M&G reporter
JUDITH EDSTROM, the World Bank’s resident=20 representative in South Africa, is keen to=20 dispel fears surrounding the operations of=20 the institution in this country. In a=20 recent briefing to the South African=20 Institute for International Affairs, she=20 emphasised the partnership aspects.
“The relationship between the bank and=20 South Africa has in many respects been=20 pathbreaking, in that it has been driven by=20 South Africa’s demand for advisory services=20 over lending.”
Edstrom points out the various areas where=20 the bank’s expertise is already being put=20 to work.=20
It has awarded small grants for early=20 childhood development programmes,=20 increasing Aids awareness among youth,=20 school health education, public procurement=20 reform to encourage small contractors, and=20 telecommunications advisory support.
Regional initiatives include support for=20 the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, Maputo=20 corridor, a regional power pool and a=20 regional payments system.
Also under consideration is a loan to=20 finance a Department of Trade and Industry=20 initiative to improve international=20 competitiveness of companies, to encourage=20 exports and thereby, job creation.
So far, so unthreatening. But fears of a=20 “big brother” influence remain.
Edstrom, however, disagrees. “As the=20 government now seeks to put the focus on=20 delivery, the World Bank is in a position=20 to share its vast experience in=20 implementing programmes and projects.=20
“The bank’s project expertise lies in=20 assisting institutions on the ground to=20 develop sustainable capacity – to plan,=20 programme procure, implement and evaluate.”