The purpose of SDIs

Because of Apartheid, many areas (especially the white areas) developed while the areas where people of different races lived (homelands in particular) didn’t. When Apartheid ended, the government started the Reconstruction and Development Program. In order to create equality and consistency, they began looking at developing previously undeveloped areas and bettering the standard of living of people living there. They identified Spatial Development Initiatives. These were areas that had high levels of poverty and unemployment. However, the areas did show potential for economic development. They had an ideal population (market and labour force), opportune climates and good infrastructure. They then began sustainable development projects in these areas. SDIs are a partnership between the public sector (government) and the private sector. They pool their skills and resources and skills to achieve what will benefit both. The country becomes more developed while the standards of living in the areas improve.