South Africa is at a breaking point. The political landscape is shifting, economic pressures are mounting, and trust in government is waning. Dr Sysman Motloung, a political analyst and academic at North-West University (NWU), has spent years studying the nation’s fractures: how power is won, wielded, and too often squandered. His research spans electoral behaviour, constitutionalism, and the politics of water, an issue he argues is central to the country’s long-term stability. In a candid and unflinching conversation, Dr Motloung dissects the nation’s biggest challenges, from coalition politics to economic distress, and presents a stark choice: reform or decline.
The nature of power and politics
Dr Motloung’s research is deeply rooted in interpretive qualitative methods, focusing on electoral behaviour and political development. His latest work has explored topics as diverse as the fragile state of constitutionalism, the impact of the 2024 elections on women in politics, and the often fraught relationship between Members of Parliament and their constituencies.
His most recent publication in 2025 explores the impact of a lack of mentorship on the career progression of young black women, while his latest studies examine the politics of water in South Africa – an area he believes is critical to the country’s long-term stability.
“At the heart of my research is the fusion of classical political theory with contemporary policy issues,” he explains. “Understanding how governance works - or doesn’t work - is central to ensuring that democratic institutions serve the people.”
The challenges of 2025: Democracy under pressure
According to Dr Motloung, the most immediate political and economic challenge facing South Africa is the consolidation of its democracy in an era of coalition governance. The country’s political landscape is shifting, with weakened opposition parties and a polarised civil society. The fragmentation has stifled efforts at national unity, he argues, and created space for interest groups such as AfriForum to push “parochial agendas.”
Perhaps even more concerning is the growing loss of trust in government. “People no longer believe in the political process,” he says. “Declining voter turnout is a symptom of deeper discontent. If government performance does not improve and politicians cannot demonstrate that they are working in the public interest, the erosion of trust will accelerate.”
Beyond politics, economic distress is exacerbating instability. The soaring cost of living has placed even middle-class households under strain. “Service backlogs are growing because many residents cannot afford municipal charges. This forces people to seek private alternatives, doubling their financial burden.”
And then there is corruption, an entrenched force that, Dr Motloung notes, breeds a “society of contempt.” From government tenders subverted for personal gain to the theft of electricity and water, these systemic failures weaken state legitimacy. “Even residents who can afford municipal rates are refusing to pay,” he observes, citing ethical decay as a major societal crisis.
South Africa’s place in the world: A balancing act
On the global stage, South Africa faces an increasingly polarised geopolitical environment. Dr Motloung believes the country must exercise assertive non-alignment while safeguarding its sovereignty. “BRICS offers South Africa a vital platform to challenge arrogant foreign policy practices,” he says. But while the country must maintain its partnerships, it cannot afford to neglect African geopolitics.
“South Africa must take its role on the continent seriously,” he argues. “As a leading African nation, it should actively promote development across the region, fostering a united and prosperous continent.”
The fragile social fabric
Dr Motloung views social instability as one of South Africa’s greatest threats. With unemployment soaring, service delivery protests on the rise, and crime syndicates tightening their grip on communities, the government faces an uphill battle. “The murder of school principals, extortion rackets in businesses – these are symptoms of a deeper governance failure,” he warns.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. Strengthening law enforcement is crucial to curbing crime and corruption, while enhanced border security can help regulate economic migration. Ensuring that township residents who can afford municipal rates pay them is equally important, alongside scrutinising the indigent register to ensure social assistance reaches those who truly need it. By tackling these issues systematically, South Africa can begin to restore trust in governance and build a more stable society.
The road to 2035: A blueprint for reform
Looking ahead, Dr Motloung outlines key reforms essential for national stability. Chief among them is fostering national cohesion. “White and Afrikaner communities must make a concerted effort to integrate and work toward a common nationhood,” he asserts. “South Africa cannot move forward if segments of society seek to exist in isolation.”
At the municipal level, he urges a shift in how local governments engage with communities. “When residents take the initiative – whether by patching potholes or fixing infrastructure – municipalities shouldn’t see this as competition. The ANC has long said, ‘working together we can do more.’ It’s time to make that a reality.”
Economic reform must also be prioritised, particularly job creation and fair wages. “Certain jobs should be reserved for South African citizens, while education should be restructured to produce graduates with real-world competencies,” he suggests.
Finally, safety and security remain fundamental. “People need to feel safe at home and in the streets,” he insists. Without that, social trust and economic prosperity will remain elusive.
A call for pragmatism and urgency
As South Africa grapples with the weight of its challenges, Dr Motloung’s insights provide a sobering yet hopeful assessment. The country stands at a crossroads, and the path forward will depend on decisive leadership, structural reform, and a willingness among citizens to contribute to a national project greater than individual interests.
“In the end,” he says, “it’s about restoring faith, not just in government, but in each other.”
