Local economic development, industrial policy and sustainable development in South Africa : a critical reflection on three new policy frameworks
Date
2008-03
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
This dissertation considers the coherence of the prescriptions contained within three
recently released government frameworks: the National Framework for Sustainable
Development, National Industrial Policy Framework and National Framework for
Local Economic Development. A central assumption in this regard is that a level of
coherence in policy prescriptions is necessary for effective and complementary
implementation. Each of these frameworks has been developed in the context of
renewed commitment from the South African state to halve unemployment and
poverty by 2014. It is likely therefore that the frameworks will affect resource
allocation with outcomes which will have impacts on South African society at large.
Thus coherence is an important consideration.
The analysis is undertaken against the background of:
- a limited literature review on policy-making (within the broader policy studies field),
- a discussion of the political economy of South Africa, and
- a consideration of certain key debates within the global ‘development’ discourse.
This includes particular reference to the concepts of ‘sustainable development’,
‘industrial development’ and ‘local economic development’ within that discourse.
In addition, in order to gain some insight into the policy-making processes that were
followed in the production of each of the frameworks, a limited number of key
informant interviews was conducted. These interviews highlight certain elements and
factors that impacted on the final policy products and the compromises that were
reached around policy content.
The body of the analysis - a comparative content analysis of the frameworks - is
undertaken through a discussion of the manner in which the frameworks deal with
four cross-cutting themes. These four cross-cutting themes are: eco-system
considerations, social considerations, economic considerations and institutional/
governance considerations. This comparative reading of the frameworks exposes
certain divergent policy prescriptions and confirms that disagreement exists within
government itself on the country’s desired development path.
The conclusion then discusses what is required to put in place a coherent policy
making system in South Africa. It is proposed that the accommodation of policy
coherence should not come at the expense of diversity and the expression of
‘profanity’ (contestation). The value of deliberative democracy, pluralism and
complexity are highlighted in this regard. A number of recommendations are made.
Description
Thesis (MPhil (School of Public Management and Planning))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
Keywords
Policy making, Local economic development, Sustainable development, Political planning -- South Africa, Industrial policy -- South Africa, South Africa -- Economic policy, South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-, Dissertations -- Public management and planning, Theses -- Public management and planning