This volume assesses the South African state three decades into its democracy, and a year after the formation of the GNU. It examines the state within a long-term historical context, but with a specific focus on events and trends that have become prominent since 2014.

This book builds on earlier MISTRA projects, particularly Essays on the Evolution of the Post-Apartheid State; 20 Years of South African Democracy: So where to now?, the ‘Macro-Social Report’, and the two Indlulamithi Scenarios projects – 2030 and 2035. With a focus on state capacity, capability and ethics, this volume advances MISTRA’s transdisciplinary research agenda, provides an up-to-date evaluation of the South African state and provides recommendations for course correction. 

It seeks to answer the following core research question: ‘What is the current capacity of the South African state to develop and implement effective public policy, conduct efficient and service-oriented governance, and effectively address the problems plaguing the South African nation?’