South Africa: from regional policy to local economic development initiatives

Although South African development planning is in a state of flux, "local' economic development initiatives have increased in importance. Government stressed the importance of decentralising manufacturing, but there have been criticisms of this policy. A new approach using graded incentives spread across the country instead of focusing on selected growth points adopted in 1991 was more responsive to the market situation, and the nature of the change engendered is considered in detail. A striking feature which is explored is the emergence of new local economic development initiatives across South Africa. What is not clear is whether the government will adhere to the new policy. -D.G.Price