An analysis of the basic needs approach in its application to regional economic development with specific reference to Ciske
- Authors: Keeton, Gavin Rodney
- Date: 1984
- Subjects: Basic needs -- South Africa -- Ciskei Ciskei (South Africa) -- Economic conditions Ciskei (South Africa) -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1037 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004566
- Description: In Chapter 7, it was argued that improved satisfaction of basic needs could in principle lead to increased labour productivity and, via a comulative process, to increased output and income levels. Higher incomes could in turn mean further improved satisfaction of basic needs, greater labour productivity and even greater output and income levels. Thus the satisfaction of basic needs could be seen as a means towards the end of improved living standards and the reduction of poverty, and hence an instrument of development policy. From the analysis of basic needs in Ciskei, it is apparent that government expenditure has been such that the "core" basic needs have evidently been catered for, at least to some extent, for some time. Yet, there has been nothing like a concerted strategy, and expenditure on basic needs was the result of ad hoc measures, rather than a conscious strategy or development policy as such. Basic needs were therefore seen simply as ends in themselves, rather than as means to the end of self-sustained economic development. In the case of Ciskei, more information about the satisfaction of basic needs, especially health, and water supply and sanitation, is required at the present stage. Such information should not only be seen in quantitative terms (as "inputs"), but also be evaluated qualitatively (as "outputs"). In other words, basic needs should be viewed functionally as thresholds to the goal of self-sustained economic development. This applies particularly to educatfon, where the total supply may be misleading, more significant measures being quality, access and actual consumption. Data for health, and water supply and sanitation, are not readily available, and again should reflect access and usage as well as availability. Nutritional data should not only reveal the extent and nature of poor nutrition (malnutrition) but also its causes, such as, inadequate expenditure on food on account of low income levels, or inappropriate nutritional patterns of consumption. Data on shelter should take into account the appropriateness of standards and types of shelter, rather than simply the number of houses as such. At the same time, the extent to which basic needs are complementary should be investigated; e.g. the effect the improved satisfaction of education would have on shelter, shelter on health, etc. The stronger such complementarities, the lower total government expenditure on basic needs would have to be. Similarly, if expenditure on basic needs is inappropriate or ill-directed, a revision of standards and redirection of resources may be necessary. In the case of Ciskei, it may well be that total expenditure on basic needs may not be inadequate as such at the present stage, but rather that co-ordination of existing expenditure is required to yield a purposive development policy. A powerful case for the suitability of a Basic Needs strategy for Ciskei may be suggested by the intermediate nature of economic development within its borders. To the extent that some basic needs are already satisfied, at least to some degree and some more than others, certain preconditions for economic development can be said to already exist. Yet it cannot be claimed that Ciskei has reached the "take-off" stage into self-sustained economic growth in the Rostovian sense. Nevertheless, a deliberately co-ordinated Basic Needs strategy may well move Ciskei away from the danger of slipping back into the so-called "Low-Level Equilibrium Trap." In other words, a more scientifically designed, co-ordinated and deliberately applied strategy, whereby basic needs become the means towards self-sustained economic growth, should at least be able to establish the "preconditions for take-off" necessary for sustained economic development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1984
- Authors: Keeton, Gavin Rodney
- Date: 1984
- Subjects: Basic needs -- South Africa -- Ciskei Ciskei (South Africa) -- Economic conditions Ciskei (South Africa) -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1037 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004566
- Description: In Chapter 7, it was argued that improved satisfaction of basic needs could in principle lead to increased labour productivity and, via a comulative process, to increased output and income levels. Higher incomes could in turn mean further improved satisfaction of basic needs, greater labour productivity and even greater output and income levels. Thus the satisfaction of basic needs could be seen as a means towards the end of improved living standards and the reduction of poverty, and hence an instrument of development policy. From the analysis of basic needs in Ciskei, it is apparent that government expenditure has been such that the "core" basic needs have evidently been catered for, at least to some extent, for some time. Yet, there has been nothing like a concerted strategy, and expenditure on basic needs was the result of ad hoc measures, rather than a conscious strategy or development policy as such. Basic needs were therefore seen simply as ends in themselves, rather than as means to the end of self-sustained economic development. In the case of Ciskei, more information about the satisfaction of basic needs, especially health, and water supply and sanitation, is required at the present stage. Such information should not only be seen in quantitative terms (as "inputs"), but also be evaluated qualitatively (as "outputs"). In other words, basic needs should be viewed functionally as thresholds to the goal of self-sustained economic development. This applies particularly to educatfon, where the total supply may be misleading, more significant measures being quality, access and actual consumption. Data for health, and water supply and sanitation, are not readily available, and again should reflect access and usage as well as availability. Nutritional data should not only reveal the extent and nature of poor nutrition (malnutrition) but also its causes, such as, inadequate expenditure on food on account of low income levels, or inappropriate nutritional patterns of consumption. Data on shelter should take into account the appropriateness of standards and types of shelter, rather than simply the number of houses as such. At the same time, the extent to which basic needs are complementary should be investigated; e.g. the effect the improved satisfaction of education would have on shelter, shelter on health, etc. The stronger such complementarities, the lower total government expenditure on basic needs would have to be. Similarly, if expenditure on basic needs is inappropriate or ill-directed, a revision of standards and redirection of resources may be necessary. In the case of Ciskei, it may well be that total expenditure on basic needs may not be inadequate as such at the present stage, but rather that co-ordination of existing expenditure is required to yield a purposive development policy. A powerful case for the suitability of a Basic Needs strategy for Ciskei may be suggested by the intermediate nature of economic development within its borders. To the extent that some basic needs are already satisfied, at least to some degree and some more than others, certain preconditions for economic development can be said to already exist. Yet it cannot be claimed that Ciskei has reached the "take-off" stage into self-sustained economic growth in the Rostovian sense. Nevertheless, a deliberately co-ordinated Basic Needs strategy may well move Ciskei away from the danger of slipping back into the so-called "Low-Level Equilibrium Trap." In other words, a more scientifically designed, co-ordinated and deliberately applied strategy, whereby basic needs become the means towards self-sustained economic growth, should at least be able to establish the "preconditions for take-off" necessary for sustained economic development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1984
South African farm wages and working conditions: with special reference to the Albany district, 1957 to 1977
- Authors: Antrobus, Geoffrey Gordon
- Date: 1984
- Subjects: Agricultural wages -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural laborers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1028 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003722
