Edited by Lungisile Ntsebeza & Peter Kagwanja South Africa 2008 Edited By Peter Kagwanja & Kwandiwe Kondlo Free download from www.hsrcpress.co.za Published by HSRC Press Private Bag X9182, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa www.hsrcpress.ac.za First published 2009 ISBN (soft cover) 978-0-7969-2199-4 ISBN (pdf) 978-0-7969-2285-4 © 2009 Human Sciences Research Council The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Human Sciences Research Council (‘the Council’) or indicate that the Council endorses the views of the authors. In quoting from this publication, readers are advised to attribute the source of the information to the individual author concerned and not to the Council. Typeset by Simon van Gend Cover design by Farm Design Cover photo by Russell Mbulelo Kana Print management by comPress Printed by Logo Print, Cape Town, South Africa Distributed in Africa by Blue Weaver Tel: +27 (0) 21 701 4477; Fax: +27 (0) 21 701 7302 www.oneworldbooks.com Distributed in Europe and the United Kingdom by Eurospan Distribution Services (EDS) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7240 0856; Fax: +44 (0) 20 7379 0609 www.eurospanbookstore.com Distributed in North America by Independent Publishers Group (IPG) Call toll-free: (800) 888 4741; Fax: +1 (312) 337 5985 www.ipgbook.com Free download from www.hsrcpress.co.za Contents List of tables and figures vii Foreword ix Acronyms xii Introduction: Uncertain democracy - elite fragmentation and the disintegration of the ‘nationalist consensus’ in South Africa xv Peter Kagwanja Part I: Politics 1 The Polokwane moment and South Africa’s democracy at the crossroads 3 Somadoda Fikeni 2 Modernising the African National Congress: The legacy of President Thabo Mbeki 35 William M Gumede 3 The state of the Pan-Africanist Congress in a democratic South Africa 58 Thabisi Hoeane 4 Black Consciousness in contemporary South African politics 84 Thiven Reddy Part II: Economics 5 The developmental state in South Africa: The difficult road ahead 107 Sampie Terreblanche 6 Globalisation and transformation of the South African merchant navy: A case of flag of (in)convenience shipping? 131 Shaun Ruggunan 7 Service delivery as a measure of change: State capacity and development 151 David Hemson, Jonathan Carter and Geci Karuri-Sebina Free download from www.hsrcpress.co.za 8 The state of our environment: Safeguarding the foundation for development 178 Donald Gibson, Amina Ismail, Darryll Kilian and Maia Matshikiza Part III: Society 9 Beyond yard socialism: Landlords, tenants and social power in the backyards of a South African city 203 Leslie Bank 10 Internationalisation and competitiveness in South African urban governance: On the contradictions of aspirationist urban policy-making 226 Scarlett Cornelissen Part IV: South Africa, Africa and the globe 11 South Africa and the Great Lakes: A complex diplomacy 253 Che Ajulu 12 Cry sovereignty: South Africa in the UN Security Council, 2007–2008 275 Peter Kagwanja 13 Praetorian solidarity: The state of military relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe 303 Peter Kagwanja and Martin Revayi Rupiya Contributors 332 Index 334 Free download from www.hsrcpress.co.za vii Tables and figures Tables Table 1.1 ANC membership and voting delegates at the December 2007 conference 17 Table 1.2 Polokwane conference election results for top six NEC positions 18 Table 1.3 2004 election results: National Assembly 25 Table 3.1 Major South African political parties represented in the National Assembly after the 1994, 1999 and 2004 elections, by percentage 72 Table 6.1 Unicorn’s ships and flagging practices 134 Table 10.1 Economic development goals in South Africa’s three largest metropolises, 2006–2111 239 Table 10.2 Johannesburg Development Agency’s main partnerships and development projects 242 Table 10.3 Durban Investment Promotion Agency’s main partnerships and development projects 243 Table 11.1 South African foreign policy priorities, 2004–2008 255 Table 12.1 Kofi Annan’s plans for the reform of the UN Security Council, 2005 284 Table 12.2 AU plans for UN Security Council reform, 2005 288 Figures Figure 8.1 Conceptual models of development 180 Figure 8.2 Ecosystem services and their relationship to human well-being 181 Figure 8.3 Levels of soil, vegetation and overall degradation in South Africa, c. 1998 185 Figure 8.4 Status of terrestrial ecosystems, South Africa, 2004 188 Free download from www.hsrcpress.co.za Free download from www.hsrcpress.co.za ix Foreword The exciting times in which we live as South Africans just never end. The period 1994 to 1999, sometimes referred to as the era of ‘Madiba magic’, was a heroic one; it was a time of tasting and celebrating the possibilities of our new democracy. From 1999 to 2004, the period some refer to as the era of ‘Mbeki logic’, responses to managerial imperatives came to the fore and we witnessed the implementation of comprehensive policy reforms and the steady growth of our economy. The years 2004 to the present have combined the hope and optimism of the Madiba period and the orientation towards policy implementation and public service management of the Mbeki period with an increasing sense of uncertainty and anxiety as the leadership contests within the African National Congress (ANC) dominate public attention. The latter trend culminated in the December 2007 ANC National Conference in Polokwane, the subsequent recall of President Mbeki, the split within the ruling party, and the formation of a new political party – the Congress of the People. These developments have generated much debate and the expression of a wide