Your assignment must be between 2000 and 3000 words (between 5-6 pages).
• You must have at least 10 references.
• Please use the Harvard style of referencing.
• Use Times New Roman font type and font size 12.
• The alignment of your essay must be justified.
• Use 1.5 spacing.
• Your plagiarism similarity index on Turnitin must not be above 20% and do not use AI
generated content.
Assignment Question
In his 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA), the president of the Republic of South
Africa, Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa used the analogue of Tintswalo, a child born in 1994
when South Africa gained its freedom to illustrate the development journey and the
opportunities created for South Africans. Read the story below as told by the president and
write an essay on the question that follows at the end of the story:
“The story of the first 30 years of our democracy can be best told through the life of a child called
Tintswalo born at the dawn of freedom in 1994. Tintswalo – democracy’s child – grew up in a
society that was worlds apart from the South Africa of her parents, grandparents, and great�grandparents. She grew up in a society governed by a constitution rooted in equality, the rule of
law, and affirmation of the inherent dignity of every citizen. Tintswalo, and many others born at
the same time as her, were beneficiaries of the first policies of the democratic State to provide free
healthcare for pregnant women and children under the age of six. Tintswalo’s formative years were
spent in a house provided by the State, one of millions of houses built to shelter the poor. Tintswalo
grew up in a household provided with basic water and electricity, in a house where her parents
were likely to have lived without electricity before 1994. Tintswalo was enrolled in a school in
which her parents did not have to pay school fees, and each school day she received a nutritious
meal as part of a programme that today supports nine million learners from poor families. The
democratic State provided a Child Support Grant to meet her basic needs. This grant, together with
other forms of social assistance, continues to be a lifeline for more than 26 million South Africans
every month. With this support, Tintswalo – democracy’s child – was able to complete high school.
Through the assistance of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Tintswalo
attended one of our Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and obtained
a qualification. When Tintswalo entered the world of work, she was able to progress and thrive
with the support of the State’s employment equity and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE)
policies. With the income she earned, she was able to save, to start a family, to move into a better
house, and to live a better life. This is the story of millions of people who have been born since the
dawn of our democracy. But it is only part of the story (Cyril Matemela Ramaphosa, 2024).”
Using arguments from the Modernisation theorists and those from Dependency theorists,
give a critical analysis of South Africa’s development story since 1994. Focus on the factors
that enabled the likes of Tintswalo to thrive while millions of others failed to realise similar
successes and what can be done to ensure that more citizens benefit from development
opportunities in democratic South Africa [100 marks]
Title: A Critical Analysis of South Africa’s Development Story Since 1994
Introduction
In his 2024 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa used the analogy of Tintswalo, a child born in 1994, to illustrate the development journey and opportunities created for South Africans since the dawn of democracy in South Africa. The story of Tintswalo highlights the positive impact of various government policies and programs that have aimed to uplift the lives of millions of people in the country. However, despite these efforts, there are still challenges and disparities that exist, leading to a critical analysis of South Africa's development story since 1994. This essay will focus on examining the factors that have enabled individuals like Tintswalo to thrive, while millions of others have not been able to realize similar successes. Furthermore, it will also explore what can be done to ensure that more citizens benefit from development opportunities in democratic South Africa.
Modernisation Theory Perspective
Modernisation theory is a perspective that focuses on the process of modernization within societies, leading to economic development, social progress, and political stability. According to modernisation theorists, development is a linear process that involves countries advancing through stages of economic growth, industrialization, urbanization, and social change.
In the case of South Africa, the implementation of policies such as free healthcare for pregnant women and children, housing provided by the state, access to basic services like water and electricity, free education, social grants, and employment equity and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies have been instrumental in driving development and empowering individuals like Tintswalo to thrive. These policies have aimed to address the historical inequalities and injustices of the past, providing opportunities for upward social mobility and economic empowerment for previously disadvantaged groups.
Moreover, the expansion of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the emphasis on Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges have enabled individuals from low-income backgrounds to access higher education and acquire skills that are in demand in the labor market. This has not only improved their employability but also contributed to economic growth and development in the country.
Dependency Theory Perspective
On the other hand, dependency theory offers a critical perspective on development, highlighting the unequal power relations and structural barriers that exist between developed and developing countries. According to dependency theorists, developing countries like South Africa are in a state of dependency on the global capitalist system, which perpetuates underdevelopment, poverty, and exploitation.
In the context of South Africa, the legacies of colonialism and apartheid have resulted in deep-rooted structural inequalities, social divisions, and economic disparities that continue to shape the country's development trajectory. Despite the progress made since 1994, millions of South Africans still live in poverty, unemployment remains high, and access to essential services like healthcare, education, and housing is limited for many.
The persistence of these challenges can be attributed to factors such as corruption, inefficiency, and mismanagement within the government, as well as continued racial and gender inequalities that hinder the full participation and inclusion of all citizens in the development process. Additionally, the reliance on foreign investment, export-led growth, and neoliberal economic policies has further entrenched South Africa's dependency on external actors and markets, limiting the country's ability to pursue independent and sustainable development strategies.
Critical Analysis and Recommendations
In critically analyzing South Africa's development story since 1994 from both modernisation and dependency theory perspectives, it is evident that while significant progress has been made in terms of social welfare programs, education, and economic empowerment, there are still underlying structural barriers and systemic issues that prevent equitable and inclusive development for all citizens.
To ensure that more South Africans benefit from development opportunities in democratic South Africa, it is essential to address the following key areas:
1. Enhancing Good Governance and Accountability: Improving transparency, accountability, and integrity within the government and public institutions is crucial to combating corruption, promoting efficiency, and ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to support development initiatives. Strengthening oversight mechanisms, promoting citizen participation, and empowering local communities can help enhance the delivery of public services and address the needs of marginalized populations.
2. Promoting Inclusive Growth and Economic Empowerment: Implementing policies that prioritize inclusive growth, job creation, and skills development can help reduce inequality, poverty, and unemployment in South Africa. Investing in sectors that have high potential for employment generation, such as manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy, and digital technology, can create opportunities for sustainable economic development and social advancement.
3. Addressing Structural Inequalities and Historical Legacies: Tackling the root causes of inequality, discrimination, and social exclusion is essential to building a more just and equitable society in South Africa. This requires addressing issues related to land reform, access to quality education, healthcare, housing, and social services, as well as promoting social cohesion, diversity, and inclusive development practices that empower all individuals and communities.
4. Strengthening Local and Regional Development Strategies: Investing in local and regional development initiatives can help promote decentralization, empower local governments, and foster community-led development that responds to the unique needs and priorities of different regions in South Africa. Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, cooperatives, and social enterprises can also stimulate economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the development story of South Africa since 1994 has been a complex and multifaceted journey marked by significant achievements as well as persistent challenges. While policies and programs like those mentioned in the story of Tintswalo have improved the lives of many South Africans, there is still much work to be done to ensure that development opportunities are accessible to all citizens and that the benefits of democracy are shared equitably across society.
By critically analyzing South Africa's development story from modernisation and dependency theory perspectives, we can gain insights into the underlying factors that have shaped the country's development trajectory and identify key areas for improvement. By addressing issues of governance, economic empowerment, structural inequalities, and local and regional development, South Africa can work towards building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable society that empowers all its citizens to thrive and succeed in the 21st century.