The IRR's Blueprint for Growth

Many South Africans remain somewhat hopeful following the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), with the expectation that this renewed optimism might translate into meaningful change. However, unemployment and poverty have been on the rise for over a decade. Infrastructure is collapsing, investors are pulling out, and the cost of living is rising. The IRR's latest report, written by our CEO Dr John Endres, has been updated to reflect the recent developments. It serves as the foundation for the revised Blueprint for Growth series which outline how South Africa can transform this hope into tangible economic growth.

South Africa’s pro-poverty forces have over many years eroded the opportunities of South Africans to freely participate in a value-add economy where wealth is created across all parts of the country. Instead, a wealth-destroying ideology has trapped millions in poverty, whilst empowering pro-poverty cronies, cadres, crooks, and comrades to pillage and plunder.

For two decades, supporters of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) have insisted that race-based measures are needed to overcome the effects of apartheid – but the facts show that BEE has failed. Far from helping, BEE has proved to be one of the biggest obstacles to growth in South Africa. It has enriched an elite few while keeping millions in poverty. It disincentivises employment, growth, and investment. It is time for an alternative.

How did South Africa's public service get where it is today? How can it be improved? This paper considers the future of public service and outlines what the government would need to do to ensure that it fulfils the mandate set out in the Constitution, which is to maintain a high ethical standard, deliver services in an impartial manner and promote effective, efficient and economic use of resources.

If the GNU is serious about getting the economy growing and improving the quality of life of all South Africans, it must address South Africa's infrastructure problems. In the latest paper in the Blueprint for Growth series, the IRR's Anlu Keeve identifies the aspects of South Africa's infrastructure that demand immediate attention and recommends key policy reforms.

The IRR’s latest paper in the Blueprint for Growth series can help the GNU achieve its goals of economic growth and job creation. Rapid economic growth is the essential foundation for an upsurge in employment. Higher growth will also boost tax revenues, thereby helping to maintain the social grants and wider social wage.

The seventh paper in the IRR's "Blueprint for Growth" series explores South Africa’s failure to become a destination of choice for investment over the past three decades, an existential problem for the country. The paper shows how an array of choices and failings in governance have undermined South Africa’s attractiveness to investors, both foreign and domestic – and how this can be put right.

The eighth paper in the IRR's "Blueprint for Growth" series provides information on the state of crime and justice in South Africa. It shows how high levels of crime harm investment and economic growth. Finally, it presents recommendations on how to fix the situation to create a country that is safe for companies, investors, and individuals.