How to Miss a Miracle: Just Don’t Try

While cleaning my office last week, I discovered a dusty copy of the original National Development Plan (NDP) published in August 2012.

This initiative was the government’s flagship project aimed at promoting a fairer society, with its proposals crafted to encourage business growth and stimulate economic momentum.

The goal was to achieve an average economic growth rate exceeding 5.4% from 2011 to 2030, with plans to reduce unemployment to 14% by 2020 and to 6% by 2030.

The launch of the plan was celebrated with dancing girls and fireworks, as the government proudly called it a magical blueprint for South Africa’s prosperous future.

Unfortunately, that vision never came to fruition.

This is somewhat predictable. I also remember the ANC elective conference in Mangaung just a few months later, in December 2012, when Jacob Zuma was re-elected as ANC president.

During his victory speech at a vibrant and packed venue, he brandished the plan, proclaiming, “This is the plan that will drive South Africa forward.”

The crowd’s excitement turned into quiet discontent. A Cosatu official I was speaking with leaned closer and murmured, “This is a DA plan. It will never happen. Over my dead body.”

That was nearly 13 years ago.

It might as well have been an architectural design for the tallest skyscraper, with the only outcome being the theft of its materials.

No execution, yet reviews continue …

The National Planning Commission is still operational, consistently publishing reviews that underscore the original plan’s deficiencies.

The skeptic in me suggests this is one commission that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana should consider cutting as part of his austerity initiatives.

The NDP still features an appealing cover, adorned with crisp, glossy pages and a professionally curated design. However, despite its visual appeal, it exemplifies how a visionary and ambitious plan, lacking implementation, ultimately becomes worthless. It represents a waste of resources.

At present, South Africa lacks a coherent vision for its future.

While the government of national unity (GNU) remains hopeful, the focus of leadership is primarily on stabilizing coalitions and addressing immediate crises. Amidst all this, there is a noticeable lack of a long-term strategic vision.

On a positive note, the GNU has voiced a commitment to growth and job creation – essential objectives that align with the original aims of the NDP.

Time for a fresh outlook

It appears that the enduring significance of the plan lies in its ability to serve as a mirror.

If politicians and policymakers were to revisit it today – engaging sincerely with its content – they might confront a stark reality: the nation’s current economic strategies are failing.

This realization calls for a bold reevaluation of critical policies: revisiting empowerment frameworks, not to nationalize poorly managed state-owned enterprises, but to rebuild independent institutions like the Scorpions to combat corruption, and to fundamentally rethink how South Africa tackles crime to restore the rule of law.

We don’t need another polished plan. What we require are courageous decisions, actionable policy changes, and the political will to make it happen.