, on the basis of content, methods used, depth of analysis, degree of public input and their overall contribution to the better understanding of the problem at hand. During the analysis many inadequacies and merits of these impact assessments were revealed. The quality of reports ranged from good (about one third) to average and poor (about one third). Shortcomings identified related inter alia to data collection; ignorance of socio-economic factors; ignorance of cumulative effects; and analysis and evaluation problems. The benefits that these impact assessments could bring about, were also analysed. It was deduced that there were inherent benefits the most practical being that the good reports assisted the decision making process considerably. Sustainable development was also promoted. It was found that the implementation of the concept still needs more stringent management and monitoring with improved application and incorporation into the present planning approach
Formal retail as a strategy to enhance the quality of life in marginalized communities
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-12) Coetzee, Gerrit; Claassen, P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences. Dept. of Town and Regional Planning.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Of all the strategies available to help eradicate poverty and enhance the quality of life of people living in marginalized communities, the provision of a formal retail centre would not stand out as a number one strategy. Nevertheless, the Nomzamo Business Centre was built as part of a local economic development initiative to help local businesses to develop. The primary goal of this study was to establish whether the residents of Nomzamo perceived the development of the centre as a contributing factor towards improving the quality of their lives. Although the retail sector is well represented in these marginalized communities, in the form of spazas and other informal businesses, these businesses desperately lack the bearings of formality. The Nomzamo Business Centre provides a formal business premises at affordable rates, for local business people and gives them the opportunity to develop skills through business training courses and the provision of information. As the study concludes, the residents of Nomzamo perceived the centre as an enhancement towards their quality of live, even though many of them still do not make use of the centre. Established shopping habits are hard to brake especially if the centre does not provide any real magnetism. The centre failed to attract an anchor tenant and although Eskom's presence at the centre does provide some form of attraction, the benefits have not yet spilled over to the other shops. At this stage the Nomzamo Business Centre cannot be deemed a success. The centre fails to compete with local informal businesses. What is needed in most of these communities however is a change in the local economic structure. Local economies in most cases are retail based, with no or little representation in sectors like manufacturing. Although the Nomzamo Business Centre will not contribute much towards a more balanced local economy, it does provide the foundation for future changes to take place.
The Fwe of the Eastern Caprivi Zipfel : a study of their historical and geographical background, tribal structure and legal system, with special reference to Fwe family law and succession
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 1975-12) Pretorius, Johan L.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Management and Planning.
A detailed account of the geography, history and demography of the Caprivi was compiled and in addition an investigation of the Fwe kinship structure and social organization and their judicial process was carried out. This study provided a framework within which Fwe law operates.
Die impak van publieke deelname op groot projekte : die beoogde Johannesburg-Pretoria sneltrein
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-12) Coetzee, Narista; Claassen, P. E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences. Dept. of Town and Regional Planning.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Public participation has already been a point of discussion from as early as 1960, with Arnstein's presentation of eight levels of participation. Various advantages and disadvantages have been published, but theorists agree that the advantages still overshadow the disadvantages. The United States have started much earlier than South Africa with the studies on public participation. It has been realised that public participation forms an integral part of the formal environmental impact assessment which succeeded the formal legislation of 1996. It is generally accepted that public participation is inseparable from the planning process. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of public participation on the planning of the Gautrain project, which is the intended rapid rail link between Johanesburg and Pretoria. It will be investigated whether the consult firm Bohlweki Environmental, that has been appointed to implement the environmental impact assessment of the Gautrain project, complied with the criteria to ensure public participation, and whether the public process made a difference to the planning of the project. It has been apparent that Bohlweki Environmental used various methods of involving the public - inter alia numerous public meetings that have been advertised in the press and elsewhere. From the public inputs changes have been made to the route of the train. These changes however, have made other people discontented. The research concludes with the finding that the public participation process of the environmental impact assessment had a positive influence on the planning of the project, even though everyone, due to the extend and the nature of the project, could not be satisfied, and that the study has been expensive and time consuming.
