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World leaders authored a list of development goals which are referred to as the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs). Instead of looking at why development was not occurring,
leaders decided to establish goals that should be achieved within a certain time frame (Brett et
al., 2005).
In the context of these goals, this research recognises the relevance of the millennium
development goals to the study area in diverse ways. In partial fulfilment ofthe millennium
development goals, this thesis investigates the steps that the stakeholders of development in
Ulundi have taken to alleviate poverty, empower the marginalised, especially the women and
children.
3.4 FACTORS INFLUENCING DEVELOPMENT
The ownership of development lies in the community, and contributes to the dynamics of
development. The owner of development, the local community is a dynamic ever-changing
entity within an ever-ehanging and equally dynamic environment. Development is therefore
not just one set of variables for all places. Evidently each and every place and situation will
have its own unique set of variables and even then those variables would change at all times.
They may even change because ofthe existence ofdevelopment initiatives.
This research acknowledges the numerous variables that come into play in the development of
the Ulundi environment. It also seeks to examine the variables that influence the dynamics of
spatial development within the study area
3.4.1 Politics
Politics has a profound impact on development. If people become owners of development, it
means that they have political power over development - they make political decisions about
development action and funding. Wisner (1988) points out that 'needs' a key issue in
community development and the process of need definition is political. Gaining access to
available resources is also a political act that may cause tension and conflict (Swanepoel and
De Beer, 1996).
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