Abstract from the thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science in Forestry at the University of Stellenbosch

Grobbelaar, F.R. 2000. A methodology to aid in appropriate technology decision-making for developing countries. M.Sc thesis. University of Stellenbosch.

    In the process of selecting what we believe to be suitable technology for timber harvesting and transport, economics are usually the determining factor, whether in the form of capital investment or personnel cost.
    Internationally we see a move towards mechanisation in forestry for various reasons: e.g., high wages, labour shortage, and occupational safety. The realities of South Africa highlights other issues requiring attention: e.g., high unemployment, skills’ shortage, global competition, rampant AIDS pandemic, and a poor safety and security record. This should focus our attention on finding local solutions to the problem of finding suitable or appropriate technology to support South Africa’s quest for sustainable development.
    This thesis attempts to establish a methodology for the objective evaluation of alternative technologies for a specific timber harvesting situation, considering the economic, social and environmental implications.

Preface

    “On an occasion such as this we should, perhaps, start from the beginning.
              So let me begin.
              I am an African.
              I owe my being to the hills and the valleys, the mountains and the glades, the rivers, the deserts, the trees, the flowers, the seas and the ever changing seasons that define the face of our native land.
              The constitution whose adoption we celebrate ... rejoices in the diversity of our people and creates the space for all of us voluntarily to define ourselves as one people.
              The dismal shame of poverty, suffering and human degradation of my continent is a blight that we share ... leaves us in a persistent shadow of despair.
              However improbable it may sound to the sceptics, Africa will prosper! Whoever we may be, whatever our immediate interest, however much we carry baggage from our past, however much we have been caught by the fashion of cynicism and loss of faith in the capacity of the people, let us say today: Nothing can stop us now!”

Extracts from the speech of Thabo Mbeki, then Deputy-President, on the occasion of the adoption of South Africa’s Constitution in May 1996 (Mbeki, 1998).