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Abstract
Since the transition to democracy, South African public works programs are to
involve community participation, and be targeted to the poor and women. This paper
examines the targeting performance of seven programs in Western Cape Province, and
analyzes the role of government, community-based organizations, trade unions, and the
private sector in explaining targeting outcomes. These programs were not well-targeted
geographically in terms of poverty, unemployment, or infrastructure. Within localities,
jobs went to the poor and unemployed, though not always the poorest. They did well in
reaching women, despite local gender bias. Targeting guidelines of the state are mediated
by diverse priorities that emerge in programs with multiple objectives, local perceptions
of need and entitlement, and competing voices within civil society.