Work

Re-Spatializing development: Reflections from South Africa’s recent re-engagement with planning for Special Economic Zones

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: In 2014 the South African government formally sanctioned the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in that country.The importance attached to SEZs reflects a clear return to spatially-based economic interventions following the recognition of the persistence of deep-rooted structural and spatial inequalities in the country.This paper discusses South Africa's past and present involvement in processes of spatial economic development and how the SEZ concept has emerged.The potential of SEZs is assessed relative to local experience with the lacklustre performance of what were termed Industrial Development Zones (IDZs) since 2001.While re-engagement with issues of how to address 'uneven geographical development' is clearly significant, it would be difficult to argue that SEZs will achieve guaranteed success.

Source: Urbani izziv

DOI: 10.5379/urbani-izziv-en-2014-25-supplement-002

Authors: Etienne L. Nel, Christian M. Rogerson

Institutions: University of Johannesburg, University of Otago

Language: English

Topic: Economic Zones and Regional Development

Subfield: General Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: University of Johannesburg