Abstract:
This study considers the problems posed by the dual economy which characterizes Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), "with the more skilled and sophisticated European sector on the one hand, while on the other, there exists the traditional subsistence sector of the African population, indulging in practices medieval in content". The researcher contends that to avoid "the complete deterioration of the traditional African homelands", 'industry' be introduced. He discusses the Seki industrial complex near Salisbury as a showcase of the achievements of the Tribal Trust Land Development Corporation (Tilcor), but argues that growth points in "dormitory complexes close to existing cities" are insufficient. Instead, he argues that the Department of Internal Affairs restricts development into remote areas because of its policy that "the African must generate his own capital and investment, and that development must evolve from 'development areas' rather than the 'growth points' envisaged by Tilcor... [because] 'white capital' and 'know how' should [not] be allowed into the tribal areas". The author proceeds to consider problems facing the White industrialist in the Tribal Trust Lands: a poor system of transport, vast distances, a climate often "unpleasant for the European", shortages of power and water, a lack of investment capital, and poor local markets. The latter consideration leads to a discussion of the provision of adequate education, so that an adequately trained labour force with sufficient purchasing power may be established, while avoiding an uncontrolled acceleration which, owing to limited employment opportunities, may result in "a class of malcontented African[s]... ready to fall victim to political agitation". The author further discusses the benefits to be gained from a study of South Africa's experience in decentralisation, the need for agricultural development alongside that of industry, the problems posed by traditional tribalism, and the fact that "Rhodesia's progress is severely hampered by outside political pressures".
