After Elections: Implications of the Government of National Unity on South Africa’s Sustainable Infrastructure Development.

The concept of a Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa is not new. It was first implemented after the historic 1994 general elections, which marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a democratic era. This essay will explore the history of the GNU post-1994, analyse the potential implications of another GNU on sustainable infrastructure development, survey the positions of major political parties on infrastructure, assess the risks associated with a GNU, and underscore the necessity of investing in climate-resilient infrastructure in light of recent extreme weather events. The essay will conclude with policy recommendations for a GNU.

The first GNU in South Africa was formed following the 1994 elections, which were the first multiracial elections in the country’s history. The GNU included the African National Congress (ANC), the National Party (NP), and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). This coalition was designed to ensure a smooth transition from apartheid to democracy, fostering unity and stability in a deeply divided nation.

The GNU was a pragmatic solution to South Africa’s political challenges, providing a platform for inclusive governance and reconciliation. However, it also faced numerous challenges, including differing political ideologies and priorities among the coalition partners. The NP eventually withdrew from the GNU in 1996, and the concept was not continued after the 1999 elections.

A contemporary GNU could differ significantly from its predecessor. The political landscape in South Africa has evolved, with new parties emerging and existing ones changing their strategies and policies. Today’s GNU would need to address contemporary issues such as economic inequality, unemployment, and sustainable development, with a particular focus in my view on infrastructure development.

While public sector infrastructure spending turned a corner in 2018 and has generally been on the upward trend, it remains lower than the levels we need to address many of socio-economic challenges. South Africa’s public investment in infrastructure is around 5-6% of GDP. Ethiopia, despite facing internal conflicts and inflation challenges, has maintained a high level of public investment of about 6-7% of GDP to support its rapid economic growth and development. Rwanda spends over 8% of GDP, leveraging significant public and private sector investments to close its infrastructure gap and support its robust growth.

Public spending on infrastructure plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and development in African countries. Enhanced infrastructure boosts productivity by reducing logistics costs and improving market access, as evidenced in Ethiopia and Rwanda. It also attracts domestic and foreign investments, as seen in Côte d’Ivoire, where robust infrastructure has drawn significant investments in manufacturing and extractive sectors. Moreover, infrastructure projects create jobs and reduce unemployment, with large-scale projects in Ethiopia and Rwanda significantly lowering joblessness. These projects also promote social and economic integration, facilitating regional trade and improving access to essential services like education and healthcare.

For South Africa, increasing public investment in infrastructure to around 7-8% of GDP would align it with the investment levels of rapidly growing countries such as Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ethiopia. This increased investment should focus on critical areas like transport and logistics, energy, digital infrastructure, and water and sanitation. Financing these investments could be achieved through public-private partnerships, development assistance, and improved domestic revenue mobilisation. By targeting these investment levels and focus areas, South Africa can stimulate economic growth, attract investments, create jobs, and enhance living standards, effectively addressing its developmental challenges.

While a GNU can promote political stability and inclusivity, it also poses certain risks to sustainable infrastructure development:

Policy Incoherence: Divergent political ideologies and priorities can lead to inconsistent and fragmented infrastructure policies, hindering long-term planning and execution.

Bureaucratic Delays: Decision-making in a coalition government can be slow, resulting in delays in the implementation of infrastructure projects.

Resource Allocation: Competing interests within the GNU may lead to suboptimal allocation of resources, with funds being diverted to projects that align with political priorities rather than national needs.

Policy Recommendations for the Government of National Unity

Promote Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors to leverage additional funding, expertise, and innovation in infrastructure development.

Enhance Coordination and Efficiency: Streamline decision-making processes within the GNU to reduce bureaucratic delays and ensure timely implementation of infrastructure projects.

Ensure Equitable Resource Allocation: Allocate resources based on national needs and priorities rather than political considerations, ensuring that infrastructure investments benefit all regions and communities.

Invest in Capacity Building: Strengthen the capacity of government institutions and personnel involved in infrastructure planning and implementation to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Focus on Climate Resilience: Prioritise investments in climate-resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events and ensure the long-term sustainability of infrastructure assets.

The formation of a Government of National Unity in South Africa presents both opportunities and challenges for sustainable infrastructure development. By learning from the past and adopting a cohesive, forward-looking strategy, a contemporary GNU can promote inclusive economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability. Through collaboration, efficient resource allocation, and a focus on climate resilience, the GNU can lay the foundation for a prosperous and resilient South Africa.