The MTDP review shows mixed progress across government

South Africa has made progress in implementing the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029, but structural challenges continue to slow inclusive growth, the government said on Friday.

Presenting the April–September 2025 assessment, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa said the MTDP provides a “whole-of-government framework which aligns planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation across all spheres of government.”

“Overall, our analysis indicates that the government is making steady progress in several priority areas. At the same time, we have observed that progress tends to be hampered by several challenges that include capacity constraints, delayed implementation, and uneven performance across sectors and regions,” Ramokgopa said.

South Africa recorded 0.8% GDP growth in the second quarter of 2025, the strongest quarterly performance since 2022. The unemployment rate fell by 1.3 percentage points to 31.9% in the third quarter, with 248,000 jobs added. Youth unemployment remains high at 58.5%.

For Strategic Priority 1, driving inclusive growth and job creation, Ramokgopa said, “Structural reforms in energy, logistics and tourism are beginning to show positive early impact, while investment levels remain constrained.”

The government credited Operation Vulindlela for removing structural bottlenecks.

“During the reporting period, progress has been reported in energy reforms, logistics and water infrastructure coordination. This has contributed to improved system performance and greater private-sector investment confidence,” the minister said.

On social priorities, Ramokgopa said, “19.2 million social grant beneficiaries have been supported, providing a critical safety net.” About 452,302 people benefited from food and nutrition programmes. The government also provided psychosocial services to 120,935 victims of gender-based violence.

Education and health programmes made moderate progress. HIV viral suppression reached 96%, TB treatment success improved to 76.8%, and 1.3 million children were enrolled in early childhood development programmes.

“Progress is evident, but deep structural constraints, particularly in local government, logistics, youth unemployment, and spatial development, continue to impede inclusive growth,” Ramokgopa said.

The DPME will continue to coordinate government action. “By integrating governance, economic transformation, social development, justice, and international cooperation, government seeks to deliver inclusive growth, social equity, and a capable state,” she said.