The cost-benefit analysis procedure is used to determine the viability of a programme aimed at improving transport infrastructure for small-scale cane-growers. Two mill areas were evaluated, namely Amatikulu and Sezela, situated on KwaZulu-Natal's north and south coasts respectively. Three models were constructed, as the Sezela area was subdivided into the Kwa-Hlongwa (labour-intensive) and Cabhane (planthire) projects. The results reflecting the tangible costs and benefits indicate economic nett present values of R8,18 million, R7,91 million and R1,91 million for Amatikulu, Cabhane and Kwa-Hlongwa respectively. In view of the results obtained in the base models and sensitivity analyses, indications are that the benefits of the programme will outweigh the costs by a considerable margin, making the programme a viable investment decision.
Education/training and economic demand
Education systems and their output appear to be out of step with the demands of the economy in many countries, including South Africa. Massive education investment and expansion seem to have resulted, especially in developing countries, in schooled unemployment rather than economic development, modernisation and full employment. A historicalcomparative overview reveals how economically successful countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Germany, and (until recently) the new economic giants of South-East Asia and the Far East, succeeded in aligning education and training with the economy. In conclusion the implications of their strategies for South Africa are explored. A combination of the British and Singaporean models is recommended for South Africa. A warning is, however, sounded throughout that economic systems that do not adhere to the principles of human stewardship and responsible management should not be supported by education and training in their present forms. Those involved in education and training should rather call for reform of the systems that they are expected to support
South Africa re-entered the world economy after 1994 with several disadvantages, of which an exceptionally high unemployment rate and a low-skilled labour force were the most challenging. Each year over the past decade increasing numbers of jobs have been destroyed in South Africa. The challenge facing South Africa in addressing the problem of job creation is aggravated by the fact that its labour force is predominantly low skilled. Various innovative measures for enhancing the skills base in South Africa have been introduced since the first democratic elections in 1994. The new policies are designed to deal with the country's lack of international competitiveness and the low rates of investment in the development of human capital. Since 1994, several policies and strategies have been put in place with the aim of creating jobs in various sectors of the South African economy. This states that an integrated approach to the implementation of the different innovative policy frameworks by the responsible public service departments is needed. A model for prioritisation in skills formation is given.
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