Africa's success: evaluating accomplishments

Evaluating the seven African success stories

By: R.I. Rotberg
Published by: John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, 2007
Via: Eldis

This paper evaluates the seven presumed African success stories: Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique and Uganda. It gives a detailed analysis of the economic, political, governance and human development scenarios in each country, and identifies the emerging challenges.

(http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/files/Africas_successes_Final.pdf)

Can parliaments enhance the quality of democracy on the African continent? An analysis of institutional capacity and public perception

African parliaments have limited capacity to hold the executive to account

Authors: L. Nijzink; S. Mozaffar; E. Azavedo
Publisher: Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa, 2008
Via: Eldis

Since the early 1990s, when many African countries resumed multi-party elections and democratic practices, legislative strengthening programmes have become an important part of international assistance. Parliaments are generally regarded as potential agents for democratic change but their actual role in enhancing the quality of democracy in Africa is far from clear. In this context, this study examines two issues that are crucial to the democracy enhancing potential of Africa’s current parliaments.

(http://www.sarpn.org.za/documents/d0002095/Democracy_Parliament_
CSSR_May2006.pdf)

2008 Report: Democracy charade undermines rights

Human Rights Watch highlights abuses in Pakistan, Kenya, China, Somalia

Published by: Human Rights Watch (HRW), 2008
Via: Human Rights Watch

The established democracies are accepting flawed and unfair elections for political expediency, Human Rights Watch said today in releasing its World Report 2008. By allowing autocrats to pose as democrats, without demanding they uphold the civil and political rights that make democracy meaningful, the United States, the European Union and other influential democracies risk undermining human rights worldwide.

(http://hrw.org/wr2k8/)

Limpopo at a glance: Establishing the foundations for implementing ASGISA programme

Paper persented at the National and Africa Gorwth, Development and Investment Centre. Polokwane, Oasis Lodge. 24-27 April 2007

Authors: Kgabo Masehela and Isaac Nkuna

The paper provides the foundations and opportunities for implementing ASGISA programme in Limpopo Province from a statistical point of view. Indices are presented as useful illustrations from education, crime, agricultural and tourism perspectives. Limpopo is one of the poorest provinces in South Africa with Sekhukhune district declared a presidential nodal point. From the total provincial population of 5 635 000, it is estimated that 3 636 434 (63%) people live in poverty. However, the provincial economy has been growing at 4% per annum. This growth rate is largely accounted to mining expansions, tourism and ESKOM developments in Sekhukhune and Waterberg districts. The Premier State of the Province Address (2007) mentioned that investment worth not less than R38 billion in 2007 will be made by ESKOM and Mining houses. With all these in bread basket, we can aptly claim that ‘Limpopo is the future’ province for investment. Predicated on the above, the province is challenged to ask policy related questions and these include;

• To what extent should local communities be initiated, supported and empowered to participate in the mining programmes?
• To what extent should the Mining Houses be compelled to undertake social investment projects such as the building of the state of art Schools, Clinics, Community Libraries, Roads, etc.

Answers to these questions will not only ensure that we accrue the maximum benefits from the mining investments but will certainly ensure that ideals, strategic objectives and dreams set in the various policies such as the Local Economic Development (LED) and Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) are fully realized. The paper argues that the mining houses should be made to commit to social investment programmes and this can be achieved with some level of political direction. These social investments are critical to the realization of specific millennium development goals of the province. We contest that the playing field has been leveled and the proof of the pudding is in the potential investment projects and the low crime levels which provides useful context in which ASGISA is envisaged to be implemented.

(To obtain a copy please leavea a comment with your name and email on this post)

The Role and Rights of Traditional Councils in a Modern Democracy

Paper presented at the conference entitled Building partnerships between traditional councils & local government to enhance excellence in service delivery. Durban, South Africa 14-15 June, 2007

Authors: Kgabo Masehela & Simon Mothoa

The role and rights of traditional leaders in South Africa is documented by various policies and legislations including the Constitution of South Africa. In modern democracy debates on the role to be played by traditional leaders on land development, land distribution and administration has always been a contested terrain in South African. The paper reviews the various policies and legislations that intend to empower traditional leadership institution. We largely contextualize our discussion on the public hearings held on the Bill of Traditional Leadership and Institutions (2005). The discourse emanating from research conducted in the districts of Limpopo Province have largely informed the structure of this paper. Indications are that at a conceptual level traditional leaders are recognized and practically they enjoy little recognition. At practical level they are still on the periphery of the implementation of many community developments and therefore not brought to the center. The paper finally contests that education amongst the traditional leaders about most of the legislation that will affect their roles and level of participation within their local municipalities is absolutely necessary. This capacity building and empowerment of traditional leaders should include training on Public Finance Management Act. In conclusion, the paper raises questions for further research inter-alia; the extent to which women are empowered in both traditional leadership positions and agricultural farming. Although the discourse and discursive practices on women rights to land and farming is answered from a feminist perspective, data in South Africa is yet to be well collated.

(For a copy please leave a comment on this post, including your name and email address)

MDG Monitor

Keeping track of the MDGs

Via: UN Pulse

MDG Monitor, a new UN website has been launched. A tool for policymakers, development practitioners, journalists, and students, MDG Monitor aims to track in real time, efforts by countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The site includes interactive maps, country profiles, and news (RSS feed).

(http://www.mdgmonitor.org/index.cfm)

China, and the end of poverty in Africa - towards mutual benefit?

Chinese influence in Africa: a Chinese perspective

By: Davies, P
Published by: European Network on Debt and Development, 2007
Via: Eldis

This report examines China’s role as a donor in Africa. It explores Chinese views on such issues, including their response to concerns expressed about the increased cooperation with Africa.
The authors argue that China’s assistance to and cooperation with Africa is changing the rules of the game and threatens to leave by the wayside those governments, institutions and organisations which do not act strategically.

(http://www.eurodad.org/uploadedFiles/Whats_New/Reports/Kinarapport_A4.pdf)

Ideas for Development

Stimulating debate on development issues

Via: UN Pulse

Ideas for Development” is an international Blog meant to stimulate debate on development issues. It brings together a set of senior professionals engaged in this sphere through their careers and personal convictions. This Blog aims at offering a new forum for open discussion and interaction between scholars, students, professionals of various backgrounds and the public at large. Together, they can share information, viewpoints and visions for the future with the common goal of advancing the cause of development. Contributors include:

• Kemal Dervis, UNDP Administrator;
• Abdou Diouf, Organisation de la Francophonie General Secretary;
• Donald Kaberuka; African Development Bank President;
• Pascal Lamy, WTO Director General;
• Supachai Panitchpakdi, UNCTAD Secretary-General;
• Jean-Michel Severino, Agence française de développement Managing Director;
• Josette Sheeran, World Food Programme Executive Director.

(http://www.ideas4development.org/en/)

Energy, Electricity and Nuclear Power for the Period up to 2030

Published by: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), 2007
Via: UN Pulse

According to the report the share of nuclear power energy in the world was less than 1% in 1960. In 2006 the share of electricity generated worldwide by nuclear power increased to 15%. The report claims that this tendency will continue over the next several decades with new nuclear power plants being built mostly in Asia.
Related: Press release, Nuclear Power: Status and Outlook.

(http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/RDS1-27_web.pdf)