The Reconstruction and Development Programme: Success Or Failure?

The Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) of the Government of National Unity (GNU) represents a major initiative to redress the imbalances of the past. The RDP consists of six principles and five key programmes which are outlined in this paper. It addresses, to a degree, the position of youth and women. It also stresses the importance of education and training. Various research studies that provide measurements of poverty against which the RDP can be evaluated have already been completed. They show the gross disparities in quality of life, before the April 1994 election, between people of different racial groups and urban and rural dwellers. The RDP can be assessed in both physical and psychological terms; and results of a longitudinal study measuring awareness, perceived delivery and expectations of the RDP among urban adults are given. A successful outcome for the RDP is seen as essential, if a stable South African society is to materialise. This paper sets out to examine whether this is feasible.