‘A must-read, accessible and skilful account of South Africa’s socio-economic challenges, policy and governance choices.’– THEMBA MASEKO All the numbers on South Africa’s crisis dashboard are blinking red. The economy is failing to grow and more and more young people find themselves on the outside looking in as education falters and jobs disappear. Energy and transport are in crisis. Governance is floundering as debt mounts and government runs out of money. Better Choices is a collection by South Africa’s top thinkers on the political economy, providing an unflinching account of the myriad challenges the country faces. The picture that emerges is of a nation on the brink of a catastrophic slide into failure unless better, if tough, policy choices are made. As stark as these problems are, their solutions are tantalisingly close at hand. The chapters in this book outline exactly the solutions – those ‘better choices’– that need to be made by leadership to alter the country’s bleak trajectory. South Africa cannot talk its way out of trouble. Key to success is removing the sources of friction – the red tape, over-regulation and rents – that slow down investment. This is only possible if a more effective, focused government acts decisively. Compiled by The Brenthurst Foundation, Africa’s leading think tank on economic development, Better Choices is for those who want to build a positive, inclusive future for South Africa.

Education leadership and management have changed dramatically since 1994 with the changes in legislation governing schools. The new policies involve the learners, educators and parents to a larger extent in terms of managing schools. This text looks at these changes and the practical implications of the policies. It explores management skills such as communication, understanding systems, planning, and accountability. It gives detailed explanations of the new management systems by looking at different aspects of each piece of legislation as well as the way in which it relates to the numerous role-players involved in managing a school. This book has the advantage of taking into account all aspects of managing the whole school environment in a very practical manner.

There is a growing global interest in Africa and how to improve the quality of life of its people and for good reason. The world can no longer afford to ignore the democratic changes that have occurred across the continent over the past two decades, changes with tremendous implications for professional education and training for the tasks of nation