- Description: The focus of the study is the wages and working conditions of farm labourers in commercial agriculture. After an outline examination of the broad trends in employment and wages in the agricultural industry as a whole, the emphasis falls on a micro-study of employment practices in the Eastern Cape magisterial district of Albany. The results of a survey of farmers was used to determine the level of wages, including payments in kind, the value of housing, cropping and grazing rights. It was found that cash wages made up only 25% of the total remuneration of R684 per annum, while purchased and farm produced rations made up a further 40% of the total. A survey conducted in the Albany district two decades previously was used to compare the real earnings in 1957 and 1977. Although real cash wages and rations increased over the twenty year period the restriction of cropping and grazing rights had the effect of keeping real earnings static. In the light of the improvement of other working conditions, such as the reduction in working hours, however, it is concluded that some increase in real wages did occur . It is evident that there are no clear-cut recipes for successful farm labour management and no unequivocal statements should be made about the most visible element, namely cash wages.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1984
- Authors: Antrobus, Geoffrey Gordon
- Date: 1984
- Subjects: Agricultural wages -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural laborers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1028 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003722
- Description: The focus of the study is the wages and working conditions of farm labourers in commercial agriculture. After an outline examination of the broad trends in employment and wages in the agricultural industry as a whole, the emphasis falls on a micro-study of employment practices in the Eastern Cape magisterial district of Albany. The results of a survey of farmers was used to determine the level of wages, including payments in kind, the value of housing, cropping and grazing rights. It was found that cash wages made up only 25% of the total remuneration of R684 per annum, while purchased and farm produced rations made up a further 40% of the total. A survey conducted in the Albany district two decades previously was used to compare the real earnings in 1957 and 1977. Although real cash wages and rations increased over the twenty year period the restriction of cropping and grazing rights had the effect of keeping real earnings static. In the light of the improvement of other working conditions, such as the reduction in working hours, however, it is concluded that some increase in real wages did occur . It is evident that there are no clear-cut recipes for successful farm labour management and no unequivocal statements should be made about the most visible element, namely cash wages.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1984
A price analysis of vegetables on the East London municipal market
- Authors: Fraser, Gavin Cecil Gilbert
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Agricultural prices -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1055 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006970 , Agricultural prices -- South Africa
- Description: [Introduction] Much of the information available on the prices of vegetables marketed through the fresh produce markets is of limited use to producers. This information contains the actual prices for individual years. This can obviously be taken as a guide to future prices but it does not necessarily mean that those prices are a true reflection of the general pattern. In this study an attempt will be made, firstly, to establish whether a general pattern exists in the prices of selected vegetables on the East London municipal market. This will be attempted by studying the prices obtained over the 1964-1979 period. Information of this nature can be used as a basis for the planning of future crops. Secondly, to determine the months which obtain the "best" prices for the selected vegetables taking into account the quantities supplied to the market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
- Authors: Fraser, Gavin Cecil Gilbert
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Agricultural prices -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1055 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006970 , Agricultural prices -- South Africa
- Description: [Introduction] Much of the information available on the prices of vegetables marketed through the fresh produce markets is of limited use to producers. This information contains the actual prices for individual years. This can obviously be taken as a guide to future prices but it does not necessarily mean that those prices are a true reflection of the general pattern. In this study an attempt will be made, firstly, to establish whether a general pattern exists in the prices of selected vegetables on the East London municipal market. This will be attempted by studying the prices obtained over the 1964-1979 period. Information of this nature can be used as a basis for the planning of future crops. Secondly, to determine the months which obtain the "best" prices for the selected vegetables taking into account the quantities supplied to the market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
Economic sanctions and South Africa
- Authors: Cooper, John Howard
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Economic sanctions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:1045 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006137 , Economic sanctions -- South Africa
- Description: From Introduction: There are few more emotive and contentious contemporary issues of enduring nature than the subject of economic sanctions and South Africa. The controversy surrounding this issue has implications for the structure of international social, political and economic order. The threads of the debate are woven into the historical fabric of the past two decades, during which the acrimony of arguments both for and against sanctions on South Africa has increased. Indeed, for each argument in the debate can be found a counter-argument and "lies, damned lies and statistics" abound. The complex and widespread nature of the question has elevated a practical issue into the realm of theoretical analysis. This thesis is neither purely descriptive nor purely theoretical. It has essentially two focal points, firstly, an attempt at a systematic and reasoned investigation of the many claims and counter-claims, designed to put these arguments into a broad economic framework. There is generally a greater volume of pro-sanctions literature than anti-sanctions literature, some of which is freely available in South Africa, while some is restricted and some not available at all. However, this partial lack of accessibility would seem to pose no material problem of omission: as much of the literature is repetitive, the unavailable material is usually adequately "represented" by material which is available. Also a great part of the literature contains little or no economic analysis since it focuses more on political issues. In this respect the thesis tries to represent the main points of the broad arguments concerned rather than individual nuances and personal viewpoints. It is concerned with sanctions of an economic nature rather than wider sanctions that may affect South African citizens more generally, for example, sport and diplomatic boycotts, bans and restrictions on international travel, etc.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
- Authors: Cooper, John Howard
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Economic sanctions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:1045 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006137 , Economic sanctions -- South Africa
- Description: From Introduction: There are few more emotive and contentious contemporary issues of enduring nature than the subject of economic sanctions and South Africa. The controversy surrounding this issue has implications for the structure of international social, political and economic order. The threads of the debate are woven into the historical fabric of the past two decades, during which the acrimony of arguments both for and against sanctions on South Africa has increased. Indeed, for each argument in the debate can be found a counter-argument and "lies, damned lies and statistics" abound. The complex and widespread nature of the question has elevated a practical issue into the realm of theoretical analysis. This thesis is neither purely descriptive nor purely theoretical. It has essentially two focal points, firstly, an attempt at a systematic and reasoned investigation of the many claims and counter-claims, designed to put these arguments into a broad economic framework. There is generally a greater volume of pro-sanctions literature than anti-sanctions literature, some of which is freely available in South Africa, while some is restricted and some not available at all. However, this partial lack of accessibility would seem to pose no material problem of omission: as much of the literature is repetitive, the unavailable material is usually adequately "represented" by material which is available. Also a great part of the literature contains little or no economic analysis since it focuses more on political issues. In this respect the thesis tries to represent the main points of the broad arguments concerned rather than individual nuances and personal viewpoints. It is concerned with sanctions of an economic nature rather than wider sanctions that may affect South African citizens more generally, for example, sport and diplomatic boycotts, bans and restrictions on international travel, etc.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
