⋆
* ⋆
]]
DVA1501: Introduction to Development Studies
May/June Examination 2026 Revision Guide
Covers Past Papers: 2023 – 2024 – 2025
⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆
Development Studies — UNISA
Comprehensive Exam Revision Guide
DVA1501
Module Code:
Introduction to Development Studies
Module Name:
May/June 2023, May/June 2024, May/June 2025
Papers Covered:
May/June 2026
Target Exam:
100 marks per paper
Total Marks:
Section A (Essay) + Section B (Short Answers)
Format:
All questions answered in full. Predicted questions included at the end. Use this
guide to understand, not just memorise.
Exam Revision Notes | DVA1501 | 2026
,DVA1501 | Exam Revision 2023–2025 Introduction to Development Studies
PAPER 1: MAY/JUNE 2023
DVA1501 — Introduction to Development Studies — 100 Marks — 4 Hours
Examiners: Dr A Khan, Ms MN Bhomoyi, Mr E Mathebula | Second: Mr MS Moseki
Key Concept
Exam Format: Two sections. Section A — choose ONE essay question from three
options (50 marks). Section B — answer ALL short-answer questions (50 marks).
Open-book portfolio examination on the myExams platform.
SECTION A — Essay Questions (2023) 50 marks — Answer ONE
Question 1 (2023-A) 50 marks
Question: Define and explain the concept of sustainable development, and briefly
discuss its three pillars. Then, discuss how the failure to access the basic needs of
food, water/sanitation, literacy, and work/employment have a detrimental influence on
development. (50 marks)
Answer: Definition of Sustainable Development:
Sustainable development refers to development that satisfies the needs of the current
generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs. The concept was popularised by the Brundtland Report (Our Common Future,
1987) and recognises that economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection
must advance together.
Key Concept
The most widely used definition comes from the 1987 Brundtland Commission:
development that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the abil-
ity of future generations to meet their own needs.”
The Three Pillars of Sustainable Development:
1. Economic Pillar: Requires that economic growth and wealth creation must be
maintained over the long term. Growth must be inclusive so that its benefits reach
all members of society, not only the wealthy. Activities that deplete natural re-
Page 2 of 24
,DVA1501 | Exam Revision 2023–2025 Introduction to Development Studies
sources faster than they can be replenished are considered unsustainable.
2. Social Pillar: Focuses on improving people’s quality of life, ensuring equity, access
to education and healthcare, cultural preservation, and social cohesion. Development
must uplift marginalised and vulnerable groups and reduce inequality.
3. Environmental Pillar: Requires that the natural environment is protected for
future use. This means reducing pollution, preventing deforestation, conserving bio-
diversity, and limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Development must operate within
the ecological carrying capacity of the planet.
The Detrimental Influence of Failing to Access Basic Needs:
Food insecurity undermines development by producing malnourished, chronically ill,
and cognitively impaired populations. Children who are hungry cannot concentrate at
school, perpetuating cycles of poverty and low human capital formation. Undernourish-
ment reduces productivity, increases healthcare costs, and strains national budgets.
Lack of clean water and adequate sanitation causes the spread of waterborne
diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea. Communities spend excessive time
fetching water – particularly women and girls – reducing time available for education
and economic activity. Without sanitation, environments degrade and the quality of
groundwater sources declines, compounding the problem.
Lack of literacy and access to education means that individuals cannot fully partic-
ipate in the formal economy, engage in informed civic life, or access health information.
Illiteracy entrenches dependency and stunts innovation. Education is widely recognised
as the single most powerful tool for breaking intergenerational poverty cycles.
Lack of decent work and employment keeps communities in poverty and depen-
dency. Unemployment breeds inequality, crime, and social instability. Without income,
people cannot access food, healthcare, or housing, making sustainable development im-
possible at the community level.
Exam Tip
When answering a 50-mark essay, always: (1) define key concepts, (2) discuss
each sub-point using separate paragraphs, (3) use real-world examples or South
African/African context, (4) write a brief conclusion linking back to the main
question.
Conclusion:
Page 3 of 24
, DVA1501 | Exam Revision 2023–2025 Introduction to Development Studies
Sustainable development is a multi-dimensional concept that goes beyond economic
growth to encompass social justice and environmental stewardship. When basic needs
remain unmet, human potential is stunted and societies cannot achieve genuine devel-
opment. The failure to provide food, water, education, and employment creates vicious
cycles of poverty that undermine all three pillars of sustainability.
