South Africa has seen significant improvements in electricity supply and rail transport under the national coalition government formed in June 2024. Load shedding has ended, easing economic pressures, while Transnet's enhancements have increased mining sales. These changes reflect the ANC's shift toward private sector involvement in key services.
Since the formation of the national coalition government in June 2024, South Africa has witnessed tangible progress in areas long plagued by dysfunction. Load shedding, which had been strangling the economy, has disappeared, along with the associated fear it instilled. Eskom has implemented a plan to address load reduction, providing much-needed stability.
Transnet's efforts to improve railway services for mines have yielded results. On 29 October 2025, Kumba Iron Ore reported: “Total sales increased by 7% … reflecting improved rail performance.” Similar improvements were noted by other mines, underscoring the impact on an economy reliant on mineral exports.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, speaking on Sunday, confirmed plans to expand the private sector's role in the railway system, including requests for information on rapid rail links between major cities. This marks a departure from previous state-dominated approaches.
In education, Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela announced last week the start of a process to recognize private universities, allowing them to confer degrees. This could alleviate pressure on public institutions and foster growth in the private higher education sector.
Administrative reforms are also evident. Five years ago, obtaining a driver's licence in Gauteng was a nightmare, but the Waterfall testing centre now rates 4.47 out of five on Hellopeter. The South African Revenue Service reported higher-than-expected revenue for the first six months of the fiscal year on Wednesday.
While these advancements suggest progress, they primarily benefit certain sectors. For millions, daily lives remain unchanged, as they cannot afford increased electricity or aspire to opportunities like driver's licences. Nonetheless, reforms in electricity and transport are expected to spur economic growth over time by encouraging investment.
The ANC's policy shifts, involving greater private participation in electricity generation, railways, and education, stem from past state failures due to policy mistakes and incompetence. This ideological flexibility may strengthen the coalition and improve accountability in South Africa's democracy.