Boundary work to what end? Analysing the acid mine drainage case in Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

This article contributes a boundary work analysis of the case of acid mine drainage (AMD) in South Africa to the existing boundary work literature. We conduct our analysis by applying a synthesized multi-level boundary work framework to examine whether the knowledge that was produced during the boundary work conducted was usable and influential in decision-making and resulted in successful policy implementation. We conclude that contrary to expectations, a closed, technocratic boundary work process resulted in the relatively successful implementation of a short-term intervention in the AMD problem, whereas a subsequent open and deliberative process did not result in the successful implementation of the long-term policy solution. We ascribe this finding to the influence of critical enabling and constraining factors characterizing the South African socio-political context within which the AMD issue is situated, and therefore, we recommend adding a meta-analytical layer to boundary work analyses, especially in developing country contexts.