The South African economy can perform much better if key barriers are removed, the SA Institute of Race Relations (IRR) argues in its Blueprint for Growth programme, which is the subject of a public lecture at the University of the Free State next week.
But the IRR warns that these barriers continue to multiply. New BEE regulations and draft procurement rules add to the compliance burden for companies already struggling to grow and hire. The Expropriation Act causes unrest in property rights. The Madlanga Commission has drawn attention to something more alarming: criminal networks, with apparent involvement in the ANC and complicity of some state organs, are attacking property rights from below.
These factors deter investment and depress economic growth. Fixed asset investment, a key ingredient for job creation, is less than 15% of GDP – far below the world average of 26%, and only about half the rate of emerging markets. The South African economy is capable of much better, but specific government policies suppress this.
The IRR’s Blueprint for Growth program sets out how this can be changed. Based on a series of research papers, it identifies the policies that suppress growth and the reforms that should unlock it, and estimates the gains in jobs and living standards that faster growth would bring.
“South Africa experienced a small upturn in economic sentiment when the GNU came to power,” says Dr John Endres, CEO of the IRR. “Much of that has disappeared. The country feels stuck. The IRR has developed concrete ways to grow the South African economy much faster, generate jobs and raise living standards. The sooner we start, the better.”
Next week’s lecture will be public, in person and via Microsoft Teams. It will take place on 13 May 2026 at 10am, location FGG 201, University of the Free State.
To participate online, go to: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/385816792217596?p=Qzc2EmsxvhB2nG9oeh
About the IRR: The SA Institute of Race Relations is a public policy think tank founded in 1929. It promotes human rights and market-friendly, non-racial policy reforms in South Africa.
Media inquiries: Michael Morris Tel: 066 302 1968 Email: michael@irr.org.za
Institute of Race Relations
irr.org.za