This collection of reports examines the current state of development in southern Africa, in general, and in South Africa, in particular. The introduction, "A Development Perspective of Southern Africa" (R. J. W. van der Kooy), briefly reviews the history of southern African development, and discusses purposes, approaches, and progress. Sixteen chapters are presented. Section 1, "Setting the Scene," includes the following chapters: (1) "Some Critical Reflections on the Development Effort" (E. P. Beukes); (2) "Development and Research" (J. C. Kotze, C. S. van der Waal, and A. Fischer); (3)"Development and Conflict" (N. J. Rhoodie and C. de Kock); (4) "The Role of Afro-Christian Religion" (G. C. Oosthuizen); (5) "Development Perceptions of the SA Government" (R. van der Kooy); (6)"Life in a Shack Area" (C. Fourie); and (7) "Development Research in Venda" (D. J. C. Riekert). Section 2, "Development Policies," includes the following chapters: (8) "The Role of SA's State Departments" (C. Volschenk); (9) "The Ciskeian Case" (B. Streek); (10) "Lebowa's Development Policy" (A. de Villiers); and (11) "NGOs: The Third Force in Development" (A. J. Gilbert; M. H. McLachlan). Section 3, "Barometer," includes the following chapters: (12) "A Statistical Picture" (C. J. Meintjes and J. P. Spangenberg); (13) "Education in SA" (S. J. Berkhout); (14) "Development Agencies in SA"; (15) "Development Agencies in SWA/Namibia" (P. du Plessis and E. Simon); and (16) "Development and Development Agencies in SADCC Countries" (M. A. Byerley). Many chapters include statistical data on charts and graphs. Most chapters also include a bibliography. (FMW)