Measuring progress towards SA’s development goals

South Africa has long faced developmental challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only served to intensify and spotlight these issues. The Bureau for Economic Research (BER) recently released a report that assesses South Africa's progress towards its national development plan (NDP) over the past decade. In an interview with CNBC Africa, Helanya Fourie, Chief Economist at the BER, provided insights into both the successes and shortcomings identified in the report. The analysis conducted by the BER involved a collaborative effort with experts from various fields, including education, health, and corruption. This multidisciplinary approach aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of South Africa's development trajectory. One of the key highlights of the report was the notable progress made in certain sectors. Agricultural production, for instance, saw a significant increase in value terms, rising by 44% from 2010 to 2020. Additionally, advancements in the treatment of communicable diseases such as HIV and AIDS were acknowledged as areas of success. Despite the prevailing challenges, including high unemployment rates and subdued economic growth, there were 'green shoots' of progress visible in various aspects of development. However, the report also shed light on areas where South Africa has fallen short. Economic growth emerged as a critical metric, with the country's population growth surpassing economic growth in recent years, leading to a decline in real incomes for South Africans. This trend was mirrored by challenges such as high unemployment rates, decreased investment, and waning business and consumer confidence. Fourie emphasized the necessity of addressing these structural issues to foster sustainable growth and development. While the report refrained from making specific policy recommendations, its primary goal was to provide a tool for measuring progress and fostering awareness among South Africans regarding the country's development trajectory. Looking ahead to 2030, the target milestone for achieving various developmental goals, the impact of COVID-19 on South Africa's development path remains a significant concern. The pandemic has disrupted economic activities and is projected to impede progress towards key targets outlined in the NDP. The ongoing effects of COVID-19 are expected to be reflected in the next iteration of the report, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and evaluation. Despite the challenges posed by the current environment, the BER report aims to serve as a dynamic resource that can adapt to changing circumstances and facilitate ongoing assessment of South Africa's development journey. As the nation navigates the complexities of its development landscape, the importance of measurement and tracking progress remains paramount for informed decision-making and policy formulation.