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The  Constitution of South Africa is heralded for being one of the most progressive in the world and contains many rights that are not mentioned in many other countries.

Born out of repression and as a reaction to the apartheid regime that preceded it, at its foundation, the South African development model enshrines human values to secure economic growth and transformation. Well, that was the vision and intention of its creators.

However, in recent years, it has come under considerable pressure from people who have attempted to transgress it.

Minister of Economic Development Ebrahim Patel recently said,

“The Constitution was fought for in townships and villages, in factories and universities; that connection must not be lost, and we have a responsibility to ensure that each generation sees that its fundamental values are worth protecting and defending. This requires that we make progress to achieve the Constitution’s empowering vision of a society that is equitable and based on social justice. The Constitution belongs in the townships, not in a museum. It is a living document, a source of oxygen for the society, not a monument or a waxwork.”

South Africa may have the best constitution in the world, which is held up as an example for many other countries. However, does that make it a progressive country to live in, and how does the world see it from the outside?  The dictionary defines progressive as:-

1. favouring or advocating progress, change, improvement, or reform, as opposed to wishing to maintain things as they are, especially in political matters.
2. making progress toward better conditions, employing or advocating more enlightened or liberal ideas, new or experimental methods, etc.

There can be no doubt that the country after apartheid ended, was a beacon of progressive opportunity around the world. Everything was changing and the government promised opportunity for all. After more than a quarter of a decade, there is concern that the country is in danger of becoming a one-party state, and the very people who promised to free South Africans of inequality are guilty of enforcing it. It may no longer be the case of rich white citizens doing the oppressing but rather all the wealthy classes obtaining power and pulling up the ladder behind them. Corruption appears to be endemic, inequality is worsening, and unemployment is reported as the worst in the world.

Evidence suggests that income inequality has got worse in the post-apartheid period and that levels of inequality are not getting any better. One of the factors driving inequality is high unemployment, with large numbers of South Africans with no or meagre incomes. The UN reports of unequal access to education, economic disparities, unequal pay and the continuation of segregated communities reinforced by existing institutions and persistent attitudes.

On the other hand, the outside world sees enclaves of phenomenal wealth in the country, beautiful weather and aspirational lifestyles. People were so hopeful that South Africa would be a role model for other nations to follow, and many who remember what it was like before are uncomfortable criticizing what it appears to have become. While it is stalling and going reverse in many areas, there are still encouraging signs of progressive advances in the country.

Where South Africa was subject to boycotts in the past, international tourists are now beating a path to spend time in the country. The country attracted 8.5 million tourists last year, almost 50% more than the previous year. As well as stunning scenery and safari opportunities, it has the seductive appeal of First-World infrastructure and facilities. The legalization of casinos and gambling can be regarded as a significant progressive step, and visitors can include playing at a world-class venue as part of their itinerary. In addition, in SA you can find an online casino when you are on the go, so tourists really are spoiled for choice.

Tourism is regarded as an essential part of changing the fortunes of South Africa; however, like so much of what is happening in the country, it faces many challenges. Deteriorating infrastructure and high crime rates can be real barriers to making it a desirable destination for all. While the tourist board do a great job promoting the country, external factors like safety, visas, poor roads and crime hamper growth.

While the country is one of the most progressive on the African continent, it still has a long way to go to fulfil its true potential and the potential enshrined in its constitution. Unfortunately, there has not been a leader who has been able to live up to Nelson Mandela’s image or vision. While he genuinely wanted the very best for all the citizens, many who surrounded and followed him have been much more interested in only accumulating what is best for them.

The OECD calls for an improved system of taxation and a reduction in spending inefficiencies to put the country’s public finances on a more sustainable path. It also says the government needs to find ways to revive productivity growth, raise living standards and tighten monetary policy. Inflation disproportionately affects the poorest households. OECD Acting Chief Economist Alvara Pereira has said progress can be made by,

“Strengthening public finances, creating a more growth-friendly tax system and fostering higher productivity through enhanced infrastructure, education and competition and more reliable power supply will be key to get the recovery back on track and ensure higher living standards.”

With a general election looming, opposition parties have formed a coalition in an attempt to end the thirty-year domination of the ANC as the ruling party. They are pledging to end widespread corruption and offer the country something different.