Development Southern Africa

Policy interventions to address widening inequality have focused on fiscal-based redistributive measures as governments remain less inclined directly to intervene in shaping outcomes within the production system itself. However, low and stagnating tax rates and contractions in social spending have reduced the quantum of resources available to address inequality, curtailing the effectiveness of such policies. Clearly, the pursuit of purely redistributive and other fiscal policies have been insufficient in addressing growing within country wealth and income inequality. Much less work has focused on how social disparities are reproduced through the production, financial and geospatial organisation of the economy and therefore how appropriate policy may be designed to achieve more equitable outcomes. It is therefore crucial to understand how the structure of markets and political institutions produce particular distributional outcomes before the intervention of fiscal authorities.

Rural electrification is critical for socio-economic development, enhancing livelihoods, education, and productivity in rural areas. The Namibian government's Rural Electrification Programme (REP) aims to improve the socio-economic status of rural communities, many of which lack electricity access. This qualitative study uses semi-structured interviews with key informants to assess the socio-economic impacts of the REP in Namibia. Thematic analysis reveals that electrification significantly boosts productivity, income generation, healthcare, and education, yet also presents unintended challenges. For example, disparities emerge as not all residents can afford electricity, exacerbating socio-economic divides. Policy gaps, resource mobilisation, and infrastructural challenges hinder REP's full potential. This study's findings highlight the need for robust policies to ensure equitable and sustainable rural development, aligning with Namibia's Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Further research should explore renewable energy integration and the broader impacts of rural electrification in Namibia.

This study examines the role of Social Financial Grants (SFGs) in poverty reduction in South Africa, focusing on their impact on economic stability and income inequality. Using a structured model, it explores both the direct and mediated effects of SFGs on poverty alleviation. Results indicate that SFGs significantly reduce poverty by decreasing income inequality and enhancing economic stability, key factors in a highly unequal society. Effective administration and expansion of SFGs could further benefit vulnerable populations. The study notes limitations, such as the need for longitudinal data to assess sustainability and attention to regional disparities. Recommendations include integrating SFGs with job training, improving distribution, and reducing stigma. Implications extend beyond South Africa, offering insights for other developing nations. Future research should investigate additional mediators and conduct comparative regional studies to optimise social grant programmes globally. ARTICLE HISTORY

This study examines the linkages between regional integration, poverty, and inequality reduction in the South African Customs Union. This was achieved by applying an econometric analytical technique to panel data on the five-member countries covering 2000-17. Results confirmed that regional integration is important in poverty and inequality reduction. This study has revealed that poverty can be reduced by increasing the levels of integration with other economies, increasing Human Development Indexfst and reducing inequalities. Therefore, these findings show that SACU governments' commitment to enhancing each of these variables is critical in achieving zero or reduced poverty among member states. ARTICLE HISTORY

Mergers have the potential to give firms access to more data from which to draw insights about consumers. This may help firms to better discern which consumers are price insensitive or captive, or exhibit behavioural biases, that they can exploit by charging them higher prices or nudging them towards higher priced options. Based on recent case precedent, we believe that the transfer or sharing of data or techniques in mergers involving price-discriminating firms may be sufficient for meeting the requirement of merger-specificity without there needing to be an increase in market power. Recent local case precedent also provides insight into when mergers impacting on just a small group of consumers are likely to matter. It suggests that the competition authorities in the country should be more concerned where consumers are vulnerable and where access to the services/products is particularly important to this group.

There are growing calls for travellers to apply the principles of ethical visitor behaviour (EVB) however, only a few studies have been conducted to date to measure the extent to which visitors perceive such calls and heed them at World Heritage Sites located in developing countries. This study was conducted at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in South Africa with the aim was to measure visitors' perceptions of the importance and application of EVB at the IWP. A total of 323 respondents were conveniently surveyed to rate EVB items related to perceptions of importance and behaviour. Results revealed that, although respondents perceived EVB as being important few actively applied the principles in a heterogeneous manner. The study revealed that different socio-demographic groups perceived ethical behaviour patterns differently. Such findings have practical implications, as an awareness of visitors' perceptions of EVB patterns might assist authorities in formulating effective strategies to encourage EVB. ARTICLE HISTORY

The present study investigated levels of awareness about the impact of loadshedding on the generation of household food wastes in Merafong City Local Municipality in South Africa. The research also assessed the statistical associations between socio-economic factors and food waste generation due to load-shedding. The stratified systematic sampling approach was used to select 105 survey participants. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by means of a questionnaire. The survey data were captured in Microsoft Excel (SPSS) and analysed using the Chi-squared (χ2) test and descriptive statistics. The study findings revealed a very strong association between type of settlement (χ2 = 39.8, p = 0.002 < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.355), monthly income (χ2 = 76.0, p = <0.001 < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.381), and the number of people living in the household (χ2 = 38.8, p = 0.029 < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.304) with the contribution of load-shedding to household food waste. Overall, the study has identified the contribution of loadshedding on food waste generation. It is thus imperative for future studies to not only quantify the impact of loadshedding on food waste generation in Merafong but to also develop strategies to mitigate these negative effects on communities.