WORLDVIEW: The problem with the SA “developmental state”
For the last 15 years or so, South Africa has embraced the concept of the "developmental state" without ever firmly defining what that means beyond some platitudes about encouraging growth and creating jobs. As the economy languishes with sup-par growth and world-busting unemployment levels, the ANC government's claim to be operating as a developmental state rings increasingly hollow.
So, what is a developmental state and why has South Africa failed to achieve one?
Developmental states – the Asia experience
The classical examples of developmental states come out of south-east Asia and include countries like Malaysia, China, and South Korea. A few decades ago, the governments in those countries decided to ignore Western advice about their role – specifically, that governments should limit themselves to making and enforcing rules and providing services to citizens, allowing private businesses to get on with building the economy. Instead, they decided to take a hands-on, active role in building the economy.
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