This report comes out in a momentous period in which South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy. It encapsulates a somewhat unique transformation journey in which the country has had to concurrently grapple with far-reaching political, economic and technological changes.

The political transformation journey of the past three decades has laid a solid foundation for a democratic order which not only accords all citizens various generations of human rights; but also provides a climate for businesses to thrive, to help shape policy and to define the economic landscape. South Africa’s economic transformation agenda seeks to promote inclusivity while navigating the shift from the traditional minerals-energy-finance complex into an ecosystem that integrates all economic activities with the ubiquitous rise of new information and communication technologies.

This shift has admittedly not been an easy one, as we have had to collaborate and compete with major players in the global economy, both developed and developing. Many of these players have unrivalled abilities to produce innovative products at a global scale and marginal cost.

As this process unfolds, new modes of digital economic activities emerge with unprecedented rapidity, challenging government, business and labour alike to adapt their policies, systems and practices.

Report by Naspers and the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection