Politics as an environmental factor in population development: reviewing the South African situation

The political factors that affect the development of a successful population policy in South Africa are examined. "It is concluded that despite the important role of socioeconomic development, the success of the population development programme ultimately depends upon (a) the actual distribution of political power to all communities; (b) the degree of legitimacy enjoyed by the government among the broader population; and (c) a general political consensus regarding the urgency for curbing the population growth rate."