The Government of National Unity (GNU) caused both hope and scepticism when it was set up, because of the ANC, the governing party for 30 years in democratic South Africa, losing its grip on an absolute majority and having to reach out to other parties with whom to jointly run the country. This outcome was arguably long overdue – under the ANC’s somewhat blinkered stewardship South Africa has declined in numerous ways, economically, politically, and socially.
The GNU marks 100 days this week – some will look to this milestone with optimism for the state of governance in the country, while others may be surprised that the GNU is still in place at all.
Whichever way the thinking leans towards, there is no doubt that a mammoth task lies ahead in steering South Africa back onto a course of meaningful socio-economic growth and development.
Research and advocacy organisation Good Governance Africa (GGA) has identified 10 priority areas which the GNU would do well to address. GGA says these 10 items fall broadly under three categories, namely:
- Tackling public dissatisfaction with democracy by rebuilding confidence in the country’s political system;
- Delivering on its mandate of capably providing residents with accessible, high-quality services while kick-starting South Africa’s economic potential;
- Positioning South Africa as a responsible regional and global actor at a time when the region is unstable and the worldwide situation volatile.
GGA has published a colourful series of infographics illustrating and explaining these 10 priority areas. We share them below.