range of views. Some political analysts emphasised the basic dimension of ‘a changing of the guard’ and its associated manifestations in the redefinition of existing relations between party and state, between the leadership and the led, and between the haves and the have-nots, as well as the consolidation of internal democracy in the ANC-led alliance in a way that amounts to the reinvention of socio-political and economic emancipation. Other analysts saw in the changes the settling in of a possible mediation of polarisations and disparities in our political economy and society. Yet others saw in the same changes the dynamism of stable continuity. As a result of these varied perspectives, the conversations and debates about the likely future political, social and economic trajectory of the country are ongoing and have become interestingly robust. The chapters in this edition of State of the Nation encompass these varied perspectives and are a sample of the ongoing debates. In keeping with its commitment to ‘social science that makes a difference’, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is proud to present the selection of views contained in this edition, which continues the tradition of contributing to the ongoing dialogue and wide-ranging debates between researchers, Free download from www.hsrcpress.co.za STATE OF THE NATION 2008 x policy-makers, public managers and policy activists, as well as revealing and revelling in the vibrancy of our democracy and sharing contemporary insights into the challenges facing our nation. As with previous editions, the editors of this edition have attempted to strike a balance in their coverage of issues – a balance between focusing on South Africa’s internal politics, society and economy, and concentrating on South Africa’s external relations, most critically with other African nations but also in relation to the country’s bilateral and multilateral relations with the rest of the world. The interpretations of our situation offered in this volume are diverse, including some that are critical of government policies, state institutions, political parties – including the ruling party – and global institutions. However, all the contributors have sought to interpret their topics based upon both historical understanding and empirical research, and the chapters reflect a nuanced take on aspects of the state of our nation. Neither the introductory chapter by the editors nor the perspectives presented in the subsequent chapters represent the views of the HSRC and, as is the case with all HSRC Press publications, editorial independence is respected and upheld as a matter of principle. I would like to record our gratitude to the four donor organisations that continue to provide solid support to this project. Atlantic Philanthropies, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the Ford Foundation provided the generous financial assistance which enabled the compilation and production of this publication. Equally important was the contribution of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, which financed several workshops in the HSRC’s Democracy and Governance Research Programme. The latter Foundation has in the past also supported the launch workshops which allowed us to extend the debate on the state of the nation well beyond the academy. The success of State of the Nation is in large measure due to the commitment and effort of its editors and in this regard I would like to single out the contribution of the founding editors John Daniel, Adam Habib and Roger Southall in launching what has now become a flagship publication of the HSRC. The contributions of subsequent editors that variously included Sakhela Buhlungu and Jessica Lutchman are also acknowledged. Thank you all for the continuing legacy of scholarship in the nexus of social science and public policy. Free download from www.hsrcpress.co.za xi FOREWORD For a number of reasons the transitions between various groups of editors have not been as seamless as we would have desired and we have struggled with ensuring continuity amidst change. Lungisile Ntsebeza, Peter Kagwanja and Kwandiwe Kondlo, Executive Director of the HSRC’s Democracy and Governance Research Programme, deserve a special word of thanks in this regard. The delayed production of this edition was overcome through tapping into collaboration networks and by drawing upon an outstanding commitment to ensuring that this important national project continues. We will continue to tap into these networks and draw upon this commitment to ensure continuity for the future. As part of these efforts a new lead editor will be appointed following the resignation of Lungisile Ntsebeza from the editorial team. A decision has also been made to publish State of the Nation at the beginning of each calendar year to coincide with the beginning of the academic year in South African institutions of higher education, rather than towards the end of the calendar year as was previously the case. As with previous editions, Garry Rosenberg, Mary Ralphs, Karen Bruns, Utando Baduza and all the staff of the HSRC Press have continued to play their part in ensuring the success of this project and I convey the appreciation of their colleagues. State of the Nation is a mechanism for dialogue and public debate aimed at engendering the kind of knowledge that public policy needs in order to be more effective. I trust that this edition keeps us on course towards achieving this goal. Dr Olive Shisana President and Chief Executive, HSRC Free download from www.hsrcpress.co.za xii Acronyms Africom African Command ANC African National