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This is a scenario of “musical chairs” or “reshuffled elites”. It is triggered by the failure of leaders across all sectors to deal with our critical challenges. This failure is the result of political factionalism and weak, unaccountable leadership, weak capacity in government departments, and tightening economic constraints that are not de[p=-'[palt with realistically or inclusively. Civil society increasingly disengages as public trust in public institutions diminishes. The state is increasingly bypassed by citizens, resulting in unaccountable groupings assuming power over parts of society. The gap between the leaders and the led widens. Citizens eventually lose patience and erupt into protest and unrest. The government, driven by its inability to meet citizens’ demands and expectations, responds brutally, and a spiral of resistance and repression is unleashed. Decay and disintegrations sets in. |
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South Africa faces critical social and economic challenges especially related to unemployment and poverty, safety and security, education, and health. These challenges are now exacerbated by a global economic crisis. If we fail to recognize the severity of our challenges, and if we fail to address them, we will experience rapid disintegration and decline. |
