In March 1990, as a student at the historic University of Fort Hare, we gathered around a small television set in a student common room within a politically active residence hall, and watched as Namibia gained independence from South Africa.

After the winter recess that year, I asked a Namibian classmate how things were now that they were free and independent. His response struck me: “Fighting for independence is not easy, but governance is even more difficult.”

The Namibian story is relevant in two key ways. Firstly, it highlights the crucial role that the global multilateral system has always played in tackling entrenched problems and forging a path towards prosperity, no matter how insurmountable those challenges may seem. Secondly, it underscores the complexity of governance.

After the momentous elections in 1994, there has been an acknowledgement that despite a strong start, the country has been limping in recent years. South Africa has struggled with governance and social indices. Despite its strong economic base, a progressive social protection system, robust policy frameworks, and the foundational values that had established the democratic South Africa, challenges persist. People often ask, “How did we get here?”

The national dialogue must be a platform to give the public an opportunity to reimagine South Africa’s future. It needs to grapple with developments such as: 

• Despite relative good progress, the country has in many respects been going through a difficult time;
• Trust in public institutions and leadership is dramatically declining; and
• Despondency and unemployment are rising.

Give the public a say in the formulation of a new social contract.

In a robust seminar held at Nelson Mandela University in August on “The Struggle For A Prosperous South Africa 2024 and Beyond”,  the extent of economic inequality and the lack of capital for black businesses was starkly illustrated. Topics such as the need for a national dialogue, the true transformative nature of the constitution, and the pressing needs of the youth dominated discussions. These debates underscored the need for inclusive spaces where diverse voices can present their visions for the future.

Since 1994, the UN has been a steady partner in South Africa’s transition. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has played a key role in building the capacity of the state and non-state actors, preserving public institutions, and supporting policy reforms on issues such as land reform. Its recent national human development report highlights the “unemployability” of the country’s youth and provides insights into the underlying causes and potential remedies. 

Unemployment continues to rise, leaving many black South Africans disillusioned as the promises of the democratic transition remain unfulfilled. The latest Stats SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the second quarter of 2024 shows that the official unemployment rate increased to 33.5%, up from 32.9% in the previous quarter. The situation is even more dire for young people, with a youth unemployment rate of 60.8% among those aged 15-24 and 41.7% among those aged 25-34. This uptick in unemployment reflects a stalled recovery in key sectors such as construction, manufacturing and trade, underscoring the growing challenges in the labour market.

Declining trust in public institutions has worsened the country’s challenges. According to the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation Barometer, public confidence in leadership and institutions has dramatically worsened. In 2023, eight out of ten South Africans believed that those in power were disconnected from the realities of ordinary citizens. Trust in institutions such as parliament and national government fell below 40%, with only the SABC and the South African Revenue Services showing some resilience at 57% and 46% levels of trust, respectively.

The 2024 elections saw the lowest voter turnout in history at 58.61%, a significant decline from 2019’s 66%. Coupled with rising inequality, unemployment and mistrust in leadership, this decline signals the urgent need to reassess the foundational principles of the democratic state. It’s time to move beyond the technical and political jargon of the last three decades and engage in a national conversation to reimagine South Africa’s future.

In a strategy meeting attended by foundations and other organisations a few weeks ago to discuss and plan the holding of the dialogue, descriptions of a state of “hopelessness’’, “despair” and “disillusionment” reverberated throughout.
 

The challenges of governance are not the sole responsibility of the government, business, or organised groups. It’s time for all communities — whether in organised or informal settings — to come together, gather around tables in community halls, religious institutions, schools and social clubs, and define the future they envision. The process should not seek to give hope, but become a unique opportunity to give the public a say in the formulation of a new social contract the realisation of which they will also be part.

The UN’s commitment to the sustainable development goals is about “Leaving No One Behind”. As the Chinese saying goes: “Let a hundred flowers bloom and a hundred schools of thought contend.” This may be the pathway to launch South Africa into a higher development trajectory. This may be the only chance, and a chance is not an opportunity.

Bongani Matomela is the Head of Governance for UNDP South Africa, based in Pretoria.