SA leaders have failed to carry out transformation

THE dawn of democracy in 1994 signalled far more than a political transition for South Africa - it represented a civilisational moment for African dignity.

- KENNETH UKRILA MACIBELA

After centuries of colonial domination and apartheid humiliation, black South Africans finally assumed state power. Expectations were understandably high.

The new democratic order was embraced as the pathway toward restoring dignity, justice and a decent life for those long denied both voice and value.

The first democratic administration, widely celebrated as the people's government, embarked on a transformation agenda aimed at correcting historical injustices. Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) emerged asa legislative instrument to reinsert Africans into the economic life of the nation. Its intent was morally sound and historically necessary. Yet the tragedy of post-1994 South Africa lies not in the vision of transformation, but in its betrayal.

Instead of catalysing broad-based empowerment, BEE often mutated into a mechanism of elite capture, patronage and systemic corruption.

Corruption ceased to be an anomaly and evolved into a defining character of governance under majority rule. The poor — those whose suffering justified transformation in the first place - were once again sidelined.