Some theoretical considerations in applying cost-benefit analysis to Black education in South Africa
- Authors: Hosking, Stephen Gerald
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Cost effectiveness , Black people -- Education -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Education -- Finance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1047 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006150 , Cost effectiveness , Black people -- Education -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Education -- Finance -- South Africa
- Description: From introduction: In this thesis some of the economic theory underlying the application of cost-benefit analysis to education is considered with the view to discussing its relevance to the field of educational provision for Black people in South Africa. The fact that educational facilities available to Blacks are so vastly inferior to those of the Whites has given rise to virtual consensus that more has to be provided for the Black population. The economic implications of education are frequently cited to support this viewpoint. Using (a ) the theoretical bases established in chapters 1 and 2, (b) the review of the rate of return to education studies in chapter 3 and (c) the broader socio-economic considerations introduced in chapter 4, it is concluded that this viewpoint is not necessarily well founded in South Africa and that the potential for greater use of the techniques described, is far from exhausted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
Some theoretical considerations in applying cost-benefit analysis to Black education in South Africa
- Authors: Hosking, Stephen Gerald
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Cost effectiveness , Black people -- Education -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Education -- Finance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1047 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006150 , Cost effectiveness , Black people -- Education -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Education -- Finance -- South Africa
- Description: From introduction: In this thesis some of the economic theory underlying the application of cost-benefit analysis to education is considered with the view to discussing its relevance to the field of educational provision for Black people in South Africa. The fact that educational facilities available to Blacks are so vastly inferior to those of the Whites has given rise to virtual consensus that more has to be provided for the Black population. The economic implications of education are frequently cited to support this viewpoint. Using (a ) the theoretical bases established in chapters 1 and 2, (b) the review of the rate of return to education studies in chapter 3 and (c) the broader socio-economic considerations introduced in chapter 4, it is concluded that this viewpoint is not necessarily well founded in South Africa and that the potential for greater use of the techniques described, is far from exhausted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
The theory of the firm and pricing behaviour in South African manufacturing industry
- Authors: Dollery, Brian
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Corporations Pricing Pricing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1046 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006141
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
- Authors: Dollery, Brian
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Corporations Pricing Pricing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1046 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006141
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
Theories of economic underdevelopment: a general equilibrium analysis
- Authors: Black, Philip Andrew
- Date: 1982
- Subjects: Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models Economic development -- Mathematical models Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1049 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006235
- Description: This thesis is mainly concerned with the question whether 'conventional' economic theory - especially the neoclassical theory of general equilibrium - is sufficiently flexible to accommodate the particular conditions prevailing in the developing countries. It is argued that most existing theories of economic underdevelopment adopt an interpretative approach which essentially amounts to relaxing some of the chief assumptions of the neoclassical theory. When applied to the two-sector model of general equilibrium, these theories generally yield predictions which are vastly different from those associated with the neoclassical assumptions of perfect competition, unlimited factor substitutability and unrestricted resource mobility. Several theories seek to explain the development problem in terms of the specific production processes used in poor countries. Myrdal's (1957) theory of cumulative causation, for example, effectively introduces increasing returns to scale in at least one sector or region of the economy; in contrast to the neoclassical theory, he thus nvisages a cumulative process of regional divergence in the output level per worker. Similarly, Richard Eckaus's (1955) explanation of the "factor-proportions problem" is based on the assumption of limited factor substitutability. This enables him to establish the existence of a so-called "unemployment equiIibrium", thus implying that developing countries may be faced with a conflict between the objective of maximizing social -welfare on the one hand, and that of full employment on the other. More recently, Leibenstein (1960) has shown that this trade-off may be complicated by the introduction of capital-biased technological inventions and innovations. The solution to the factor-proportions problem consists in the adoption of more appropriate, usually labour-biased technologies, increased capital formation and a reduction in the rate of population growth. Much of the postwar literature on economic development has focused on the imperfectly competitive structure of the product and the factor markets in developing countries. Myint (1954) has highlighted the role played by monopolies and ligopolies during the "opening-up" process of economic development. Likewise, both Lewis's (1954) dualist theory and Todaro's (1969; 1971) model of rural-urban migration attempt to explain the unemployment problem in terms of various factor price distortions. In an international context, Prebisch (1950; 1959) and Singer (1950) have again shown how prevailing differences in the structure of markets between developed and developing countries may turn the terms of trade against the latter; using a two-sector model, Bhagwati (1958) has demonstrated that such a deterioration in the terms of trade could bring about a net decrease in the welfare level of the countries concerned. Generally, the policy measures relevant to the "market imperfections" problem include the creation of job opportunities in the rural (rather than urban) sector, the encouragement of informal-sector enterprises,and the imposition of factor taxes and subsidies as a means of counteracting the adverse effect of factor price distortions on employment. A more recent approach to the unemployment problem is the plea by the International Labor Office (1970; 1972) for a redistribution of income within the developing countries. In terms of the two-sector model, such a policy may well succeed in eliminating labour unemployment caused by fixed factor proportions and/or factor price distortions. It should be realized, though, that a redistribution of income may lower the aggregate savings level, and hence also the growth rates of capital and labour employment in the economy. On the whole, it would seem that these theories do indeed adopt a modified version of the neoclassical theory in providing a fairly comprehensive explanation of the economic problems of labour unemployment, low incomes and inequality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1982
