Agenda
9:30 - 9:45: Opening and Welcome
9:45 - 12:00: Presentation and discussion of research findings
Spatial industrial policy, SEZs and cities in SA: Shirley Robinson and Roland Hunter (Cities Support Programme)
Spatial Dimensions of SEZs and secondary cities: Christopher Wood and Asanda Fotoyi (TIPS)
Tea break
Urbanization, structural transformation and rural-urban linkages in South Africa: Rob Davies (representing IFPRI)
Industrial Development and spatial planning - lessons from eThekweni Municipality: Neva Makgetla and Mbongeni Ndlovu (TIPS)
12:00 - 13:00 Panel Discussion with presenters: Urbanisation and industrialisation
Lunch: 13:00
Background
South Africa's high rate of poverty and unemployment are significantly worse in the rural areas of the country, in particular the former homelands. There has as a result been an ongoing migration out of rural areas into cities and towns. What happens to people when they arrive in urban areas? Are there jobs and economic opportunities; or does the poverty persist but in a new setting? How are cities managing the influx of people and how does the changing urban / rural dynamic impact on structural transformation in the economy?
The Development Dialogue will share research undertaken on some of these issues and consider support programmes for spatial industrial development as well as the linkages between the spatial dimension and industrial development in urban areas.