Economic Studies
A multi-causal analysis of local economic development
Atkinson, D (2009), A multi-causal analysis of local economic development: The example of Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, Unpublished report, Rhodes University. Introduction Small towns have not featured much on South Africa’s political landscape since 1994. The focus has been primarily on the areas with economic advantage, as defined by the Government’s National Spatial Development Perspective (NSDP), and […]
A multi-dimensional analysis of local economic development in Graaff-Reinet
Doreen Atkinson and Mark Ingle “A multi-dimensional analysis of local economic development in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape”, Journal for New Generation Sciences, vol. 8 no. 1, 11-28. Abstract This article presents the results of a business survey conducted in the Great Karoo town of Graaff-Reinet. The survey solicited the views of business owners on a range of […]
An Analysis of the Aberdeen Business Sector
Prof Atkinson, D (2006), An Analysis of the Aberdeen Business Sector, Institute for Social and Economic Research, Rhodes University. Unpublished paper. Introduction: Why study small towns? Small towns are a neglected topic of study in South Africa, as well as other countries. Much more focus is typically placed on metropolitan issues, as well as […]
Beaufort West case study
Van Rooyen, D (2007), Beaufort West case study. Unpublished report, Centre for Development Studies, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. BACKGROUND – BRIEF HISTORY The town of Beaufort West was established in 1818 on the farm Hooyvlakkte at the request of Lord Charles, Somerset, then governor of the Cape. The town was named in honour […]
Bethulie case study
Sigenu, K (2007), Bethulie case study. Unpublished report, Centre for Development Studies, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. BACKGROUND Bethulie had its origins as a mission station for the displaced San from nearby Philippolis in the mid 1820s. Nowadays it is part of the Kopanong Local Municipality along with eight other towns, i.e. Gariepdam, […]
Business confidence in a Karoo town
Van Rooyen, D (2011), “The U-turn: Business confidence in a Karoo town”, Southern African Business Review, vol. 15, no. 2, 2011. ABSTRACT Business confidence helps explain the sentiments that business owners or managers have towards current and future business conditions. This article compares several ways of measuring business confidence. Business confidence is mostly surveyed […]
Changes in small towns in South Africa’s Karoo
Etienne Nel, B Taylor, T Hill, D Atkinson “Changes in small towns in South Africa’s Karoo: Looking from the inside out”. Urban Forum, published online, 17 August 2011. Abstract This article seeks to situate the experience of demographic and economic change in South African small towns within a broader context. Drawing on international literature detailing […]
Cradock case study
Sigenu, K (2007), Cradock case study. Unpublished report, Centre for Development Studies, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. BACKGROUND The history of Cradock dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, when British troops were stationed in the Great Fish River area to ensure peace on the country’s Eastern Frontier. A fort was […]
Economic decline and gentrification in a small town
Atkinson, D (2009), “Economic decline and gentrification in a small town: The case of Aberdeen, Eastern Cape”, Development Southern Africa, Volume 26, Issue 2 June, pages 271 – 288 Abstract Small towns are a neglected topic of study but they are gaining importance in South Africa because of rapid urbanisation. This paper discusses a […]
Economic decline and gentrification in a small town: the business sector in Aberdeen, Eastern Cape
Economic decline and gentrification in a small town: the business sector in Aberdeen, Eastern Cape, Doreen Atkinson Development Southern Africa, Volume 26, Issue 2 pp. 271-288 | DOI: 10.1080/03768350902899595 Abstract Small towns are a neglected topic of study but they are gaining importance in South Africa because of rapid urbanisation. This paper discusses a case study […]