A Qualitative Analysis of the Workings of Public-Private Partnerships in the Democratic South Africa since 1994: A Socio-economic and Infrastructural Development Perspective

Abstract

The main objective of this paper was to analyse the functionality and performance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the new democratic South Africa. The study identified four characteristics of a functional and performing PPP, namely, (a) commitment; (b) hard- work; (c) clear intentions and expectations; and (d) honesty and trust and used them as a basis for analysis. The analysis adopted a qualitative exploratory approach and used qualitative data collection methods such as participant observation; in-depth interviewing; qualitative document study; qualitative case study, as well as qualitative data analysis techniques such as qualitative content analysis and qualitative case study analysis, to collect and analyse data. Purposive non-probability sample extra cted from the population of participating government departments and was used for the purpose of this study. The a nalysis established that the functionality and performance of PPPs in South Africa could not be ascertained precisely due to the lack of commitment and hard-work; clear intentions and expectations; and dishonesty and mistrust from the part of both partners alike. On the basis of the findings, the study suggested the commitment and hardwork; the clear intentions and expectations ; and the honesty or trust PPPs model, that it is believed, if properly implemented, could lead to the improvement of the functionality and performance of PPPs in the country.