- Authors: Black, Philip Andrew
- Date: 1982
- Subjects: Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models Economic development -- Mathematical models Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1049 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006235
- Description: This thesis is mainly concerned with the question whether 'conventional' economic theory - especially the neoclassical theory of general equilibrium - is sufficiently flexible to accommodate the particular conditions prevailing in the developing countries. It is argued that most existing theories of economic underdevelopment adopt an interpretative approach which essentially amounts to relaxing some of the chief assumptions of the neoclassical theory. When applied to the two-sector model of general equilibrium, these theories generally yield predictions which are vastly different from those associated with the neoclassical assumptions of perfect competition, unlimited factor substitutability and unrestricted resource mobility. Several theories seek to explain the development problem in terms of the specific production processes used in poor countries. Myrdal's (1957) theory of cumulative causation, for example, effectively introduces increasing returns to scale in at least one sector or region of the economy; in contrast to the neoclassical theory, he thus nvisages a cumulative process of regional divergence in the output level per worker. Similarly, Richard Eckaus's (1955) explanation of the "factor-proportions problem" is based on the assumption of limited factor substitutability. This enables him to establish the existence of a so-called "unemployment equiIibrium", thus implying that developing countries may be faced with a conflict between the objective of maximizing social -welfare on the one hand, and that of full employment on the other. More recently, Leibenstein (1960) has shown that this trade-off may be complicated by the introduction of capital-biased technological inventions and innovations. The solution to the factor-proportions problem consists in the adoption of more appropriate, usually labour-biased technologies, increased capital formation and a reduction in the rate of population growth. Much of the postwar literature on economic development has focused on the imperfectly competitive structure of the product and the factor markets in developing countries. Myint (1954) has highlighted the role played by monopolies and ligopolies during the "opening-up" process of economic development. Likewise, both Lewis's (1954) dualist theory and Todaro's (1969; 1971) model of rural-urban migration attempt to explain the unemployment problem in terms of various factor price distortions. In an international context, Prebisch (1950; 1959) and Singer (1950) have again shown how prevailing differences in the structure of markets between developed and developing countries may turn the terms of trade against the latter; using a two-sector model, Bhagwati (1958) has demonstrated that such a deterioration in the terms of trade could bring about a net decrease in the welfare level of the countries concerned. Generally, the policy measures relevant to the "market imperfections" problem include the creation of job opportunities in the rural (rather than urban) sector, the encouragement of informal-sector enterprises,and the imposition of factor taxes and subsidies as a means of counteracting the adverse effect of factor price distortions on employment. A more recent approach to the unemployment problem is the plea by the International Labor Office (1970; 1972) for a redistribution of income within the developing countries. In terms of the two-sector model, such a policy may well succeed in eliminating labour unemployment caused by fixed factor proportions and/or factor price distortions. It should be realized, though, that a redistribution of income may lower the aggregate savings level, and hence also the growth rates of capital and labour employment in the economy. On the whole, it would seem that these theories do indeed adopt a modified version of the neoclassical theory in providing a fairly comprehensive explanation of the economic problems of labour unemployment, low incomes and inequality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1982
Witwatersrand genesis: a comparative study of some early gold mining companies, 1886-1894
- Authors: Webb, Arthur (Arthur C M)
- Date: 1982
- Subjects: Gold mines and mining -- South Africa -- History Gold mines and mining -- South Africa -- Witwatersrand -- History Ferreira Gold Mining Company (Firm) Witwatersrand Gold Mining Company (Firm) Simmer and Jack Gold Mining Company (Firm) Wemmer Gold Mining Company (Firm)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1029 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003725
- Description: Preface: For anyone standing on the ridge of the Witwatersrand on a spring day in September 1886 the sight immediately to the south represented a hive of activity and hope. Nearly a hundred years later ample evidence stretches away on both sides of the watershed to confirm the fulfilment of those early sentiments. It is, nevertheless, all too easy to ignore the struggles and failures which marked the beginnings of the world's greatest gold field in the light of its subsequent abundant success. Only when attention is turned to the individual companies formed to exploit the discovery does the true picture emerge of the lack of adequate technological and managerial knowledge amongst the early pioneers and of the financial frailty of their companies. The object of this thesis is to shed light on these beginnings by reviewing the histories of four of the earliest companies established to work the main reef. The approach adopted is to scrutinize the material available with a view to determining the motivations and actions of the managements of the various companies with regard to their economic environment, whether within or without the individual company. Clearly, the availability of information is a major determinant of the success of any such venture and this was particularly so in the case of the companies considered. With the exception of the Barlow Rand Limited holding of the H. Eckstein and Company Archives, which offers an integral coverage of that firm's dealings with the emerging industry, and which is certainly the most comprehensive source of information available to the researcher, little material relating to specific gold mining companies has survived. Under these circumstances it was necessary to rely heavily for information on the local press. These newspapers proved an invaluable source in this regard. As a mining camp with a limited capacity for generating newsworthy incidents, the newspapers of early Johannesburg found an eager readership for information about the industry which lay at the heart of the community. For their part, the managements of the various mining companies found in the pages of the local press an outlet for intelligence both true and false; the press was a useful vehicle for the publication of directors' and annual reports to meet a wider audience, but similarly it could be and was used to disseminate 'spectacular' reports calculated to influence the status of a company's stock on the local share market. As a research source the press has thus to be approached with caution but its value, if the warning is heeded, is in no way diminished. Beyond these two sources the next most valuable accumulation of data on the early industry is "The Gold Fields Collection" housed in the Cory Library for Historical Research at Rhodes University. As a collection it is far from complete and it is to be hoped that the donors will in future see fit to augment it with further material as this becomes available. It neverthess proved an invaluable source for the investigation of at least one of the companies of the study and for a general background to the industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1982
- Authors: Webb, Arthur (Arthur C M)
- Date: 1982
- Subjects: Gold mines and mining -- South Africa -- History Gold mines and mining -- South Africa -- Witwatersrand -- History Ferreira Gold Mining Company (Firm) Witwatersrand Gold Mining Company (Firm) Simmer and Jack Gold Mining Company (Firm) Wemmer Gold Mining Company (Firm)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1029 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003725
