Privatisation and its impact on human rights : a case study of the Zambian privatisation programme, 1991-2001.
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Date
2006
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Abstract
The study also provides an overview of the impact of privatisation on human rights. To
accomplish this objective, case studies of Zambia were undertaken within the concept of
the social and economic impacts, seeking to answer six basic research questions posed:
What were the objectives of the Zambian privatization programme? Was the privatization
process executed according to the provisions of the Zambian Privatization Act of 1992
and 1996? How is the outcome of the privatization process perceived by Zambians,
success or failure, what are some of the social and economic consequences of
privatisation programme? What are the human rights implications of the privatization
programme undertaken in Zambia?
Mainly qualitative data collecting methods, involving semi-structured interviews,
document analyses and direct observations of activities of the privatised companies were
employed, to answer these questions.
The study examines Zambia's background to privatisation, posits implications of
privatisation on the realization of human rights, looks at the case study of privatisation of
the ZCCM and the outcomes of privatisation. The study has been influenced by a number
of conflicting divestiture evaluation outcomes: for some the Zambian privatization
process represents a model programme, the 'most successful in Africa', which serves as
an example for other developing African countries to emulate whilst for others, it is a
"deeply flawed experience", resulting in negative social and economic consequences
which permitted the withdrawal of the provision of social services, massive human rights
violations and job losses. Based on evidence from these outcomes, the principal findings
from the study suggest that Zambia's privatisation programme has had both negative and
positive results. In reviewing the outcomes of the privatisation process, the intent is
neither to justify nor reject privatisation, but rather, on the basis of past experience, to
highlight key elements of outright failures and success and provide recommendations for
future use.
Description
Thesis (LL.M.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2006.
Keywords
Privatization--Zambia., Privatization--Law and legislation., Privatization--Social aspects., Zambia--Economic policy., Theses--Law.