Political Economy Faculty
Migration
Migration has shaped South Africa’s political and socio-economic history for centuries, especially during the apartheid and colonial eras. The internal and cross-border movement of people is a significant feature of the country’s historic development. It is exemplified in ongoing public policy debates and political contestations about regulating migration in society. This research publication will primarily investigate the following core question: How should South Africa regulate migration in rebuilding the economy and creating socially cohesive communities?
Political Economy Faculty
The evolution of the structure of the South African economy
South Africa has to restructure its economy to achieve sustained and inclusive economic growth; and address its persistent high levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality that disproportionately affect Africans, women, young people and people with disabilities. The Evolution of the Structure of the South African Economy researches the structure of the South African economy through a heterodox political economy analysis of how post-apartheid evolution, in particular, has affected: the market structure in terms of balances among sectors; impact on employment creation; the crisis of social reproduction; Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs); the development and/or modernisation approaches and investments in infrastructure and technology development; as well as research and innovation. From this, the PRP examines the emerging and possible structural change pathways and their broad implications.
Kesa Faculty
Where innovations go to die
This priority research project aims to explore the chasms and successes of commercialisation in South Africa’s innovation system. Economic, political and social factors play an important role in the evolution of systems of innovation. Systems of innovation are crucial for accelerating and sustaining economic growth and creating new industries. These systems are thus key in improving people’s quality of life – reducing poverty and unemployment and increasing access to quality education, healthcare and other services.
Humanity Faculty
The underpinnings of violent protest in South Africa: Origins and effects
Popular protest has become a regular feature of post-1994 South Africa, most notably since 2004 with what has been interpreted as an upsurge in local and community protest. Through both international comparison and examination of local dynamics and context, this PRP intends to extend our understanding of the underpinnings of protest in South Africa and the variety of factors that generate protest action.
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