- Description: Preface: For anyone standing on the ridge of the Witwatersrand on a spring day in September 1886 the sight immediately to the south represented a hive of activity and hope. Nearly a hundred years later ample evidence stretches away on both sides of the watershed to confirm the fulfilment of those early sentiments. It is, nevertheless, all too easy to ignore the struggles and failures which marked the beginnings of the world's greatest gold field in the light of its subsequent abundant success. Only when attention is turned to the individual companies formed to exploit the discovery does the true picture emerge of the lack of adequate technological and managerial knowledge amongst the early pioneers and of the financial frailty of their companies. The object of this thesis is to shed light on these beginnings by reviewing the histories of four of the earliest companies established to work the main reef. The approach adopted is to scrutinize the material available with a view to determining the motivations and actions of the managements of the various companies with regard to their economic environment, whether within or without the individual company. Clearly, the availability of information is a major determinant of the success of any such venture and this was particularly so in the case of the companies considered. With the exception of the Barlow Rand Limited holding of the H. Eckstein and Company Archives, which offers an integral coverage of that firm's dealings with the emerging industry, and which is certainly the most comprehensive source of information available to the researcher, little material relating to specific gold mining companies has survived. Under these circumstances it was necessary to rely heavily for information on the local press. These newspapers proved an invaluable source in this regard. As a mining camp with a limited capacity for generating newsworthy incidents, the newspapers of early Johannesburg found an eager readership for information about the industry which lay at the heart of the community. For their part, the managements of the various mining companies found in the pages of the local press an outlet for intelligence both true and false; the press was a useful vehicle for the publication of directors' and annual reports to meet a wider audience, but similarly it could be and was used to disseminate 'spectacular' reports calculated to influence the status of a company's stock on the local share market. As a research source the press has thus to be approached with caution but its value, if the warning is heeded, is in no way diminished. Beyond these two sources the next most valuable accumulation of data on the early industry is "The Gold Fields Collection" housed in the Cory Library for Historical Research at Rhodes University. As a collection it is far from complete and it is to be hoped that the donors will in future see fit to augment it with further material as this becomes available. It neverthess proved an invaluable source for the investigation of at least one of the companies of the study and for a general background to the industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1982
Die stedelike informele sektor in die volkshuishouding van die Ciskei
- Authors: Jacobs, François Alwyn
- Date: 1981
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Urban policy -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Ciskei (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1054 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006876 , Community development -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Urban policy -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Ciskei (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1981
- Authors: Jacobs, François Alwyn
- Date: 1981
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Urban policy -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Ciskei (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1054 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006876 , Community development -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Urban policy -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Ciskei (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1981
An investigation of the corporate planning concept in a South African motor manufacturing undertaking
- Authors: Coman, Keith Rawson
- Date: 1980
- Subjects: Business planning -- South Africa , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1081 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010583 , Business planning -- South Africa , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa
- Description: The intention of this dissertation is to attempt to project the theoretical concept of Corporate (or Long-Range) Planning into the reality of one of South Africa's major motor vehicle manufacturing company's task environment. It is a sad fact that there are no universally - applicable practical planning "laws" (as are present within the discipline of, say, Physics) amidst the ever-changing hurly-burly world of modern commerce and industry. Accordingly, there are very real distinctions between distilled Corporate Planning theory, as it is propounded in the many available books and articles, and Corporate Planning practice as actually implemented. This is true largely by virtue of the fact that in the same way as persons differ in their physical and mental make-up, so too do individual companies; even to the extent of acquiring a distinct corporate "personality" of their own. Terms of reference, p. 1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1980
- Authors: Coman, Keith Rawson
- Date: 1980
- Subjects: Business planning -- South Africa , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1081 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010583 , Business planning -- South Africa , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa
- Description: The intention of this dissertation is to attempt to project the theoretical concept of Corporate (or Long-Range) Planning into the reality of one of South Africa's major motor vehicle manufacturing company's task environment. It is a sad fact that there are no universally - applicable practical planning "laws" (as are present within the discipline of, say, Physics) amidst the ever-changing hurly-burly world of modern commerce and industry. Accordingly, there are very real distinctions between distilled Corporate Planning theory, as it is propounded in the many available books and articles, and Corporate Planning practice as actually implemented. This is true largely by virtue of the fact that in the same way as persons differ in their physical and mental make-up, so too do individual companies; even to the extent of acquiring a distinct corporate "personality" of their own. Terms of reference, p. 1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1980
The term structure of interest rates in South Africa
- Authors: Dollery, Brian
- Date: 1976
- Subjects: Interest rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:1083 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011180 , Interest rates -- South Africa
- Description: Since the late ' fifties the term structure of interest rates has attracted considerable attention from both theoretical and empirical economists. While potentially a very fruitful area for the application of the traditional methods of economic enquiry, the term structure has proved itself to be a potent testing ground for these tools, and consequently a wide range of sophisticated analytic devices have been introduced, Despite this, no general agreement has yet been reached and a number of crucial questions remain unanswered. It is our task in this dissertation to extend the enquiry into the South African context in an attempt to shed some light on the determination of the term structure of interest rates. Intro., p. 1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1976
- Authors: Dollery, Brian
- Date: 1976
- Subjects: Interest rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:1083 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011180 , Interest rates -- South Africa
- Description: Since the late ' fifties the term structure of interest rates has attracted considerable attention from both theoretical and empirical economists. While potentially a very fruitful area for the application of the traditional methods of economic enquiry, the term structure has proved itself to be a potent testing ground for these tools, and consequently a wide range of sophisticated analytic devices have been introduced, Despite this, no general agreement has yet been reached and a number of crucial questions remain unanswered. It is our task in this dissertation to extend the enquiry into the South African context in an attempt to shed some light on the determination of the term structure of interest rates. Intro., p. 1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1976
