The extent of, and possible explanations for, provincial disparities in progress on reconstruction and development in South Africa

Abstract

The objective of this article is to assess the early progress of South Africa's nine provinces in delivering on the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). Reconstruction and development indices (RDIs) are developed for this purpose. Reconstruction and development are not simply a matter of coming closer to meeting the objectives described in the RDP. The government also needs to address other aspects that cause concern. It needs to facilitate the demographic transition and improve standards in secondary education. Provinces that are more urbanised are in an advantageous position compared with the more rural provinces, which means that the government needs to make concerted efforts to address this urban-rural divide and to accelerate delivery in rural areas. Past inequities appear to persist in that progress on reconstruction and development remains closely tied to the racial composition of provincial populations. Expeditious interventions are needed to address these issues if the RDP is to ensure a better life for all.