Full Text Available

Note: Clicking the button above will open the full text document at the original institutional repository in a new window.

DFI funding and infrastructure development In South Africa: A case of under resourced schools in Northern Cape

This study investigated the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in addressing infrastructure deficits in under-resourced schools in the Northern Cape, South Africa, and their impact on educational performance. The research problem is centred on the persistent lack of adequate infrastruct...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Jack, Jonita Phatheka
Other Authors: Alhassan, Abdul Latif
Format: Thesis
Language:English
English
Published: Graduate School of Business (GSB) 2025
Subjects:
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1867613215763988480
access_status_str Open Access
author Jack, Jonita Phatheka
author2 Alhassan, Abdul Latif
author_browse Alhassan, Abdul Latif
Jack, Jonita Phatheka
author_facet Alhassan, Abdul Latif
Jack, Jonita Phatheka
author_sort Jack, Jonita Phatheka
collection Thesis
description This study investigated the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in addressing infrastructure deficits in under-resourced schools in the Northern Cape, South Africa, and their impact on educational performance. The research problem is centred on the persistent lack of adequate infrastructure in schools, which hinders access to quality education and exacerbates educational inequalities. The study sought to explore how DFI-funded infrastructure projects contribute to improving the physical learning environment, access to educational materials, and the long-term sustainability of educational development in disadvantaged areas. The research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including school administrators, government officials, and DFI representatives. Additionally, a qualitative analysis of financial data was conducted to assess the allocation and impact of DFI funding. This methodological approach provided a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms through which DFIs influence educational infrastructure and the factors that affect the effectiveness of their interventions. The findings of the study revealed that DFIs have made significant contributions to enhancing the physical infrastructure of under-resourced schools. Key outcomes included the construction of new classrooms, libraries, and laboratories, as well as the renovation of existing facilities. DFI funding also improved access to essential educational materials, such as textbooks, digital tools, and e-learning platforms, thereby enriching the learning environment. The study also highlighted the importance of future-oriented strategies to ensure sustainable infrastructure development, particularly considering technological advancements and the need for inclusive education that caters to diverse learner needs. The conclusions of the study underscored the need for improved accountability, streamlined procedures, and stronger collaboration among DFIs, government bodies, and local communities to ensure long-term sustainability of infrastructure projects in South Africa's education sector. It offers policy recommendations and suggests future research on learner outcomes and community engagement. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and development practitioners seeking to address infrastructure challenges in South Africa's education sector.
format Thesis
id oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/42319
institution University of Cape Town (South Africa)
language English
eng
last_indexed 2026-06-10T12:32:36.207Z
license_str Not specified — see source repository
provenance_str_mv Harvested via OAI-PMH from UCTD — University of Cape Town Open Access Repository
publishDate 2025
publishDateRange 2025
publishDateSort 2025
publisher Graduate School of Business (GSB)
publisherStr Graduate School of Business (GSB)
record_format dspace
source_str UCTD — University of Cape Town Open Access Repository
spelling oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/42319 DFI funding and infrastructure development In South Africa: A case of under resourced schools in Northern Cape Jack, Jonita Phatheka Alhassan, Abdul Latif Development Finance Institutions South Africa Northern Cape This study investigated the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in addressing infrastructure deficits in under-resourced schools in the Northern Cape, South Africa, and their impact on educational performance. The research problem is centred on the persistent lack of adequate infrastructure in schools, which hinders access to quality education and exacerbates educational inequalities. The study sought to explore how DFI-funded infrastructure projects contribute to improving the physical learning environment, access to educational materials, and the long-term sustainability of educational development in disadvantaged areas. The research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including school administrators, government officials, and DFI representatives. Additionally, a qualitative analysis of financial data was conducted to assess the allocation and impact of DFI funding. This methodological approach provided a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms through which DFIs influence educational infrastructure and the factors that affect the effectiveness of their interventions. The findings of the study revealed that DFIs have made significant contributions to enhancing the physical infrastructure of under-resourced schools. Key outcomes included the construction of new classrooms, libraries, and laboratories, as well as the renovation of existing facilities. DFI funding also improved access to essential educational materials, such as textbooks, digital tools, and e-learning platforms, thereby enriching the learning environment. The study also highlighted the importance of future-oriented strategies to ensure sustainable infrastructure development, particularly considering technological advancements and the need for inclusive education that caters to diverse learner needs. The conclusions of the study underscored the need for improved accountability, streamlined procedures, and stronger collaboration among DFIs, government bodies, and local communities to ensure long-term sustainability of infrastructure projects in South Africa's education sector. It offers policy recommendations and suggests future research on learner outcomes and community engagement. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and development practitioners seeking to address infrastructure challenges in South Africa's education sector. 2025-11-24T12:07:26Z 2025-11-24T12:07:26Z 2025 2025-11-24T11:43:19Z Thesis / Dissertation Masters MBA http://hdl.handle.net/11427/42319 en eng application/pdf Graduate School of Business (GSB) Faculty of Commerce University of Cape Town
spellingShingle Development Finance Institutions
South Africa
Northern Cape
Jack, Jonita Phatheka
DFI funding and infrastructure development In South Africa: A case of under resourced schools in Northern Cape
thesis_degree_str Master's
title DFI funding and infrastructure development In South Africa: A case of under resourced schools in Northern Cape
title_full DFI funding and infrastructure development In South Africa: A case of under resourced schools in Northern Cape
title_fullStr DFI funding and infrastructure development In South Africa: A case of under resourced schools in Northern Cape
title_full_unstemmed DFI funding and infrastructure development In South Africa: A case of under resourced schools in Northern Cape
title_short DFI funding and infrastructure development In South Africa: A case of under resourced schools in Northern Cape
title_sort dfi funding and infrastructure development in south africa a case of under resourced schools in northern cape
topic Development Finance Institutions
South Africa
Northern Cape
url http://hdl.handle.net/11427/42319
work_keys_str_mv AT jackjonitaphatheka dfifundingandinfrastructuredevelopmentinsouthafricaacaseofunderresourcedschoolsinnortherncape