SA can learn from China’s development models
Academics, state officials, and students discuss long-term planning as the China model propels the second-largest economy while South Africa stalls on paper.
A recent seminar held at the University of Johannesburg’s Business School highlighted the disparity between China’s successful execution of development models and South Africa’s chronic inability to translate plans into progress. While China has become the world’s second-largest economy, South Africa remains stalled in its development efforts.
China’s model has propelled it to the forefront of global economies, with a potential to surpass the United States in the near future. South Africa, on the other hand, boasts comprehensive strategies, most notably the National Development Plan (NDP 2030), but struggles to convert them into tangible results.
The seminar emphasized that while both nations value planning, the level of discipline and delivery differs significantly. Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored this point by stating that blueprint drafting accounts for only one part of the work, while implementation makes up nine parts. This profound focus on execution has been the driving force behind China’s remarkable transformation and its success story.
Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration Pinky Kekana acknowledged this gap during the seminar. She criticized the tendency to equate planning with merely producing documents, stressing that true development requires institutions capable of converting vision into progress. Kekana defended South Africa’s unique context, acknowledging its diverse society and constitutional framework.
However, she urged against adopting a one-size-fits-all model across the global south, advocating for an exchange of ideas and adaptation of successful approaches to suit local needs.
China’s consul-general in Johannesburg, Pan Qingjiang, provided a historical perspective, citing that since the launch of its first plan in 1953, China has completed 14 successive cycles, each building upon the previous one. He highlighted impressive outcomes such as per capita GDP exceeding $13,000 (approximately R210,000) for two consecutive years and over 95% coverage of old-age social insurance, demonstrating the Chinese socialist system's capability for delivery.
Pan attributed these achievements to a disciplined allocation model, where projects follow the plan and resources follow the projects, ensuring successful execution.
Professor Zama Mthombeni, an associate professor of anthropology and development studies at the University of Johannesburg, highlighted South Africa’s dual challenge: addressing the inequalities left by apartheid while simultaneously meeting contemporary economic demands.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
