Geography and Economy in South Africa and its Neighbours: An Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. The book focuses on the changing economic geography of southern Africa, which is defined here as constituted by South Africa and its six neighbouring states of Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. It provides a trenchant critique of neo-liberal policies since 1994. The book examines the consultations and negotiations leading to the National Land Transport Transition Act, analysing the changing nature of transport policy since 1994 and, with the help of two Human Sciences Research Council Surveys, examining public perceptions of public transport, tarred roads and street drainage. South Africa is also voicing the wider concerns of developing countries in the World Trade Organisation and seeking to build common approaches on key issues within southern Africa.