IRR to outline Blueprint for Growth at University of the Free State

South Africa’s economy is capable of performing far better if key impediments are removed, the SA Institute of Race Relations (IRR) argues in its Blueprint for Growth programme, the subject of a public talk at the University of the Free State next week.

But the IRR warns that those impediments are multiplying. New BEE regulations and draft procurement rules add to the compliance burden on businesses already struggling to grow and hire. The Expropriation Act has unsettled property rights. The Madlanga Commission has drawn attention to something more alarming: criminal networks, with apparent ANC-linked involvement and complicity from some state organs, are attacking property rights from below.

These factors deter investment and depress economic growth. Fixed investment, an essential ingredient of job-creating economic growth, is below 15% of GDP – far below the world average of 26%, and only around half the rate of emerging markets. South Africa's economy is capable of far better, but specific government policies are suppressing it.

The IRR’s Blueprint for Growth programme sets out how to change this. Drawing on a series of research papers, it names the policies suppressing growth and the reforms that would unlock it, and estimates the gains in jobs and living standards that faster growth would produce.

“South Africa got a small lift in economic mood when the GNU came into office,” said Dr John Endres, CEO of the IRR. “Much of that has dissipated. The country feels stuck. The IRR has developed concrete ways to get South Africa’s economy growing much faster, generating jobs and lifting living standards. The sooner we start, the better.”

Next week’s talk is open to the public, in person and via Microsoft Teams. It takes place at 10:00 on 13 May 2026, Venue FGG 201, University of the Free State.

To join online, go to: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/385816792217596?p=Qzc2EmsxvhB2nG9oeh

About the IRR: The SA Institute of Race Relations is a public policy think tank founded in 1929. It promotes human rights and market-friendly, non-racial policy reform in South Africa.

Media enquiries: Michael Morris Tel: 066 302 1968 Email: michael@irr.org.za