A new report gives a damning overview of the state of South African government. Known as the Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI), the report aims to rank effectiveness of global governance. Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, South Africa has seen a decline in the 2025 index report.
Now in its fifth year, the CGGI takes into account 34 key indicators – such as leadership, foresight, laws, policies, financial stewardship and more. Plus, the index says it adopts a non-political, non-ideological approach, focusing instead on state performance only. And this is where we are faltering badly …
STATE OF SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT
As such, the performance of our political leaders has declined every single year, according to the Chandler Good Government Index. Back in 2021, South African government ranked 70th globally. However, in 2025, we’ve dropped to 77th.
Leading the global rankings are first-world nations like Singapore, Finland, Norway and Sweden. So, it’s best to rank South African government against other emerging counties. However, even here, we are do not possess the best governance, reports Daily Investor.
ONLY FIFTH IN AFRICA
As such, CGGI 2025 rankings show that Africa has the lowest scores of all continents. Worse still, South African government only ranked fifth on the continent. We place fifth below Mauritius, Rwanda, Botswana and Morocco on the continent. So, what are those four African nations doing better than us?
Well, the 2025 CGGI explains that Botswana has improved its digitalisation, while Morocco has made notable strides in transparency and infrastructure. Likewise, good financial stewardship is key as government debt management weighs heavily across Africa. However, the index calls out South African government for not doing more to help citizens rise. This includes poor universal healthcare, high crime rates and unemployment.
CRIME AND UNEMPLOYMENT OUT OF CONTROL
As such, the index ranks us last among 120 countries for personal safety and employment. CGGI researchers defined personal safety as the state’s ability to protect its people. Likewise, researchers examined the quality and quantity of employment opportunities within the country, and also put South African government last.
The national unemployment rate is higher than one third (33%), which is considered catastrophic globally. While the expanded unemployment rate in South Africa in Q2 of 2025 actually sits at nearly 43%. Even though there’s a strong argument for Stats SA to start including workers in the informal sector.
BUT THERE IS HOPE FOR SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT
As dire as this report may be, there is hope for the South African government. 2025 CGGI says our youthful demographic offers promising opportunities. More than 70% of the population is under 30. So, if the Government of National Unity (GNU) can stablise and start to deliver jobs and education, we could soon find ourselves climbing those rankings. But let us know what you think …
WHAT CAN TURN SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT AROUND?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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