Flexible production in the developing world: the case of South Africa

Issues relating to 'flexibility' and flexible production have received little attention from geographers in the developing world. This paper investigates the implications for Third World manufacturing of the shift to flexible production and of its prospects as a developmental model. Questions surrounding the introduction of flexible production in South Africa are examined in the context of new policy initiatives for post-apartheid reconstruction. In South Africa flexible production is taking root in some sectors and places, and beginning to affect local geographies. Much attention is being given to encouraging flexible production in the postapartheid economic order.