Social service delivery is weak across the developing world. While there is substantial heterogeneity across regions and countries, the picture of failing services is a familiar one. Challenges such as systematically high levels of absenteeism among teachers, doctors and nurses, persistent rates of drug stock outs — particularly in rural health clinics, rates of leakage […]
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Posted inBusiness, News/Politics
The importance of public spending
The existence of long-term growth effects from public spending is hardly contested in policy discussions. Growth literature that has emerged over the last 20 years supports the belief that public spending affects long-term growth. First, standard growth models explaining total output level as a function of factor inputs (capital and labour), as well as the […]
Posted inNews/Politics
I’m scared of white men
By Miranda Mkhumbuzi I strongly believe we were all created equal and that we’re all the same. Race is a social construct with little biological significance. But most of my friends are the same race as me. I think this is because I live in a predominantly black area. Soweto to be exact. As far […]
Posted inGeneral
Books on wheels
By Noella Moshi The Development and Debate Dinner group people are a motley bunch but they have two things in common: a penchant for active citizenship and a fondness for wine. We meet for dinner once a month and discuss how we can be the change we wish to see. It was during one such […]
Posted inBusiness, News/Politics
South Africa 2013
South Africa’s potential growth has slowed over the last few years. Considerable efforts will be needed to meet the Government’s goal of raising per capita income and to create 11 million new jobs by 2030. Moreover, inequality continues to be unacceptably high, suggesting that making growth more inclusive remains an important policy challenge. Our government […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Through the eye of an ANC slate
On the issue of slate politics in the ruling party, perhaps the time has come for the party to consider a policy that limits the reach of this mechanism somehow. This is a matter for ANC members to contend with. As for the ordinary folk, slate politics within the “top six” of the ruling party […]
Posted inGender violence
Should we forgive Chris Brown?
On social media this week there has been some outrage at Chris Brown holding a concert in South Africa. In particular the outrage is that this event is taking place during the 16 Days of Activism to end violence against women[i], and that Chris Brown is a confessed perpetrator of domestic violence against pop artist, […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Zuma grabs for a see-through fig leaf
The Protection of State Information Bill, dubbed the Secrecy Bill, is misnamed on both counts. Contrary to the labels, it will neither assure the safety of critical state information as its proponents claim, nor muzzle the media as its opponents fear. Let’s start with the fact that during the more than two years that the […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Addressing the housing shortage in South Africa
Access for the poor to urban land and housing is one of the main challenges facing policy makers in South Africa. Estimates suggest that 26% of households in the six metropolitan areas in our country live in in-formal dwellings, often “illegally” and with limited access to services. Movement from the informal to the formal sector […]
Posted inLifestyle
Put Nigella down
Cookbooks are a perennial favourite at Christmas time. They are as much fun to give as to receive because the giver stands a good chance of being invited over for dinner to try out a new recipe. We all like to be thought of as the kind of person who has an inner gourmet just […]
Posted inGeneral
Corporate use of ‘gamification’ drives brand engagement and business goals
Companies of all kinds have begun to introduce‘gamification’ into the way their products, processes, training and marketing are presented and consumed. Gamification is particularly successful at promoting engagement with brandsand portfolios, and drivingstrategic objectives likeincreased sales, marketing and even innovation. This is because of a predisposition in many people to respond to fun, […]
Posted inBusiness, News/Politics
The financial crisis and emerging economies
The role of globalisation after the 2008–2009 financial crises has fundamentally altered the economic landscape around the world. Excessive dependence on exports to the United States and the European Union has long been identified as a problem for developing countries. Product and market diversification should be part of any trade or development strategy. The fall […]