Clearing the ground in the Spatial Development Initiatives (SDIs): analysing 'process' on South Africa's Wild Coast
This article, which is based on a case study of the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape, explores thechallenges that confront the implementation of SDI projects. It is argued that, in order toencourage active participation of potential bene ciaries in such projects, ‘the ground has to becleared’, which necessitates the delineation of the core social dynamics that go hand in handwith the technical aspects of the inputs and outputs of such projects. The two areas in which theSDI fell short of achieving its main objectives, and which this article seeks to address, are thecommunication and the con ict management strategies. The perception that local socialdynamics are seen as a problem rather than as part of a dynamic process of developmentrequires fresh assessment. In conclusion, emphasis should be placed on human resources,patience and willingness to learn about local dynamics, in addition to the great nancialcommitment in the project cycle.
