Overcoming underdevelopment in South Africa's second economy: 2005 development report

Abstract

The point of departure for this Report is a simple question. Why, if the origins of economic dualism are rooted in the system of heap, forced, migrant labour introduced with the beginnings of the mining industry and reinforced during apartheid, does dualism persist under democracy when all the relevant laws and many of the practices of the past have been abolished? In addressing this question, this Report has sought to provide a variety of perspectives on the question of underdevelopment's persistence. Briefly stated, it has considered the historical origins of underdevelopment in South Africa; the persistence of underdevelopment and poverty in the context of current policy; the current dimensions and trends of underdevelopment and poverty; and specific sectoral attempts to address underdevelopment. This concluding chapter offers a synthesis of these main themes, and ventures a few implications for government policy.