Southern Africa stands at a critical juncture, facing the urgent need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and align with the African Union's Agenda 2063. Simultaneously, the region is grappling with the challenges of poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and climate change. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of sustainable development challenges and opportunities in Southern Africa, emphasizing the crucial role of public governance.
It examines historical, economic, social, and environmental factors shaping the region's progress, with a focus on the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It delves into the evolution of public governance, from pre-colonial systems to modern innovations, and analyse the impact of colonial legacies, constitutional reforms, and administrative practices. The book explores how Southern African nations can leverage innovative governance approaches, including citizen engagement, data-driven decision making, collaborative partnerships, and robust anti-corruption measures, to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future and better public service delivery. It emphasizes the necessity of policy coherence, robust regulatory frameworks, and regional cooperation to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth.
The book offers a roadmap for Southern African countries to strengthen public governance, empower citizens, and accelerate progress towards a more prosperous and resilient future. Finally, it provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, civil society, and international organizations to foster a resilient and equitable future for Southern Africa.
Edited by:
Tonderai Kapesa,
Nirmala Dorasamy
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 156mm,
Weight: 453g
ISBN: 9781032979069
ISBN 10: 1032979062
Series: Routledge Studies in Development Economics
Pages: 291
Publication Date: 06 November 2025
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Further / Higher Education
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming
1. Sustainable Development Opportunities and Challenges in Southern Africa: A Regional Introductory Overview 2. Evolution of Public Governance in Southern Africa 3. Public Governance and Sustainable Development nexus: A Critical Appraisal 4. Transparency, Accountability, and Anti-Corruption Measures for sustainable development 5. Citizen Engagement and Participatory Governance: Empowering Communities for Sustainable Development 6. Digital Governance and the Transformation of Public Services 7. Financing Sustainable Development in Southern Africa 8. Fiscal Sustainability and Inclusive Development: Balancing Growth and Equity 9. Integrating SDGs into National Development Planning: Strategies and Opportunities 10. Data-Driven Decision Making and Performance Management 11. Collaboration and Partnerships: Fostering Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Development 12. Conclusion on Southern Africa's Path to Sustainable Development: A Vision for the Future
Tonderai Kapesa is a public financial management and public administration scholar, and researcher at Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa. Nirmala Dorasamy is a Professor of Public Administration Leadership and Management at Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.