Die nywerheidsopleiding van vakleerlinge en hulle relatiewe invloed op die besetting van die arbeidsmark oor die afgelope tien jaar, met inbegrip van die toepaslike aspekte op die grensgebied
- Authors: De Beer, David Petrus
- Date: 1975
- Subjects: Apprentices -- Training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Apprentices -- Labor market -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1082 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011032 , Apprentices -- Training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Apprentices -- Labor market -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1975
- Authors: De Beer, David Petrus
- Date: 1975
- Subjects: Apprentices -- Training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Apprentices -- Labor market -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1082 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011032 , Apprentices -- Training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Apprentices -- Labor market -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1975
Aspects of the theory of human capital and its application to South African economic development
- Authors: Bates, Terrence
- Date: 1974
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1961-1991
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1064 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007608 , Human capital -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1961-1991
- Description: Human capital is an important economic concept. The significance of human resource development, in the form of both education and health, has long been realised and was stressed even in the writings of the early economists. Introduction, p.1
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1974
- Authors: Bates, Terrence
- Date: 1974
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1961-1991
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1064 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007608 , Human capital -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1961-1991
- Description: Human capital is an important economic concept. The significance of human resource development, in the form of both education and health, has long been realised and was stressed even in the writings of the early economists. Introduction, p.1
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1974
An analysis of the transport infrastructure of the Cape Midlands and Karroo regions
- Authors: Staude, G E
- Date: 1973
- Subjects: Transportation -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope , Railroads -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope -- History , Railroads -- Construction and development -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope -- History , Transportation, Automotive -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope , Roads -- Construction and development -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1068 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007697
- Description: From Preface: In 1966, the Karroo Development Association approached Rhodes University to undertake a socio-economic survey of their region. This survey was to form the basis for development planning in view of the expected benefit to the region of the Orange River Project. Similar requests were also received from the Midlands Planning Association and the South Eastern Areas Development Association. When Rhodes University consulted the Department of Planning, which strongly supported the principle of a regional survey, it was decided that, although Port Elizabeth and its hinterland comprised a logical economic unit, the area should be sub-divided. The University of Port Elizabeth was entrusted with the responsibility for an analysis of the metropolitan area, while the Institute of Social and Economic Research of Rhodes University was commissioned to undertake a socio-economic survey of the inland areas. This thesis on the transport infrastructure of the Cape Midlands and Karroo Regions represents one aspect of the survey.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1973
- Authors: Staude, G E
- Date: 1973
- Subjects: Transportation -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope , Railroads -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope -- History , Railroads -- Construction and development -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope -- History , Transportation, Automotive -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope , Roads -- Construction and development -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1068 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007697
- Description: From Preface: In 1966, the Karroo Development Association approached Rhodes University to undertake a socio-economic survey of their region. This survey was to form the basis for development planning in view of the expected benefit to the region of the Orange River Project. Similar requests were also received from the Midlands Planning Association and the South Eastern Areas Development Association. When Rhodes University consulted the Department of Planning, which strongly supported the principle of a regional survey, it was decided that, although Port Elizabeth and its hinterland comprised a logical economic unit, the area should be sub-divided. The University of Port Elizabeth was entrusted with the responsibility for an analysis of the metropolitan area, while the Institute of Social and Economic Research of Rhodes University was commissioned to undertake a socio-economic survey of the inland areas. This thesis on the transport infrastructure of the Cape Midlands and Karroo Regions represents one aspect of the survey.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1973
'n Kritiese oorsig en studie van die werkinge van die bemarkingswet van 1937, tot en met die gewysigde en gekonsolideerde wetgewing van wet 59, van 1968 [Deel I]
- Authors: Smith, Evert Frederik
- Date: 1972
- Subjects: Mohair -- Marketing , Mohair industry -- South Africa , South Africa. Mohair Board
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1113 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014359
- Description: [From Introduction]. Navorsing oor hierdie proefskrif het meegebring dat die Bemarkingswet (soos gewysig) en die Suid-Afrikaanse Sybokhaarbedryf, intensief behandel en ontleed moes word om gevolgtrekkings te maak. Die navorsing het 'n baie wye veld gedek en aan die einde van elke hoofstuk, wat voltooi is, is die bron van inligting wat nageslaan is, genoem. Aan die einde van hierdie verhandeling en sitasie, sal die geografiese verwysings meer volledig aangetoon word. Daar was so baie bronne van navorsing dat alleenlik die belangrikste volgens my mening genoem en opgesom kon word. Omdat opsommings en gevolgtrekkings gemaak moes word van die bestaande inligting in sy geheel, is daar nie spesifiek kwoteer van waar sekere inligting bekom is nie. Deel I van hierdie proefskrif behandel die Bemarkingswet, sy ontstaan, kritiek en beginsels. Deel II handel oor die Sybokhaarraad, sy ontslaan, soos dit onder die Bemarkingsraad as In Beheerraad ressorteer, hoe hy daarin geslaag het om die Bemarkingswet toe te pas en sekere aanbevelings en opmerkings met betrekking tot die werkinge daarvan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1972
- Authors: Smith, Evert Frederik
- Date: 1972
- Subjects: Mohair -- Marketing , Mohair industry -- South Africa , South Africa. Mohair Board
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1113 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014359
- Description: [From Introduction]. Navorsing oor hierdie proefskrif het meegebring dat die Bemarkingswet (soos gewysig) en die Suid-Afrikaanse Sybokhaarbedryf, intensief behandel en ontleed moes word om gevolgtrekkings te maak. Die navorsing het 'n baie wye veld gedek en aan die einde van elke hoofstuk, wat voltooi is, is die bron van inligting wat nageslaan is, genoem. Aan die einde van hierdie verhandeling en sitasie, sal die geografiese verwysings meer volledig aangetoon word. Daar was so baie bronne van navorsing dat alleenlik die belangrikste volgens my mening genoem en opgesom kon word. Omdat opsommings en gevolgtrekkings gemaak moes word van die bestaande inligting in sy geheel, is daar nie spesifiek kwoteer van waar sekere inligting bekom is nie. Deel I van hierdie proefskrif behandel die Bemarkingswet, sy ontstaan, kritiek en beginsels. Deel II handel oor die Sybokhaarraad, sy ontslaan, soos dit onder die Bemarkingsraad as In Beheerraad ressorteer, hoe hy daarin geslaag het om die Bemarkingswet toe te pas en sekere aanbevelings en opmerkings met betrekking tot die werkinge daarvan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1972
Education : an investment or a liability? : an economic analysis of education and its role in the development of underdeveloped countries, with special reference to the concept of human capital
