Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, Los Angeles, 1997. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 208-233).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Maryland, College Park, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 98-101).

Thesis (Ph. D.(Dogm.)--Universiteit van Pretoria, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 396-417).

Theses (M.S.)--Marshall University, 2006. / Title from document title page. Includes abstract. Document formatted into pages: contains vi, 47 p. including illustrations and map. Bibliography: p. 38-41.

South Africa has become a significant role player in the international relations since being readmitted into the world community after the first democratic election in 1994. The primary focus of country’s international relations is the African continent. South Africa has played a pivotal role in bringing peace across the continent. There has also been an increase in South Africa’s engagement with the continent on economic and trade issues. South Africa’s economic diplomacy has been scrutinized from different angles. There has been perceptions of a South Africa with imperialists or hegemonic tendencies resembling those of the West. There are also those who view South Africa’s economic role in the continent in the positive light as a contributor to economic growth and development. The South African governments have always preached the notion of the “African agenda” and the interest in fair trade and engagement with the continent. This study assesses different debates regarding South Africa’s economic diplomacy in Africa and explores if this is benefiting the continent’s development. The study also considers if such economic diplomacy has positive spin off for the South African economy. Since economic diplomacy is operated at government level the study also considers how economic diplomacy is coordinated in South Africa. There are a number of recommendations presented for the improvement of economic diplomacy in South Africa.

The South African policy framework on Local Economic Development encourages the establishment of community-based projects in an attempt to address the challenges posed by poverty in local communities. It appears that community-based projects have a role to play in poverty alleviation. Municipalities are supposed to encourage and support the establishment of projects aimed at poverty alleviation in their jurisdictions. The Mbombela Local Municipality has played its role in this regard by supporting the establishment of the Daantjie Bakery Project in 2000. In an attempt to evaluate the impact of community-based projects on poverty alleviation, this study investigated the role played by the Daantjie Bakery Project in local economic development of the Daantjie local community in the Mbombela Local Municipality. Participants included community members of Daantjie, employees of the bakery, and the project manager. The study found that, indeed community-based projects play a role in local economic development since they contribute towards employment creation and poverty alleviation.

In recent decades, development thinking has shifted from mainstream development strategies to more alternative development approaches incorporating various aspects of development such as equity, gender, sustainability, and participation. In South Africa, a country emerging from a past of injustice, community participation has become a central theme in social development as a way of addressing past inequalities. However, despite its popularity, there are concerns that its benefits are less visible. The literature on community participation shows that there are a number of factors why community participation in development projects has not been successful in many communities. On the other hand, literature on participatory development also shows that there are benefits of participation in development projects; community participation can be successful when the community has genuine participation in the process. However, there is evidence that even where participatory development has been successful, is not necessarily easy to replicate in other areas. This study sought to evaluate participation and how this affects the sustainability and success of the Ilitha farming project. Using the qualitative and quantitative indicators of participation by Oakley et al. (1991), which were adapted from various sources, I have shown that there was a high level of participation by members of this project who started on a small-scale basis, with minimal contributions in order to address the problem of unemployment, lack of skills and income opportunities, and growing poverty in the Ilitha community. The study has shown that success in participation is linked to the success and sustainability of the Ilitha farming project. This project is a success because it has achieved its initial objectives and has potential for expansion. In addition, the expansion of project activities has increased and sustains the project income throughout the year, benefiting not only project members but other members of the Ilitha community including the old age home, the HIV Aids awareness centre and households with patients needing assistance. Project success can be sustained on a long-term basis with a high level of participation through commitment, hard work, quality leadership, consultation, team work and respect for each project member as an equal partner irrespective of differences in age, gender and length of membership in the project. The level of internal sustainability i.e. the ability for the project to maintain its own developmental momentum is evidently high. The executive has led the project from its inception in 2003 to date with a clear vision and long-term commitment. However, there is a need for a succession plan in order to ensure continuity of the project as the current executive may not be able to continue due to old age. Secondary partnerships in the Ilitha farming project have had a significant impact on the level of success and sustainability of the project through the provision of funds, training and technical assistance.

Thesis (M. Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2014 / The aim of the study was to examine the public private partnership in Lekgalammetse Nature Reserve, which was championed by the Limpopo Tourism Agency under the banner of Limpopo Economic Development Environment and Tourism Department after the protected land was placed under restitution process. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether the partnership which was created has the capacity to enhance the socio-economic development of the claimants and the adjacent communities in the area where the nature reserve is situated. Land restitution process in case of an area declared protected area by law; says that there will not be physical occupation by the claimants in terms of section 42 of the Land Restitution Act. Therefore the only way that the claimants can benefit from the land, is to become land owners and partner in terms of activities that take place in the protected area for social and economic benefits. A public private partnership was recognised as a potential vehicle for social, economical and environmental well being of both parties. However the developmental prospects of the partnership were unknown and overestimated. Views from the study as well as the literature review support the assertions that in this type of land claim, a public private partnership is the best way to go about developing the claimants and the adjacent communities. The review also highlighted the importance of a partnership in a protected area and its benefits, especially in developing the adjacent communities. Thus the role of the community in participating in their development and of the protected area was the main focus of this study. The study collected both qualitative and quantitative data using interviews and a questionnaire. The study concluded by providing recommendations to stakeholders of Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve on how to improve their partnership relations. Some of the recommendations proposed are to involve a private partner to enhance development in the area; there should be provided with a coordinated and proper management, develop a capacity building tool to improve the co-management function and create an environment where all partners are equal in the partnership. The correct implementation of the Performance Management System will serve as a means to enhance organizational efficiency, effectiveness and accountability in the use of resources in accelerating access to good quality services and a better life for all. A well balanced partnership has a potential to increase community benefits and maximize the conservation of the biodiversity of the area.

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