An empirical study into the implementation of a developmental public administration in South Africa

Abstract

The concept of a developmental state has been widely supported in East-Asian countries and South Africa. As such, this study uses both secondary literature and primary sources to explore South Africa's assertion that it is on course to build a democratic developmental state. The study examines the relationship between the state and its bureaucracy as a key lever for facilitating a successful developmental state. The study goes further by examining key government policies to determine whether the old policies would assist the government in its objective of achieving a developmental state and whether the current and proposed policies will drive the state to its stated objectives. The research includes a thorough comparison of South Africa and relevant Asian countries, as it seeks to determine whether with the right and similar conditions, South Africa can replicate the successes of these countries in achieving a developmental state. There is consensus that the South African state possesses the three requirements that are important in governing a developmental state, namely a viable state, secure legitimate political order and adequate national authority. In addition, there is confidence in the institutional structures of governance. The study concludes that the South African government's policies are ambiguous and the configuration of the government does not lend itself to the achievement of a developmental state. The study further concludes that the role of South Africa's bureaucracy is not clearly stated. As such, government is unaware of its role in the process of driving and achieving a developmental state.