Go to AfricaBib home

Go to AfricaBib home AfricaBib Go to database home

bibliographic database
Line
Previous page New search

The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here

Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:South Africa's Future: Powerhouse or Poorhouse
Author:Leistner, ErichISNI
Year:1993
Periodical:Africa Insight
Volume:23
Issue:2
Pages:85-90
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:future
economic development
Development and Technology
Economics and Trade
Politics and Government
Abstract:South Africa's old political order is fading away rapidly, and the country is well on its way to becoming a more 'African' country. To many, this is cause for rejoicing. Others are gloomily convinced that the country is destined to follow the rest of sub-Saharan Africa into ever-deepening misery. The aim of this article is to refute this pessimistic viewpoint. It first discusses the reasons for sub-Saharan Africa's retrogression since independence. Then it identifies crucial differences between sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa, such as the fact that South Africa has functioning - though weakened - economic and technical structures as well as a vigorous civil society. Finally, it deals with change in South Africa in general and with black South African economic development in particular. The conclusion is that South Africa differs significantly from the rest of the continent and that the country has vastly better chances to build a prosperous future than the rest of sub-Saharan Africa. Notes, ref.
Views
Cover