The influence of control mechanisms on urban form : some urban design implications
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-03) Schutte, Corli; Welch, T. C.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Sustainable Development Planning & Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The urban designer works within an environment characterized by constraints. Control mechanisms are part of these constraints. They were created out of necessity because the control of the urban environment became strained as cities grew in size. In the beginning control mechanisms regulated the urban environment to create better public safety. This objective evolved to include aesthetics and sustainability of the environment. Controls, however, tended to become standardized and were often blindly applied irrespective of changed circumstances and contexts. Control mechanisms include inter alia height, density, bulk, and aesthetic controls, which can be applied to regulate form, space and behavioural or activity patterns. These control mechanisms generally embrace a system of codes embodied in legislation enforceable in law. Urban designers should realize and take full advantage of the potential of the law as an urban design control element. This study examines the nature of control mechanisms as applied to town planning in general and urban design in particular and their efficacy in achieving and maintaining a range of human and social objectives. To this end, attention is paid to examining historical precedent, examples reflecting different cultures and approaches and resultant urban forms. On the basis of the aforementioned this study aims to identify a range of urban design principles and to propose suggestions as to how control mechanisms as part of a system of law can best be applied. A case study of central business district sites in Durbanville, Western Cape is researched.
Interpol National Central Bureau : an operational policy
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2005-04) Foxcroft, Graham; Cloete, G. S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Foreign criminal syndicates are using South Africa as a springboard to commit certain crimes throughout the world. The crimes vary from fraud to murder to dealing in drugs. The South African Police Service does possess the capacity and the means to trace and arrest these criminals but this is not enough. Foreigners arrested in this country are tried and sentenced without any checks being done in order to determine whether the subject is possibly sought by other policing agencies throughout the world. One of the means available to the South African Police Service but which is completely under utilizsed is the component "Interpol", which is based within the Crime Intelligence division at Head Office in Pretoria. One reason for the under utilisation of this component is the absence of an operational policy. The design of a policy document will inform members of the South African Police Service of the environment in which Interpol operates and what contribution it can make in respect of- the investigation of crimes that have an international dimension. The theoretical aspects of the policy environment have been discussed and it was found that it is of importance that the proper goals and objectives are formulated and that policy analyst must be able to differentiate between the two. As progress is made in respect of the policy document the analyst will have to keep abreast with current tendencies and make the necessary adjustments. These changes must not be of such a nature that the goals and objectives of the policy document are changed or altered. By the middle of the nineteenth century, the police, especially in Europe, began to realise that criminals were regularly committing offences in other countries and then returning to their own country. There was nothing that the police could do in this regard as the extradition of a criminal was done applied for in exceptional circumstances. The possibility of establishing an international policing agency in order to assist all policing agencies in combating these "cross-border" crimes was investigated. The first conference was held during 1914 in Monaco. This was the first of many conferences that would lead to the establishment of the international policing agency known as "Interpol". South Africa only joined the organisation in September 1993. It is proposed that an operational policy document be drafted and send to all the divisions of the South African Police Service. This document clearly stipulates how Interpol Pretoria can be of assistance to all the divisions of the South African Police Service. This includes what must be done when foreign nationals are arrested in South Africa and when members of the South African police Service undertake official journeys to foreign countries. The document also includes how the component is managed, its structure and the nature of its duties. Research has proven that there is a need for a policy document for Interpol Pretoria. It is recommended that the operational policy document be accepted. Once accepted, the document must be converted into a national instruction. The advantages of a document of this nature are: ./' The component already exists and no additional funding is required to establish the component. ./' More members of the South African Police Service will be able to make use of the services rendered by the component. Of the disadvantages in this regard, is that it is a long-winded procedure that has to be followed before the document is approved. Visits will have to be undertaken to hold "information sessions" with the commanders within the various provinces. Research has illustrated that policy documents are valuable within the Public Service. The absence of a policy document is not necessarily a disadvantage to certain units within the policing environment but when it comes to available resources not being optimally utilized, the reason therefore could be the absence on an operational policy.
