MISTRA launches landmark publication assessing the capacity, capability and ethics of the South African state

• MISTRA launched The State of the South African State, a comprehensive assessment of the South African state’s institutional capacity, governance ethics and developmental capability three decades into democracy.
• The book calls for evidence-informed reform to rebuild state capability, strengthen accountability, and leverage technology to enhance service delivery and institutional integrity.

The Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) launched The State of the South African State: Capacity, Capability and Ethics, a significant new study assessing the performance and resilience of South Africa’s public institutions three decades into democracy and just over a year after the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The latest report follows MISTRA’s earlier flagship works, including Essays on the Evolution of the Post-Apartheid State, 20 Years of South African Democracy: So where to now?, and the Indlulamithi South Africa Scenarios 2030 and2035. Together, these studies chart South Africa’s governance journey from transition to the present day. This latest publication builds on that foundation, providing a comprehensive evaluation of how the state has evolved, the systemic weaknesses that persist, and the reforms needed to strengthen public institutions in the years ahead.

Drawing on extensive research and policy analysis undertaken by top scholars in the field of governance, political economy and  international relations, the book examines the state’s effectiveness in delivering services, maintaining fiscal sustainability, advancing ethics and professionalism in the public sector, and engaging meaningfully with civil society. It also highlights the increasing complexity introduced by coalition politics, economic stagnation, and governance challenges that have eroded public confidence.

“Our commitment as government to driving inclusive growth, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living must go hand in hand with building a capable, ethical and developmental state,” said Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, at the book’s launch.

The book finds that while South Africa has made significant gains in expanding access to basic services such as electricity, housing and social grants since 1994, the quality, efficiency and sustainability of these services have declined over time. Weak leadership, skills shortages, fiscal strain, and corruption have hindered progress, even as reform-minded leaders and civil servants work to restore capacity and trust in public institutions.

“The report invites us to reflect on the moral and institutional foundations of our democracy. The South African state stands at a crossroads; it carries within it both the seeds of renewal and the scars of decay,” said Professor Somadoda Fikeni, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission and keynote speaker at the launch.  “To rebuild, we must restore the moral and professional core of the public service and cultivate leadership that places national interest above factional or personal gain.”

MISTRA’s research offers practical policy recommendations to rebuild the state’s capability and legitimacy. These include strengthening merit-based appointments, professionalising the civil service, expanding digital governance systems, improving intergovernmental coordination, and deepening partnerships between government, business and civil society.

Drawing on case studies, the book argues that South Africa’s vibrant civil society has played a significant role in driving transformative reforms in the state,  and must continue to do so.

“This study affirms that the South African state is complex and marked by crisis and resilience,” said Dr Sandy Africa, Director of Research at MISTRA. “Our findings reveal that rebuilding state capability is not only about rooting out corruption or filling skills gaps. It requires rethinking how the state is organised, how it collaborates with society, and how it restores purpose and integrity in governance. Despite the challenges, there is room for optimism. The evidence shows that renewal is possible with decisive reform, professional leadership and public trust.”

The findings provide a comprehensive framework for reform, from reorganising state structures and stabilising leadership to promoting transparency, fiscal sustainability, and citizen participation. They also call for renewed collaboration between state institutions, academia, business, and civil society to co-create solutions and restore confidence in the state’s developmental vision.

MISTRA expects The State of the South African State to serve as a vital resource for policymakers, researchers, and citizens seeking to understand how national governance can be renewed to deliver on the promise of democracy. 

The book is available from:

MISTRA: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jacana Press:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

And bookstores nationwide. 

Download the book’s tables of contents and policy brief here: https://mistra.org.za/mistra-publications/the-state-of-the-south-african-state-capacity-capability-and-ethics/