Ebook237 pages6 hours
Economics of South African Townships
Rating: 0 out of 5 stars
()
About this ebook
Countries everywhere are divided within into two distinct spatial realms: one urban, one rural. Classic models of development predict faster growth in the urban sector, causing rapid migration from rural areas to cities, lifting average incomes in both places. The situation in South Africa throws up an unconventional challenge. The country has symptoms of a spatial realm that is not not rural, not fully urban, lying somewhat in limbo. This is the realm of the country’s townships and informal settlements (T&IS). In many ways, the townships and especially the informal settlements are similar to developing world slums, although never was a slum formed with as much central planning and purpose as were some of the larger South African townships. And yet, there is something distinct about the T&IS. For one thing, unlike most urban slums, most T&IS are geographically distant from urban economic centers. Exacerbated by the near absence of an affordable public transport system, this makes job seeking and other forms of economic integration prohibitively expensive. Motivated by their uniqueness and their special place in South African economic and social life, this study seeks to develop a systematic understanding of the structure of the township economy. What emerges is a rich information base on the migration patterns to T&IS, changes in their demographic profiles, their labor market characteristics, and their access to public and financial services. The study then look closely at Diepsloot, a large township in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Area, to bring out more vividly the economic realities and choices of township residents. Given the current dichotomous urban structure, modernizing the township economy and enabling its convergence with the much richer urban centers has the potential to unleash significant productivity gains. Breaking out of the current low-level equilibrium however will require a comprehensive and holistic policy agenda, with significant complementarities among the major policy reforms. While the study tells a rich and coherent story about development patterns in South African townships and points to some broad policy directions, its research and analysis will generally need to be deepened before being translated into direct policy action.
Related to Economics of South African Townships
Related ebooks
Future Realities of Coalition Governments in South Africa: Reflections on Coalition Governments in the Metros: 2016-2021 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWhy Should the Poor Remain Poor in Africa Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGet out of your mind: Lessons on embracing difference from South Africa and beyond Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTraditional Leaders in a Democracy: Resources, Respect and Resistance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBillionaires Under Construction: The Mindset of an Entrepreneur Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Reflections on Identity in Four African Cities Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsJwara! Induna's Daughter Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBe Unstoppable Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMarriage Has No Formula Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHow South Africa Works: And Must Do Better Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMoney Is a Monster Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5We Need to Act Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Legacy of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi: In the Struggle for Liberation in South Africa Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBuilding the Africa We Want Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAnd For All These Reasons I'm In: Essential Advice for Entrepreneurs Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Journey of a Township Boy Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsIn the Name of the People: How Populism is Rewiring the World Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWe have now begun our descent: How to Stop South Africa losing its way Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Saving South Africa Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Duality of Social Enterprise Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLeading in the 21st Century: The Call for a New Type of African Leader Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLeadership Lessons from Books I Have Read: The collective wisdom, knowledge and experience from the pages of fifty books Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBeyond the Enclave: Towards a Pro-Poor and Inclusive Development Strategy for Zimbabwe Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPutco Mafani: The Price and Prize of Greatness Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Regional Trade Integration, Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction in Southern Africa Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWhy Africa?: A Continent in a Dilemma of Unanswered Questions Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHow to Business Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHow to Steal a City: The Battle for Nelson Mandela Bay, an Inside Account Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Building from the Rubble: The Labour Movement in Zimbabwe Since 2000 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLiving Financially Carefree Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Reviews for Economics of South African Townships
Rating: 0 out of 5 stars
0 ratings
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
Economics of South African Townships - Sandeep Mahajan
Enjoying the preview?
Page 1 of 1