There is a tremendous amount to celebrate in South Africa’s achievements—and its best times lie ahead. The first 21 years of democracy have been a profound period of growth, transformation, experimentation, and nation building. What is South Africa’s true potential, and what can be done to unlock it? In Reimagining South Africa: 20 reflections by leaders from South Africa and beyond, McKinsey brings together thought leaders to share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the country.
Here is a sampling of essays:
- “Why South Africa must get real” by Bonang Mohale, chairman, Shell South Africa
- “It’s time for South African business to step up” by Gloria Serobe, founder and executive director, Wiphold
- “Accelerating South Africa’s economic transformation” by Jeffrey Immelt, chairman and CEO, General Electric
- “Strengthening South Africa” by Michael Katz, chairman, ENSafrica
Other contributors include:
- Sizwe Nxasana, First Rand Limited
- Trevor Manuel, former minister of finance
- Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, chairperson, the African Union
- Yvonne Chaka Chaka, musician and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador against malaria
A host of other leading executives, entrepreneurs, scientists, academics, journalists, and artists contributed to this book, as well. While they pull no punches in discussing South Africa’s challenges, they also remind us that its possibilities are greater than those of almost any other country.
As the foreword notes, “the views expressed here are entirely those of the contributors and do not represent McKinsey’s analysis, conclusions, or recommendations.”