Economic Development In South Africa Research Articles

Inter basin water transfers

Most economic development in South Africa has taken place on the dry plateau of the interior following the discovery of minerals. The much smaller wetter parts get most of the run-off and have generally limited possibilities for advantageous use of their water resources. Consequently, it is logical to transfer water between basins with a surplus to ones experiencing shortages. There is a body of opinion that such transfers should be stopped in the interest of the decentralistion policy, but such action is not considered in the national interest. The intricate system of inter-basin transfer from the Komati, the Usutu and the Vaal River to supply the Eastern Transvaal coalfields is described. This system has shown its flexibility during the recent drought. The most important inter-basin transfer scheme is the Tugeia- Vaal Project which is described in broad terms. The advantages of the principle of reserve storage and of co-operation with Escom are dealt with. Possible further projects to augment the Vaal River supplies are mentioned. Other inter-basin transfer schemes implemented by the Department of Water Affairs such as the Orange River Project, the Riviersonderend-Berg River Project and others of lesser importance are dealth with.

Regional Economic Development in South Africa

Regional Economic Development in South Africa

Population and Economic Development in South Africa1

Population and Economic Development in South Africa¹

Electric Development in South Africa

THE rapid economic development of South Africa during the last twenty years is illustrated by the remarkable growth that has taken place in the development of electricity both for industrial and domestic purposes. The extent to which the Union of South Africa is electrified is shown by the sales of electrical energy being 1,670 units per head of population per annum (excluding natives). This figure is twice that for the United States of America and nearly four times the corresponding figure for Great Britain. In a paper on “South African Activity” by H. A. Eastman, published in the Electrical Review for June 2, some of the reasons for this rapid and continuing growth are given. Three fifths of the total demand for electricity is due to the requirements for gold mining purposes. When the numerous mines in process of development are brought to the production stage, this will be greatly increased. The use of electricity for other industries and for domestic purposes is also increasing. The average price received by the generating stations is 0-6d. per unit. The Electricity Act which came into force in 1922 provided for the establishment of an Electricity Control Board, which is the licensing and controlling authority for all private electricity undertakings. It also controls the Electricity Supply Commission, the members of which are appointed by the Government, but which, nevertheless, is free from parliamentary control. The Electricity Supply Commission operates its undertakings at neither a profit nor a loss and adjusts its charges accordingly. Other licencees are required to refund each year to their consumers, pro rota to their payments, 25 per cent of the surplus profits of the undertaking for that year.

The Economic Development of South Africa.

The Economic Development of South Africa.

The Economic Development of the British Overseas Empire: Volume III, South Africa and The Economic Development of South Africa

The Economic Development of the British Overseas Empire: Volume III, South Africa and The Economic Development of South Africa

The Economic Development of South Africa and the Belgian Congo

The Economic Development of South Africa and the Belgian Congo