ABSTRACT
Chinese development co-operation in Africa has invoked admiration and criticism, much of which is based on limited empirical or anecdotal evidence, contributing to confl icting perceptions as to its purpose, means and outcomes. Unpacking the policies, institutions and instruments of Chinese development co-operation is a necessary prerequisite to understanding the impact that this form of assistance has on African economies and livelihoods. Moreover, examining particular case studies of development co-operation provides an opportunity to assess the relative success and failure of what the Chinese government likes to characterise as a unique form of foreign assistance. The focus of this chapter will be on one example of Chinese development co-operation, a housing project based in the South African township of Tembisa. While clearly only a single case study of a specifi c grant-based project, nevertheless, the example of the Tembisa Friendship Town provides useful insights into the differing dimensions of this key feature of Chinese engagement with Africa.