Congress Apla Azanian People’s Liberation Army Asgisa Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa AU African Union Azapo Azanian People’s Organisation BC Black Consciousness BCF Black Consciousness Forum BCM Black Consciousness Movement BEE Black Economic Empowerment BPC Black People’s Convention CBD Central Business District CBO Community-based organisation Codesa Convention for a Democratic South Africa Cosatu Congress of South African Trade Unions CTRU Cape Town Routes Unlimited DA Democratic Alliance DBSA Development Bank of Southern Africa DEAT Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism DME Department of Minerals and Energy DPSIR Drivers-pressures-state-impacts-responses DRC Democratic Republic of Congo DVRA Duncan Village Residents’ Association ESI Environmental Sustainability Index EU European Union FDD Force for the Defence of Democracy Fifa Fédération Internationale de Football Association FLS Frontline States FNL Forces for National Liberation FoC Flag of convenience Frelimo Frente de Libertação Moçambique GDP Gross domestic product GEAR Growth, Employment and Redistribution programme HSRC Human Sciences Research Council Free download from www.hsrcpress.co.za [...]... UNSC Wesgro Zanu-PF Zapu South African Air Force South African Broadcasting Association South African Communist Party Southern African Development Community South African Defence Force Southern African Millennium Ecosystem Assessment South African Maritime Safety Authority South African National Civic Organisation South African Revenue Service South African Students’ Organisation South African Social... of the state of South Africa s democracy is incomplete without a critical analysis of the state of the liberation movements other than the ANC, particularly the PAC and the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) The year 2007 marked the thirtieth anniversary of the brutal death of Steve Bantu Biko, the founder of the BCM, who was murdered by the apartheid security police in September 1977; similarly, 2008. .. became the topic of a high-profile Africa- wide debate in the mid-1990s – under the banner South Africa and Africa: Within or Apart?’ – where it was noted that apartheid South Africa ‘has stood aside and apart from the rest of the continent’ The question was then posed: ‘Will [postapartheid] South Africa stand up for its own and Africa s interests against the continent’s growing international isolation?’... cost of living and poor service delivery, former President Mbeki prefaced his annual State of the Nation address on 9 February 2007 with a passionate appeal to the unifying impulse of nationalism Mbeki’s speech has become emblematic of South Africa s troubling transition from the ‘age of hope’ of the early post-apartheid years to a new ‘age of despair’ (Mashike 2008) This volume of State of the Nation. .. uncertainty over the future of Pretoria’s pan-Africanists and the political capacity of the African Renaissance project As Gumede (2008) warns, it has also ushered in an unsettling moment in South Africa s history with deep implications for the consolidation of its infant democracy Globally, the epitaph of Mbeki’s South Africa is also unflattering South Africa s strong nationalist stance in defence of Africa s... concept of the ‘African personality’ and Aimé Césaire’s ‘negritude’ But African Renaissance has its recent roots in Mbeki’s famous ‘I am an African’ speech, delivered on behalf of the ANC on the occasion of the adoption of the new democratic Constitution in May 1996 The speech captured the dual identity of the peoples’ in South Africa as both South Africans’ and ‘Africans’ (Chipkin 2007) ‘I am an African’... became the Democratic Party in the 1980s, the DA has been identified mainly with the English-speaking section of white South Africa But the DA’s marriage of convenience with the mainly Afrikaner New National Party in the run-up to the 1999 elections may have succeeded in uniting South Africa s white voters, so preventing the ANC from winning the Western Cape provincial government But the collapse of the. .. grants, with the number of South Africans receiving these grants increasing from 2.6 million in 1994 to 6.8 million in 2003 Courting the developmental state: too little too late Faced with widespread protests, South Africa looked to the east, adopting the idea of the developmental state, used widely in the parlance of the international political economy to describe the state- driven socio-economic planning... touting African nationalist solidarity At the turn of the new millennium, Pretoria’s ‘liberation diplomats’ were convinced that the end of the Cold War and the preponderance of neo-liberal ideas had rendered the radical populism and socialist ideology of their own party, the ANC, unattractive (Tieku 2004) Pretoria’s pan-Africanists robustly exported South Africa s version of liberal nationalism to the. .. nationalism as the salient issue that has framed the seismic shifts in South Africa s politics, economy, society and foreign relations in the run-up to and aftermath of the historic 52nd African National Congress (ANC) National Conference in Polokwane in December 2007 – which sounded the death knell to the Mbeki presidency (1999 2008) In the 15 years since the demise of the parochial nationalisms of . www.hsrcpress.co.za STATE OF THE NATION 2008 xiv STATE OF THE NATION 2008 SAAF South African Air Force SABC South African Broadcasting Association SACP South African. publish State of the Nation at the beginning of each calendar year to coincide with the beginning of the academic year in South African institutions of higher