Rethinking the State in Africa: Perceptions of South Africans on State Formation, State-building and a Renegotiated Social Contract

Abstract

British colonial rule in South Africa in the first instance and the subsequent apartheid regime harmed nation-building with repercussions on good governance, citizenship, and overall development of the country. These negative impacts manifest in the form of high levels of citizen inequality, increased crime rates, poverty, unemployment, corruption, poor service delivery which questions the essence of the state. The origin of the South African state, its perverse character, and future trajectory were interrogated in this paper using qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The findings show South Africa is tending towards state failure unless measures are taken to stem this pivot. One way forward is the creation of a political system that will enable the state and citizens to renegotiate a more inclusive social contract.