Former President Thabo Mbeki has criticised the Government of National Unity (GNU) over what he described as a lack of urgency and failure to prioritise strengthening state capacity.
Mbeki made the remarks at the 25th South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) Conference Gala Dinner in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
According to Mbeki, the GNU has not taken practical steps to develop the state’s capacity since it was established in 2024.
“We’ve had the GNU since 2024, and nothing has been done. They call for state capacity development, but why isn’t it happening? All of us agree that the state is important and without it, there won’t be any development, whether social or political,” Mbeki said.
He also warned that efforts to eradicate poverty would not succeed without a capable state.
Mbeki has previously spoken out about the government’s capacity, cautioning against delegating core responsibilities to the private sector.
He argued that doing so could further weaken the government’s role in driving economic growth.
Mbeki called for urgent action to prevent worsening levels of inequality, unemployment and poverty.
He concluded by calling on key stakeholders in academia and other sectors to work together to develop practical strategies to address the country’s critical challenges.
