An innovative partnership framework for sustainable development of rural areas in South Africa: The role of project management firms

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role that South African Project Management Firms (SAPMF) can play towards supporting government initiatives for sustainable development of rural areas (RA). Design/methodology/approach A research methodology is designed to achieve three objectives. First, literature is used to review the concepts of publicprivate partnerships, sustainable development of RA, government legislations and the project management profession. Second, semistructured interviews with government officials are used to identify the obstacles that hinder implementing the development plans for RA and investigate government's perception of creating a partnership with the private sector. Finally, survey questionnaires with SAPMF are used to identify the role that they can play in assisting government to achieve its plans for RA development and investigate SAPMF's perception of creating a partnership with the public sector. Findings Although there are government initiatives, RA still suffer from having inadequate development. Current legislation intended to address RA problems (Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Strategy) is not operational and needs to be updated on a regular basis. Government strategies and plans for RA development have to be supported by SAPMF through creating a partnership welcomed by Government and SAPMF, that utilises their knowledge and unique management skills. The RA development partnership framework is recommended to be used as an innovative tool to assist in overcoming the obstacles that hinders RA development. Originality/value This paper establishes a partnership between the public and private sectors which is put through the development of an innovative framework that portrays the relationship between government and SAPMF. Adopting the developed framework by both sectors will help the government utilise the unique expertise and skills of SAPMF towards sustainable development of RA. The developed framework represents a novel and creative synthesis that has not been previously done in the South African context.