Geographers and the Political System “There are Those Who Make Things Happen”

Abstract

The purpose of the address is to show that geographers are provided with opportunities within the structure of a politcal system to influence future events and patterns in the empirical world which results from decision-making. After a general discussion of the components and functioning of a political system the South African system is highlighted by referring to the question of land allocation for Blacks and the functions of two central government departments, namely those of Environmental Affairs and of Development Aid. By pointing out where within the system the geographer can make a contribution rather than what his contribution can be, a plea is made for greater involvement in the political system by geographers in order to attempt to influence public policy and thereby contribute to the shaping of South Africa’s geographical futures.

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