Investment decisions in a changing South Africa from 1990 to 1999 (transition) : analysis of the decade of the 1990s
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-03) Harris, Stanley E.; Kinghorn, J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences. Dept. of Sustainable Development Planning & Management
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is an investment performance review covering the ten years from 1990 to 1999. To many investors the 1990s were a tough decade because of the political, economic and social changes, which caused investment uncertainty. The primary focus is to examine the implications of these changes during the 1990s on the investment strategies of South Africans. Furthermore, the aim is to provide insight into investment decision-making during the period of transition and transformation. The analyses specifically address the importance of the investment environment on portfolio construction and maintenance. The objective is to see how far the investors ventured in their efforts to 'beat" the South African share market under changing conditions. The structure of the portfolio was evaluated as well as the investor's preferences and beliefs during the period under review. It also looked at the investors' attitudes and philosophies. Effective portfolio management was important because changing conditions were becoming challenging. The investor's investment mix and the risk associated with each investment determined the effectiveness of managing the portfolio. Furthermore, this study examines the investors' objectives, constraints and strategies. In the final analysis, this study examines investment strategy and investment performance in retrospect. It presents a ten-year historical analysis of the South African environment which was affecting investment decisions. It was also found that investors were fulfilling their expectations, they were looking at medium and long-term investment opportunities. Furthermore, stock-picking was done with greater caution. The opening of global investment markets further enhanced the investment opportunities. Moreover the investors realised the importance of diversification in order to reduce risk. The investors will be presented with challenges and opportunities in the next decade (or century). Therefore this study also concludes with an assessment of possible future investment scenarios for the South African investors. Finally, investment decision was interpreted against the political, economical, social and other changes that took place during the period of transition. The key to investment success was the investor's ability to manage the changing South African environment.
Mixed-use development as a strategy for urban growth, development and planning
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-03) Paul, John David; Muller, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences . Dept. of Sustainable Development Planning & Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa has moved into a new political era in which all citizens are entitled to equal access to opportunities. Disadvantaged communities are cherishing high expectations of what the future will hold for them. To avoid trade-offs that can lead to the escalation of violence, more efficient management strategies are necessary to restructure the urban environment and address the problems of a rapidly urbanising population. The primary goal of this study is to examine to what extent mixed-use developments can facilitate economic development within low income communities. The results indicate that the planning of mixed-use developments, can create strong, welldefined city structures which will address the current urban deficiencies experienced in metropolitan areas. Mixed-use developments offer a means to integrate those parts of the metropolitan area with no coherent and integrated structure into the larger urban environment. An increase in densities, land use intensification and passing traffic can create the necessary market thresholds to sustain a wide range of economic and social activities and facilities that are typically not found in inwardly turned, peripheral communities. This can increase the standard of living of these communities by improving their access to economic opportunities, providing employment and supporting the fulfilment of their economic and social needs. The informal sector plays an important role in the urban economy. The creation of multi-functional markets within mixed-use development will stimulate groWth and employment creation within the informal sector. The higher economic thresholds and better access to markets and supplies can improve the viability of small -scale informal enterprises. These markets will benefit the local communities by providing a variety of economic activities and services within the same location. The stimulation of economic activity within the low income communities can improve the circulation of money and assist in the prevention of income leakage to other centres. The implementation of mixed-use development has the potential of addressing the problems currently inhibiting economic development of low-income communities.
Moving towards 'humanising' housing : a closer look at the issues surrounding housing provision in South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-12) Cornelissen, Celeste; Muller, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences. Dept. of Sustainable Development Planning and Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: After many years of fragmentation and inequity, the new housing policy envisages "the establishment and maintenance of habitable, stable and sustainable public and private environments to ensure viable households and communities in areas allowing convenient access to economic opportunities, and to health, educational and social amenities" (Housing White Paper, 1994:21). It appears, however, given the size of the housing backlog (currently estimated by the Housing Minister at 2,8 million units) and the general form housing provision has taken, that the overall vision of what should be accomplished through housing development have taken the backseat to rapid housing production in the country. In practice, inhabitants of recently undertaken housing projects are to a large extent still denied access to the city and its opportunities. Recent housing projects reflect government's view that the solution to the housing problem lies in the packaged production of physical housing units, choosing to define the housing problem only in terms of "housing production and technical and engineering efficiency " (Noero, 2000: 1). This approach have been described by Noero as being naive and criticised for its ability to be counterproductive by failing to address the full spectrum of needs in the lives of people. The limited definition of housing further stands in opposition to the extensive definition of housing found in policy documents. This study, with the help of a case study of one such housing project, explored some of the dominant issues surrounding current housing provision in South Africa, and the problems associated with it. It sought to establish that current housing provision is far removed from the overall aims and objectives set out for housing development by the new housing policy. This study considered some ways of bringing housing delivery closer to the vision of housing as an engine of growth and change.
