P.A NGCOBO (33195072)

S.U3 PART 5 Question: Discuss any four factors that make-up the development, illustrating each with examples from the S.A'S context.

Development refers to the progress or transformation in a range of areas, which creates growth, progress, positive change or the addition of physical, economic, environmental, social and demographic components.

1) Growth and Structural Change

Development needs growth as well as structural change. The main focus of the economy's activity switches from the primary sector (farming), through the secondary sector(industries) and lastly the tertiary sector. Here less developed countries receive their national income through production in primary sector (mining, fishing, forestry), while developing countries generate their income mostly in secondary sectors and highly developed countries differ, because they have high income so the tertiary sector dominates the total output of the economy. For an example, South Africa has not made significant progress in transforming the structure of its economy, by some measures, it has regressed.

2) Modernization

This refers to a model of a progressive transition from a 'traditional' to a 'modern' society. Development theorists argue that development requires societies move traditional to modern societies through this process, and a country that can be qualified as modernized is when it has embraced modern and advanced technology. But this concept "modernization" as an indicator of development has been criticized because of diversities existing within one country. E.g South Africa is making efforts to modernize and transform its cities and create more inclusive productive and sustainable urban environment- it got boosted in signing an agreement with RAS (Reimburasable Advisory Services) giving away 11.25 million aimed at supporting the government. This project focuses on restructuring the fiscal and financial framework for cities.

3) Rural to Urban Migration

This process is associated with economic development and growth. There is an increase in migration patterns of rural to urban areas as development takes place, resulting from the changes in the labor markets in the urban industries. This migration improve the living standards of migrants- it is caused by pull factors like better job opportunities and education or even following family members who have migrated. In SA rural to urban migration is common because of Apartheid , many people seek better opportunities after it occurred. Now the issue of land is a critical one in post-apartheid. This migration in SA can cause unemployment if employed rural people migrate to the urban areas and stay there while remaining unemployed.

4) Improvements in education and health

Due to the changes in structure of the economy there is an increase and progress in education and health infrastructure. Education is crucial in development and growth. Both health and education play a potential role in the development of a country- which is a key to human capital accumulation and development process. There is a two-tier healthcare system in South Africa with a large subsidized public sector and a small, but high quality, private sector. With significant funding and the best specialists going to the private sector, there is a huge gap between public and private healthcare facilities in much of the country.