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In 2012, the National Development Plan (NDP) outlined a fantastic vision for the future of the country. It had lofty, and achievable, ideals. It boldly stated: In nearly every facet of life, advances are being made in building an inclusive society, rolling back the shadow of history and opening up opportunities for all.
It elaborated: To accelerate progress, deepen democracy and build a more inclusive society, South Africa must translate political emancipation into economic wellbeing for all. It is up to all South Africans to fix the future, starting today.
READ: Experts say government can't be trusted to implement NDP
It was an incisive document premised on and fortified by reams of research. How miserable then, that the recent 10-year review by the National Planning Commission was a depressing reflection of government’s loss of focus, and of the contribution of social disarray and political inertia to the failure to achieve any of the 2030 goals established.
The review highlighted six key challenges that pose a risk to the constitutional democracy and a viable functioning state. These are:
Ministers must be rubbing their eyes in disbelief, grabbing their Gucci bags, checking the time on their Rolex watches and dashing off in their 10-strong blue light brigades to hide their heads in shame. How the mighty ideals of the revolution have been co-opted by the candy of capital at the expense of so many.
READ: SAPS to finalise investigation into suspended VIP protection cops soon
To rub salt in the wounds of an emaciated body, the reading of progress to achieving the 2030 development goals is frightening.
Growth should be at 5.4% (we are at 0.1%); income inequality is still a Gini co-efficient of 0.69 (the most unequal in the world); unemployment target of 6% (currently an eye-watering 33%, with youth unemployment pushing 60%). South Africa has fallen in all global metrics of education, science, research and development, infrastructure growth – any and all of the mechanisms that could make the country an attractive investment destination. Our political future looks ominous, our fiscal outlook is precarious. The time to put the NDP front and centre of policy is now. It must be done or the country will fail.
