Defining what makes a state capable and competent is key to saving SA from chaos
Only through a capable developmental state will we realise the ideals of building a nonracial society that is free of tribalism, crime, violence, corruption and looting
One of the critical challenges our country has faced since its transition to democracy in 1994 is that we have not managed to translate the ethos of our globally celebrated, progressive constitution into practical and meaningful change for the majority of our people. Put differently, after 20 years of democracy the aspirations of our constitutional democracy remain trapped in intention. It is becoming very apparent that the lofty ideals embedded in our constitution must still reflect in positive daily living experiences and a better quality of life for the millions of our citizens who remain ensnared in poverty, burdened by extreme inequality and hobbled by lack of opportunity. For us to resolve this paradox of our constitutional democracy, we must focus on the nuts and bolts of the developmental state. In my view, the solution lies in how we define a developmental state, and how we attune and apply it to our country’s unique conditions.
It is only by confronting this question...
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