Abstract:
This article sets out to explore arguments for the developmental state in Africa
and South Africa in particular. A fundamental case for the developmental
state is the pursuit of interventionist economic policies as against absolute
neo-liberalist and even protectionist policies. However, in a highly globalised
and utilitarian world, the gains of the developmental state examples of the Asian
Tigers are considered as difficult to replicate in other developing regions like Africa by public governance scholars and global economic policy watchers. Thus, the
development arena is pervaded with Western prescribed conditions for aid such as a free market economy and democracy. The developmental state is not a new
concept in South African governance. The pro-poor stance of local economic development policies, government infrastructural expansion programmes, social
welfare grant policies, as well as employment and business equity policies show
a level of government intervention in the redistribution of wealth and social
justice. Whether these policies have translated into measurable strides in terms
of development indicators are yet to be established. Nevertheless, this article will
explore the character of the developmental state as extracted from some recent
successes and try to isolate core issues that can be factored into African policy and
development environment.