- Authors: Bates, Terrence
- Date: 1970
- Subjects: Education -- Economic aspects -- Developing countries , Human capital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Honours , BCom
- Identifier: vital:1110 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013466
- Description: From Introduction: Education, in the broadest sense of the term, is as old as man himself, but the attention devoted to it has fluctuated to extremities over time. The "Economics of Education", as a separate study, has suffered the same cyclical life, but has in recent years experienced a prolonged revival of interest, eapecially with regard to the concept of "Human Capital".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1970
- Authors: Bates, Terrence
- Date: 1970
- Subjects: Education -- Economic aspects -- Developing countries , Human capital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Honours , BCom
- Identifier: vital:1110 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013466
- Description: From Introduction: Education, in the broadest sense of the term, is as old as man himself, but the attention devoted to it has fluctuated to extremities over time. The "Economics of Education", as a separate study, has suffered the same cyclical life, but has in recent years experienced a prolonged revival of interest, eapecially with regard to the concept of "Human Capital".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1970
Some aspects of the Franco-German economic relations between the two world wars
- Authors: Wolf, Hans J
- Date: 1970
- Subjects: Economic history -- 1918-1945 , France -- Economic conditions -- 20th century , Germany -- Economic conditions -- 20th century , France -- Foreign relations -- Germany , Germany -- Foreign relations -- France
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:1067 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007687
- Description: From Preface: In this thesis I have aimed at covering a field in Economic History where not many suitable publications are available in English. During the interwar period, the maintenance of peace and harmonious international relations was directly dependent on a reconciliation of the conflicting interests between France and Germany. In studying the economic implications of the Franco-German antagonism, I have tried to throw light upon the crucial role which this relationship played. The Appendix offers a quantitative survey of economic conditions in the two countries and of the relevant production and exchange problems. To assist the reader who is not completely familiar with this period, a brief summary of the relevant conferences, agreements and treaties is also offered in the Appendix, as well as some short biographical notes. I would like to make it clear, however, that this thesis is neither supposed to be a paraphrase of the Appendix, nor a mere treatise on the commercial relations between the two countries concerned. I aimed rather at revealing the forces behind the events and at illustrating how economic problems became quite often subject to political and military considerations. When trying to attain some understanding of Franco-German relations, it seems advisable to look not only at the interbellum period, but in the first instance to become aware of the currents of history which finally led to the two disastrous World Wars.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1970
- Authors: Wolf, Hans J
- Date: 1970
- Subjects: Economic history -- 1918-1945 , France -- Economic conditions -- 20th century , Germany -- Economic conditions -- 20th century , France -- Foreign relations -- Germany , Germany -- Foreign relations -- France
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:1067 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007687
- Description: From Preface: In this thesis I have aimed at covering a field in Economic History where not many suitable publications are available in English. During the interwar period, the maintenance of peace and harmonious international relations was directly dependent on a reconciliation of the conflicting interests between France and Germany. In studying the economic implications of the Franco-German antagonism, I have tried to throw light upon the crucial role which this relationship played. The Appendix offers a quantitative survey of economic conditions in the two countries and of the relevant production and exchange problems. To assist the reader who is not completely familiar with this period, a brief summary of the relevant conferences, agreements and treaties is also offered in the Appendix, as well as some short biographical notes. I would like to make it clear, however, that this thesis is neither supposed to be a paraphrase of the Appendix, nor a mere treatise on the commercial relations between the two countries concerned. I aimed rather at revealing the forces behind the events and at illustrating how economic problems became quite often subject to political and military considerations. When trying to attain some understanding of Franco-German relations, it seems advisable to look not only at the interbellum period, but in the first instance to become aware of the currents of history which finally led to the two disastrous World Wars.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1970
The Cape Midlands: its demography (1911-1960) and regional income (1954/55-1959/60)
- Authors: Banach, John A
- Date: 1970 , 2013-12-09
- Subjects: Demography , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Population , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Population
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1062 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007585 , Demography , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Population , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Population
- Description: The area covered in this survey of the Cape Midlands is roughly that portion of the Eastern Cape Province which looks to Port Elizabeth as its principal industrial and market centre where the density of the population is the closest. It lies generally within the geographical region described by Professor J.V.L. Rennie as the Eastern Province Midlands Area. "The Midlands area appears to include all that part of the Eastern Province lying west of the Great Fish and Tark rivers and at least as far inland as the Great Escarpment. The term (Cape Midlands) is commonly applied to local organisations in the larger inland centres of Graaff-Reinet and Port Elizabeth interests. Intro. p.1-2
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1970
- Authors: Banach, John A
- Date: 1970 , 2013-12-09
- Subjects: Demography , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Population , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Population
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1062 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007585 , Demography , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Population , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Population
- Description: The area covered in this survey of the Cape Midlands is roughly that portion of the Eastern Cape Province which looks to Port Elizabeth as its principal industrial and market centre where the density of the population is the closest. It lies generally within the geographical region described by Professor J.V.L. Rennie as the Eastern Province Midlands Area. "The Midlands area appears to include all that part of the Eastern Province lying west of the Great Fish and Tark rivers and at least as far inland as the Great Escarpment. The term (Cape Midlands) is commonly applied to local organisations in the larger inland centres of Graaff-Reinet and Port Elizabeth interests. Intro. p.1-2
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1970
An econometrical estimation of the demand for money in South Africa : the long-run function during the period 1918-60
- Authors: Maxwell, Thomas
- Date: 1969
- Subjects: Econometrics Keynesian economics Demand for money -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1065 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007618