Multi-purpose community centres : a local economic development strategy towards sustainable community empowerment and poverty alleviation in the Dwars River region
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-12) Bruiners, Natasja; Khan, Firoz; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences. Dept. of Town and Regional Planning.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In South Africa, Multi-Purpose Community Centres (MPCCs) have been identified as the primary approach for the implementation of development communication and information as they potentially offer a wide range of services that communities can utilise for their own empowerment. This affords the community an opportunity to become more self-reliant. The new Local Economic Development (LED) policy paper (2002) highlights the mobilisation of internal resources, capacities and skills consistent with the sustainable development objectives that government is now more aggressively pursuing. Community participation and empowerment play a significant role in any community, therefore, municipalities need to create the conditions for greater public participation and empowerment. It should be done with regards to the disadvantaged or marginalised groups in accordance with the conditions and capacities in a municipality. In the Dwars River region, various services are being planned ranging from skills development to tourism, but these depend on sufficient financial aid. The nature and location of the MPCCs in South Africa makes financial sustainability difficult because the majority of them largely serve historically disadvantaged communities with limited financial resources to pay for services. It is also important to note that economic growth does not necessarily imply poverty alleviation and/or skills development as components of the government's communication and information approach. MPCCs can transform communities but will be time consuming and requires participation from all spheres of government and civil society.
Omgewingsvolhoubaarheid met ontwikkeling
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-03) Bosch, Johannes Hermanus; Muller, J. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences . Dept. of Sustainable Development Planning & Management .
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The interaction between people and their natural environment, as well as the manner in which it occurs, is of a complex nature. The sustainable use of natural resources should be strived for and our guideline should be sustainable development. A common phenomenon in low cost housing projects in South Africa is the dependency on the natural environment and the over-utilization of resources. Numerous poor rural and urban communities do not have the opportunity to think about this over-utilization, as their first priority is that of survival. Resource allocation in South Africa reflects a pattern of uneven distribution. In housing development the less fortunate are placed in poor ecological areas where the quality of the environment can scarcely maintain the minimum standard of living. This inequality not only hinders the promotion of a stable ecological basis, but also prevents nation-wide sustainable development. Due to this, the connection between poverty and ecology were made an environmental priority. The importance of integrating the environment and development, to achieve environmental sustainability, is acknowledged and therefore greater emphasis is placed on sustainable development. In this study an attempt is made to determine how natural environmental sustainability can be ensured with low cost housing development. In the process an evaluation instrument, consisting of three components, namely the principles of sustainable I development; natural environmental indicators for sustainable low cost housing development; and socio-economic indicators for sustainable low cost housing development, are designed to try to reconcile the natural environment and development through the phenomenon of sustainable development. An extensive literature study of relevant published and unpublished literature was done and forms the basis of this research study. A research survey, done by the University of Stellenbosch about the case study of Wesbank, and of which the researcher was part, is also utilised in this study.
'n Ondersoek na die implementering van verdigting deur beleid binne Paarl munisipale gebied
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000-12) Van der Linde, N. M.; Muller, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Sustainable Development Planning & Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An ever increasing segment of the population in the current low density category contributes to the sprawling South African city as we know it today. To provide for the housing needs o f people, precious agricultural land is being used, and the historic character o f towns is being destroyed. Densification of the city structure has been put forward as a solution to this problem. In this way, different components of the city may be connected and existing infrastructure may be optimally utilised. The concept of densification is gaining popularity in all spheres o f planning. The implementation of densification requires suitable policy, as well as the strict application of the aforesaid. A densification policy must include consultation with all parties involved with a view to finding a balance between the need for land for development purposes, the conservation of agricultural land, the conservation of the historic character o f towns and cities, as well as being in the public interest. A theoretical investigation was done in which all aspects regarding densification, and its implementation in the South African context were studied. Attention was also given to policy formulation. This was followed by an empirical study, based on the Paarl municipal region as an example, in an attempt to reconcile theory and practice. It was found that although densification enjoys great support, the perception held by professional planners as to appropriate methods for the achievement o f higher densities did not correspond wholly with theoretical arguments in this regard. It was also found that it is important to view densification in relation to the environment in which it is applied, and to create an executable policy for a specifically designated area.

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