Social and Economic Development in post-apartheid South Africa. A Review of Inequality, Instability, and the ANC´s shift to Neoliberalism

Jakob Bilan

• Publisher: GRIN Verlag
• Edition: 1
• Year: 2024
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: Diplomacy & Treaties
• eBook ISBN:
  9783346988980
• Index: Politics & International Relations

Seminar paper from the year 2023 in the subject Politics - Region: Africa, grade: A, Gallatin School of Individualized Study at New York University, course: The Redistributive State: South Africa's Post-Apartheid Policy Trajectory, language: English, abstract: Beneath the Rainbow Nation's promise of equality lies a stark reality: South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies on Earth. This book fearlessly confronts this paradox, dissecting the intricate web of factors that have perpetuated inequality and instability in the post-apartheid era. Journey into the heart of South Africa's socio-economic struggles as we unravel the enduring legacy of racial capitalism and its profound impact on the nation's trajectory. Explore the contrasting visions of development embodied in the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) strategy, understanding how these policies shaped the lives of millions. Delve into a comparative policy review, examining the pivotal shift from a state-led approach to a neoliberal model, and its far-reaching consequences. Uncover the complex role played by international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, scrutinizing their influence on South Africa's economic landscape. Through rigorous analysis and insightful commentary, this book exposes the fault lines that continue to threaten South Africa's progress, shedding light on the effects and dynamics of neoliberalism, financialization and their contribution to instability. Discover the interplay between inequality and instability and its effects on the post-apartheid development. This exploration of South Africa's political economy offers a critical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the nation as it strives to fulfill its promise of a just and equitable society. Examine the theoretical underpinnings that link inequality and instability and the practical implications of these dynamics in the South African context. Gain insight into the Polanyi problem and the role of institutional theory in understanding South Africa's unique path. For scholars, policymakers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of South Africa's complex socio-economic landscape, this book provides essential insights into the forces shaping the nation's destiny. Explore how market failures, civil unrest and international sanctions have played a role in the instability of the country and examine post-apartheid development in the context of these forces. This is more than just an academic study; it is a call to action, urging a re-evaluation of policies and priorities to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all South Africans while grappling with the specter of persistent inequality and instability.

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