Page 4 of 24
* ⋆
]]
DVA1501: Introduction to Development Studies
May/June Examination 2026 Revision Guide
Covers Past Papers: 2023 – 2024 – 2025
⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆
Development Studies — UNISA
Comprehensive Exam Revision Guide
DVA1501
Module Code:
Introduction to Development Studies
Module Name:
May/June 2023, May/June 2024, May/June 2025
Papers Covered:
May/June 2026
Target Exam:
100 marks per paper
Total Marks:
Section A (Essay) + Section B (Short Answers)
Format:
All questions answered in full. Predicted questions included at the end. Use this
guide to understand, not just memorise.
Exam Revision Notes | DVA1501 | 2026
,DVA1501 | Exam Revision 2023–2025 Introduction to Development Studies
PAPER 1: MAY/JUNE 2023
DVA1501 — Introduction to Development Studies — 100 Marks — 4 Hours
Examiners: Dr A Khan, Ms MN Bhomoyi, Mr E Mathebula | Second: Mr MS Moseki
Key Concept
Exam Format: Two sections. Section A — choose ONE essay question from three
options (50 marks). Section B — answer ALL short-answer questions (50 marks).
Open-book portfolio examination on the myExams platform.
SECTION A — Essay Questions (2023) 50 marks — Answer ONE
Question 1 (2023-A) 50 marks
Question: Define and explain the concept of sustainable development, and briefly
discuss its three pillars. Then, discuss how the failure to access the basic needs of
food, water/sanitation, literacy, and work/employment have a detrimental influence on
development. (50 marks)
Answer: Definition of Sustainable Development:
Sustainable development refers to development that satisfies the needs of the current
generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs. The concept was popularised by the Brundtland Report (Our Common Future,
1987) and recognises that economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection
must advance together.
Key Concept
The most widely used definition comes from the 1987 Brundtland Commission:
development that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the abil-
ity of future generations to meet their own needs.”
The Three Pillars of Sustainable Development:
1. Economic Pillar: Requires that economic growth and wealth creation must be
maintained over the long term. Growth must be inclusive so that its benefits reach
all members of society, not only the wealthy. Activities that deplete natural re-
Page 2 of 24
,DVA1501 | Exam Revision 2023–2025 Introduction to Development Studies
sources faster than they can be replenished are considered unsustainable.
2. Social Pillar: Focuses on improving people’s quality of life, ensuring equity, access
to education and healthcare, cultural preservation, and social cohesion. Development
must uplift marginalised and vulnerable groups and reduce inequality.
3. Environmental Pillar: Requires that the natural environment is protected for
future use. This means reducing pollution, preventing deforestation, conserving bio-
diversity, and limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Development must operate within
the ecological carrying capacity of the planet.
The Detrimental Influence of Failing to Access Basic Needs:
Food insecurity undermines development by producing malnourished, chronically ill,
and cognitively impaired populations. Children who are hungry cannot concentrate at
school, perpetuating cycles of poverty and low human capital formation. Undernourish-
ment reduces productivity, increases healthcare costs, and strains national budgets.
Lack of clean water and adequate sanitation causes the spread of waterborne
diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea. Communities spend excessive time
fetching water – particularly women and girls – reducing time available for education
and economic activity. Without sanitation, environments degrade and the quality of
groundwater sources declines, compounding the problem.
Lack of literacy and access to education means that individuals cannot fully partic-
ipate in the formal economy, engage in informed civic life, or access health information.
Illiteracy entrenches dependency and stunts innovation. Education is widely recognised
as the single most powerful tool for breaking intergenerational poverty cycles.
Lack of decent work and employment keeps communities in poverty and depen-
dency. Unemployment breeds inequality, crime, and social instability. Without income,
people cannot access food, healthcare, or housing, making sustainable development im-
possible at the community level.
Exam Tip
When answering a 50-mark essay, always: (1) define key concepts, (2) discuss
each sub-point using separate paragraphs, (3) use real-world examples or South
African/African context, (4) write a brief conclusion linking back to the main
question.
Conclusion:
Page 3 of 24
, DVA1501 | Exam Revision 2023–2025 Introduction to Development Studies
Sustainable development is a multi-dimensional concept that goes beyond economic
growth to encompass social justice and environmental stewardship. When basic needs
remain unmet, human potential is stunted and societies cannot achieve genuine devel-
opment. The failure to provide food, water, education, and employment creates vicious
cycles of poverty that undermine all three pillars of sustainability.
Page 4 of 24
