[By Buti Manamela, translated by Whale Life]

At a recent seminar hosted by the National School of Government in South Africa, Professor Zhang Weiwei, one of China's top political thinkers and architects of its ideological framework, delivered a speech that was both enlightening and intellectually stimulating. This speech was neither a prescription for policies nor a blueprint for development; it was a declaration challenging us to stop outsourcing our imagination about development issues and to transcend ready-made paradigms, addressing the governance crisis troubling countries in the Global South, including South Africa.

Professor Zhang elucidated the core characteristics of what he defines as the "Chinese model," which include:

A state system focused on achieving development, avoiding short-term cycles of factional politics;

A ruling party transcending local interests, serving as an integral force embodying national unity;

A leadership selection system emphasizing performance and talent rather than electoral theatrics;

A form of democracy pursuing practical results rather than mere formalities;

And most importantly, a governance approach centered on improving the daily lives of ordinary people.

He particularly reminded us: China's achievements are not due to slogans or simple imitation but stem from four key elements—policy continuity, planning systems, national discipline, and a firm commitment to building a country capable of lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty. But most crucially, Professor Zhang warned: "Do not copy our model; forge your own path."

Professor Zhang Weiwei delivering a special report to senior officials of the South African government - Fudan University China Institute

This modest attitude not only dispelled the audience's doubts but also provoked deep reflection. In times of crisis, people often instinctively seek ready-made solutions, attempting to transplant seemingly successful experiences from other countries, hoping they will work in their own context.

However, the deeper revelation lies in this: sovereignty cannot be constructed through imitation but must be rooted in the historical context, real-life circumstances, and people's life experiences of the country itself.

As Professor Zhang introduced, a strong nation is not an exaggerated description of authoritarianism. It refers to a country with planning capabilities, forward-looking adaptability, and consistent execution mechanisms. Such a nation is not held hostage by populism cycles, corporate interests, or international pressures but is guided by long-term development perspectives. The achievements made by China through five-year plans, ten-year plans, the rollout of political culture and digital infrastructure, and targeted poverty alleviation campaigns are not solely reliant on market forces. They originate from a clear decision to treat governance as a strategic tool for achieving national development and improvement.

For us South Africans, this should be familiar territory, at least in theory. During our democratic transition, we have had moments of understanding the value of long-term planning, with the National Development Plan being an example. However, the challenge always lies in implementation. Too often, our plans fall through due to institutional instability, inconsistent policies, or corrosive infighting. If we are to make substantive progress, we must first ask ourselves: Are we a nation capable of standing firm, enduring shocks, and implementing priority development goals in a sustained and ethical manner?

Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa and anti-apartheid movement leader

Professor Zhang's critique of Western liberal democratic models—especially their excessive reliance on ritualistic elections—also holds practical relevance. In many Global South countries, including South Africa, we have free and fair elections, strong media, and constitutional rights protection. Yet we still face challenges: ineffective policy implementation, increasing economic exclusion, and deepening social divisions. Professor Zhang calls the former "procedural democracy" and urges us to consider "substantive democracy," using concrete indicators such as improvements in people's lives, whether children have access to food and education, and whether households enjoy electricity and hope as standards for legitimacy.

This is a sharp question we must confront: when democracy is reduced to a once-every-five-years voting behavior, it can coexist long-term with poverty, injustice, and despair. Unless we redefine democracy as political participation, the pursuit of justice and dignity, its credibility will continue to erode—especially among young people in South Africa.

In this context, Professor Zhang's concept of "performance legitimacy"—where governments gain authority through actual governance outcomes—provides valuable intellectual challenges. We do not need to choose between democratic values and capable states, but we must recognize that political legitimacy cannot merely be sustained by the history of national liberation struggles. It requires continuous renewal across three dimensions: concrete actions, policy delivery, and the reconstruction of social contracts.

The core of Professor Zhang's proposed model emphasizes people's livelihoods. From education and healthcare to social security and infrastructure, the fundamental purpose of the state is to serve the people. This is not just a technocratic argument—it is also a moral proposition. If a government cannot ensure children receive basic sustenance, education, and the opportunity to pursue their dreams, its legitimacy becomes hollow rhetoric.

In South Africa, we need to approach poverty alleviation with the same urgency as fighting pandemics, rather than offering empty election promises. We must restore public education's credibility, invest more in basic services, and restructure the functions of the state apparatus—transforming it from a "gatekeeper" into an "empowerer."

Professor Zhang also addressed the dimension of global governance: in a world where multipolarity is accelerating, old Bretton Woods system institutions can no longer reflect current economic and political realities. Trade wars, debt crises, and digital colonization—these issues have transcended regional boundaries and become systemic challenges. For Global South nations to defend their interests, they must form a united front for collective action rather than acting alone.

South Africa currently holds the rotating presidency of the G20, presenting an opportunity to lead this bloc—not only to voice our concerns but also to promote the establishment of a new global economic development framework centered on solidarity, equality, and sustainability. Specific paths include exploring alternatives to dollarization, advocating for equitable digital transformation, and deepening cooperation among emerging economies—all aimed not at resource acquisition but at shared development.

The fruits of our dialogue with Professor Zhang are neither dogmatic nor rigid theories but inspire us to think differently—and take more urgent and goal-oriented actions. Our choice is not to become "Chinese" or maintain Western models, but to decide whether we continue to stagger through crises with fragmented institutions and imported frameworks, or launch the construction of a uniquely South African state system capable of drawing on global wisdom while deeply rooting itself in local contexts. Although difficult, this work is necessary.

This state system must possess four traits: high moral standards, excellent competence, inclusiveness, and unwavering support for the poor. It needs to prioritize long-term planning, address a world陷入 multiple crises, and renew the meaning of democracy through fulfilled promises. All efforts must consistently reflect South Africa's value systems, historical experiences, and development visions.

The insights brought by Professor Zhang do not lie in showcasing China's greatness but in proving: when a nation is determined to create its future actively rather than passively inherit it, tremendous energy will be unleashed. This reminder is timely indeed.

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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7502319036970172937/

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