POLICY MAKING IN THE REAL WORLD: THE PROVISION OF RURAL FINANCIAL SERVICES / BELEIDMAKING IN DIE WERKLIKHEID: DIE VERSKAFFING VAN FINANSIëLE DIENSTE

Abstract

This paper describes the process of information gathering and analytical work that was undertaken for the purposes of the Strauss Commission, as a case study of public policy making. The emphasis is on ways of overcoming information constraints given the short time available for the investigation. Any inquiry of this nature has to start with the question: why change? The reasons for change in the provision of rural financial services in South Africa are investigated as a prelude to the analysis of needs and institutions in their future context.

Hierdie artikel beskryf die proses van versameling en analise van inligting wat gebruik is in die Strauss Kommissie, as 'n gevallestudie van 'n beleidmakingsproses. Daar word klem gelê op maniere om inligtingsknelpunte te oorbrug waar die toegelate tyd min is. Enige ondersoek van hierdie aard moet begin met die probleemstelling: hoekom is verandering nodig? Die motivering vir verandering in die verskaffing van landelike finansiële dienste in Suid-Afrika word ondersoek as inleiding tot 'n toekomsanalise van die behoeftes en institusies betrokke by landelike finansiering.