Development can be defined as the progress of the economic, social and political transformation that contributes to growth, structural change and should distribute equity. The four factors that constitute to development that will be discussed include growth and structural change; distribution of income; rural to urban migration; and improvements in education and health.

Growth and structural change is essential in order for development to occur. It focuses on the shift of an economy’s activity throughout all the sectors of the economy, which are namely the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. The different state’s in their own development level get to generate income through each of these sectors of the economy, as less developed countries generate income through production in the primary sector; developing countries generate income through the secondary sector; and developed countries generate an income through the tertiary sector. With the South African context, South Africa falls under both the primary and secondary sectors, as they extract raw materials from nature and either export them or process them into manufactured products then exports them to other countries.

Distribution of income is essential for development to take place, as it focuses on achieving an even income distribution level that is fair for all. By achieving an even income distribution level, the growth and economic development of a country will thus increase. If South Africa was to implement this strategy, the growth and economic activity would increase thus resulting to an increase in development.

Rural to urban migration is essential for development to be achieved, as it focuses on the increase in migration patterns from rural to urban areas as a result from the changes in labour markets in urban industries. A lot of South Africans migrate from rural to urban areas as a result of seeking better employment and educational opportunities, etc. This leads to an increase in economic growth and development, improved standard of living, etc.

An improvement in educational and health is needed to achieve development in a country, as this focuses on the increase and progress of the infrastructure of health and education. An improved education and health is important in South Africa and any other country, as they are a measure of human capital development and essential in ensuring a long lifespan and in increasing economic growth. In South Africa the government has launched initiatives that aim at improving education and health such as the provision of free education and health facilities.