An analysis of the implementation of the SA–China Bilateral Agreement : the case study of the South African Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre (SAATDC)

Abstract

This article is based on an evaluation of the implementation of SA-China bilateral agreement, particularly with the case of the South African Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre (SAATDC). This article particularly examined the implementation of the SAATDC bilateral agreement to determine whether this agreement was effectively implemented. It is evident that policy implementation is one of the key problems confronting developing nations such as South Africa (SA). The article also investigated whether the SAATDC bilateral agreement met necessary pre-conditions of policy implementation, which are necessary for successful policy implementation. It thus examined whether these pre-conditions were adequately addressed in the bilateral policy document. Previous research has shown that once these preconditions are met, the potential for successful implementation of a policy increases. There is a need in South Africa to fully exploit opportunities provided through Chinese aid projects, for the benefit of local workers such as artisans, engineers and project managers. It is also important to investigate whether the bilateral agreement made sufficient provision for the adequate involvement of SA engineers, artisans and SA companies in the implementation of such Chinese aid programmes. There is a critical need to enhance the skills of SA artisans and engineers, as required by the Accelerated and Shared Growth for SA (ASGISA) and Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) strategies and objectives.