Socio-economic development in the Northern Cape, post-1994

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper examines the pattern of social and economic development in the Northern Cape post -1994, looking into whether democratic socio-economic policies have brought improvements to the social and economic status of the people in the Northern Cape Province and the Francis Baard District Municipality in particular. The study further explores the socio-economic development trends, longitudinally, of households and communities within Sol Plaatjie, Dikgatlong, Magareng and Phokwane municipalities within Francis Baard District Municipality. The research reveals reasons for the development or the lack thereof in this district municipality, with emphasis on the key specific focus of demographic statistics, poverty, household services, employment, unemployment and household income.

Secondary data analysed is drawn mostly from Statistics South Africa 2012/13, Census 2011, QLFS 2013, Municipality Factsheets and Census 2011 Municipal Report for the Northern Cape. The National Development PLAN Vision 2030 is proposed as a solution to the socio-economic challenges facing the Northern Cape Province and the Francis Baard District Municipality.

The NDP Vision 2030 is further recommended as a national developmental plan to address the South Africa's conflicting socio-economic policies namely RDP, GEAR, and ASGISA, which led to poverty of households and communities in the Francis Baard District Municipality.