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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Public policy and small towns in arid South Africa: the case of Philippolis
Authors:Van Niekerk, Jurie
Marais, LochnerISNI
Year:2008
Periodical:Urban Forum
Volume:19
Issue:4
Pages:363-380
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:small towns
government policy
development
External link:https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12132-008-9043-8
Abstract:Internationally and in South Africa, small towns have been subjected to several external factors leading to their decline, with decentralization processes placing increased pressure on them to develop locally-based responses to these external realities. However, little academic research has been conducted on the impact of national and subnational public policies on small towns. Instead, the emphasis has tended to fall on policy frameworks and formulas which can be applied in blanket fashion across different settlement types. South African developmental policies have made no provision for coherent socioeconomic developmental support strategies aimed at the more than 500 small towns and the numerous struggling local governance structures, which are virtually all fighting for long-term sustainability. This research is based on a review focusing on selected social, economic and governance policies. It investigates both the influence of some of these policies and the impact of their implementation in the context of the small town of Philippolis. It argues that these policies have not benefited Philippolis and/or that they have been applied inappropriately within this small town. Finally, a number of general recommendations are made, along with certain policy-related considerations. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]
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