A democracy without economic fundamentals 'is far from democracy' – Lehohla
Former Statistician-General Pali Lehohla has warned that South Africa’s democracy cannot be separated from the country’s deep economic inequalities, saying unequal access to resources and opportunities continues to influence how citizens engage with the political system.
Lehohla delivered the keynote address at an Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) seminar in Centurion focused on changing voting patterns and the social and economic factors affecting voter behaviour.
South Africans will vote in the local government elections on November 4.
During his address, Lehohla highlighted the sharp divide between wealthy and impoverished communities living close to each other, using Sandton and Alexandra as an example of the country’s unequal development landscape.
He questioned how democracy can be considered successful when communities separated by only a short distance experience vastly different realities.
“Region A is the one where I asked, how can Sandton syphon 90% sitting a sheer 70 metres from Alex? And Alex is 15%, and we still say that democracy is working.”
Lehohla said the IEC must consider these social and economic differences when analysing voting patterns, describing communities as different “archetypes” shaped by migration, economic flows and historical inequalities.
He outlined how some areas act as economic centres that attract resources, while others remain dependent on limited opportunities and continue to serve as sources of labour.
Using Alexandra as an example, Lehohla questioned whether social support programmes are creating sustainable economic freedom for vulnerable communities.
He argued that government interventions should focus on building economic independence rather than only providing temporary relief.
Referencing economist Amartya Sen’s idea that “freedom is development”, Lehohla said democracy must be measured by whether people have the ability to improve their lives through meaningful economic participation.
He warned that without addressing structural inequality, citizens may lose faith in democratic processes.
“A democracy without economic fundamentals is far from being a democracy.”
Lehohla said the key challenge ahead is developing economic policies that can increase opportunities and ensure communities benefit from development.
