Operation Vulindlela: Big on policy but low on results

The government's flagship economic reform programme, Operation Vulindlela, has registered modest progress in the second phase of its roll-out — particularly in visa reform — but faces mounting criticism for delays in key infrastructure areas and a lack of transparency in outcomes and expenditure.

- Nkateko Joseph Mabasa

The latest progress report notes that more than 11 000 visas were processed in the first three months under the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, launched in February. In March, the government accredited qualifying employers under the Trusted Employer Scheme to support the recruitment of foreign skilled workers.

These visa reforms aim to “attract skills, investment and tourism through a streamlined and modernised visa system”. The home affairs department has also upgraded its digital verification system to enable remote authentication and reduce downtime — a step toward building a digital identity system.

Yet the gains made in visa systems are in contrast to widespread delays in fixing constraints in water and sanitation, electricity and freight logistics. Most work so far has been legislative, with little tangible implementation.

Operation Vulindlela, initiated during President Cyril Ramaphosa's first term, aims to boost economic growth through structural reform. Ramaphosa has touted the operation as a key achievement, and in his latest newsletter called the halting of load-shedding a crucial win in the battle “to remove the binding constraints that have long held back our economy's growth”.