Think Tanks and Democratisation in South Africa

Abstract

As policy and research institutes, think tanks have advisory and monitoring mandates that could be channelled towards consolidating democracy. Yet, although South Africa has some well-established think tanks (WETT), their presence has not translated into enhancing race relations and living conditions. There is therefore the need to explore why these institutions have been unable to sufficiently influence policy and practice, mainly in the area of social cohesion and socio-economic welfare. It is against this backdrop that the paper looks at the evolving nature and works of two WETTs. The paper considers their capacities and challenges in strengthening race relations and social protection. Proposing a persuasive argument for the creation of an enabling environment, the paper draws from political theories in suggesting ways of enhancing a vibrant think thank sector in contemporary South Africa.

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“…Research institutions could play a crucial role in strengthening effective governance by offering cutting-edge analysis and recommendations to increase decision-making processes and operational effectiveness ( Nkrumah, 2022 ). According to Vilakazi and Adetiba (2020) , there is not enough collaboration between research institutions and the government in South Africa, resulting in some policies becoming incompatible with local government’s objectives.…”

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“…In the end, how political leaders contain, avert and manage these failures will determine whether any regime can overcome these difficulties [1,2]. For this reason and in pursuit of these objects, as Nkrumah puts it, the supportive role of think tanks towards substantive political change and social equality (i.e., democratisation) is critical [3]. Moreover, the role of think tanks organisations becomes especially relevant in contemporary times as the platform for promoting socio-economic justice, with a report by Sulla [4] that substantiate these claims that, approximately 55.5 per cent (30.3 million people) of the population is living in poverty at the national upper poverty line of -ZAR 992.…”

“…Since there are very few concepts in the field of political and social sciences that are still as contentious as the term 'think tank' . Generally speaking, these organisations can be thought of as private organisations that work to advance the public's interest by producing ideas that influence the creation and implementation of policies [3]. Conversely, while looking at the example with the BBBEE policy it looks like this may not always be the case and that these organisations are working for another interest that may not always be the public's interest.…”

“…Yet their activities are tailored towards shaping policy and implementing ideas, in addition to their primary function, which is being knowledge hubs. With that said, Nkrumah states that some may perceive these organisations as neutral agencies responsible for using their research and capacities for the politico-economic advancement of the host state [3]. While others conceptualise them as playgrounds used by external actors, often termed funders.…”

“…The suspicion is further aroused by grants, which critics argue ensures that the development and implementation of research strategies by these organisations are shaped by the priorities of these funders [3]. Nkrumah further notes how these critics vehemently assert that these funders are those who drive the agenda of these organisations, decide on whose strategy should be used or what information may be gathered to monitor political development in the concerned state, in order to counter the widely held romantic notion of autonomous think tanks.…”