- Description: Introduction: In recent years there has been a marked upsurge in the output of literature dealing with the demand for money, but with the exception of the North American Continent, empirical research has lagged distressingly far behind the voluminous output of theory. This dearth of empirical results has had a restrictive influence. Since any of the controversial points which are being disputed by theoreticians can only be resolved by recourse to empirical methods. The restriction of empirical research to the North American Continent has further meant that the various points under dispute have had only a limited qualification and consequently monetary theorists have had no indication as to the universalizability of their conclusions. There is thus a great need for empirical studies in other countries so that the validity of the rival theories can be tested under different conditions. It was with these thoughts in mind that the present study was undertaken. Its objectives are strictly national and no pretense of strict international comparability is made. Further, great care has been taken to avoid the pitfall so beloved of econometricians, the fallacy of reduction wherein strictly limited results are uncritically universalized. Thus no attempt has been made to draw conclusions which will have universal validity. The theoretically vital points which are going to be examined in the light of South African experience are: 1. The feasibility of distinguishing idle from active balances, and if this proves possible, the determination of the wealth and interest elasticities of these balances; 2. Dropping the explicit distinction between idle and active balances to (a) determine the role of interest rates, (b) determine the appropriate constraint on the demand function, (c) determine what effect different definitions of money have on (a) and (b); 3. To examine the stability of the demand function over time. Truth is, of course, many-sided and any uniform presentation can only aspire to present a one-sided picture, just like a photograph cannot hope to do justice to the full grandeur of nature, merely presenting a one-dimensional representation of a many dimensioned object. In spite of this restriction which is inherent in all econometrical studies, this one-sided picture seems to be justified in view of the lack of any unified and coherent treatment of the demand for money in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1969
- Authors: Maxwell, Thomas
- Date: 1969
- Subjects: Econometrics Keynesian economics Demand for money -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1065 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007618
- Description: Introduction: In recent years there has been a marked upsurge in the output of literature dealing with the demand for money, but with the exception of the North American Continent, empirical research has lagged distressingly far behind the voluminous output of theory. This dearth of empirical results has had a restrictive influence. Since any of the controversial points which are being disputed by theoreticians can only be resolved by recourse to empirical methods. The restriction of empirical research to the North American Continent has further meant that the various points under dispute have had only a limited qualification and consequently monetary theorists have had no indication as to the universalizability of their conclusions. There is thus a great need for empirical studies in other countries so that the validity of the rival theories can be tested under different conditions. It was with these thoughts in mind that the present study was undertaken. Its objectives are strictly national and no pretense of strict international comparability is made. Further, great care has been taken to avoid the pitfall so beloved of econometricians, the fallacy of reduction wherein strictly limited results are uncritically universalized. Thus no attempt has been made to draw conclusions which will have universal validity. The theoretically vital points which are going to be examined in the light of South African experience are: 1. The feasibility of distinguishing idle from active balances, and if this proves possible, the determination of the wealth and interest elasticities of these balances; 2. Dropping the explicit distinction between idle and active balances to (a) determine the role of interest rates, (b) determine the appropriate constraint on the demand function, (c) determine what effect different definitions of money have on (a) and (b); 3. To examine the stability of the demand function over time. Truth is, of course, many-sided and any uniform presentation can only aspire to present a one-sided picture, just like a photograph cannot hope to do justice to the full grandeur of nature, merely presenting a one-dimensional representation of a many dimensioned object. In spite of this restriction which is inherent in all econometrical studies, this one-sided picture seems to be justified in view of the lack of any unified and coherent treatment of the demand for money in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1969
The production and marketing of South African Maize since 1910, with special reference to the years 1954 to 1966
- Authors: Brits, Rudolph Nieuwoudt
- Date: 1969
- Subjects: South Africa. Maize Board , Corn industry -- South Africa , Corn -- South Africa -- Marketing , Corn -- South Africa -- Marketing -- Government policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1104 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013386
- Description: From Introduction: There is no evidence available that maize was known in the old world in ancient times. Seeds of barley and wheat have been found in ancient near eastern sites, but never has there been any trace of maize at all. Furthermore, maize as a plant is not mentioned in the Bible, and neither Greek nor Chinese literature makes any reference to maize. There is, therefore, nothing that suggests that maize was known in the Old world before about 1492. However, at that time, Christopher Columbus returned with a report about a new grain called "Maiz". At a later date explorers visiting America found that maize was being grown and consumed by the Red Indians in places as far apart as Canada and Chile. The consensus of opinion is, therefore, that maize originated in America and was only subsequently imported into Europe. However, in a very excellent paper, Dr. M.D.W. Jeffreys comes to the very convincing conclusion that "Maize, a non-self-propagating American plant, was introduced to east African littorals before the Portuguese rounded the Cape and was seen by the Chinese navigators at Melinde Circa 1414… Maize was brought to the Indian Ocean littorals by Arabs before 1400. Maize was brought into southern Africa by the Nguni by 1400 and later by the baVenda. Maize was introduced by the Dutch in 1658. There is no evidence that maize was introduced by the Portuguese. Irrespective of the exact date when maize was introduced into South Africa, it was only from the year 1840 that there was any real agricultural development in South Africa. At this date, all those who had participated in the Great Trek had more or less settled down, and substantial areas were planted with wheat, maize and oats.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1969
- Authors: Brits, Rudolph Nieuwoudt
- Date: 1969
- Subjects: South Africa. Maize Board , Corn industry -- South Africa , Corn -- South Africa -- Marketing , Corn -- South Africa -- Marketing -- Government policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1104 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013386
- Description: From Introduction: There is no evidence available that maize was known in the old world in ancient times. Seeds of barley and wheat have been found in ancient near eastern sites, but never has there been any trace of maize at all. Furthermore, maize as a plant is not mentioned in the Bible, and neither Greek nor Chinese literature makes any reference to maize. There is, therefore, nothing that suggests that maize was known in the Old world before about 1492. However, at that time, Christopher Columbus returned with a report about a new grain called "Maiz". At a later date explorers visiting America found that maize was being grown and consumed by the Red Indians in places as far apart as Canada and Chile. The consensus of opinion is, therefore, that maize originated in America and was only subsequently imported into Europe. However, in a very excellent paper, Dr. M.D.W. Jeffreys comes to the very convincing conclusion that "Maize, a non-self-propagating American plant, was introduced to east African littorals before the Portuguese rounded the Cape and was seen by the Chinese navigators at Melinde Circa 1414… Maize was brought to the Indian Ocean littorals by Arabs before 1400. Maize was brought into southern Africa by the Nguni by 1400 and later by the baVenda. Maize was introduced by the Dutch in 1658. There is no evidence that maize was introduced by the Portuguese. Irrespective of the exact date when maize was introduced into South Africa, it was only from the year 1840 that there was any real agricultural development in South Africa. At this date, all those who had participated in the Great Trek had more or less settled down, and substantial areas were planted with wheat, maize and oats.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1969