The Role of Global Governance Systems in Shaping Responses in the Era of Pandemics: Lessons from Chinese Covid-19 Experiences for South Africa

Mashabela, Boy Johannes and Mahachi, Jeffrey and Gumbo, Trynos (2023) The Role of Global Governance Systems in Shaping Responses in the Era of Pandemics: Lessons from Chinese Covid-19 Experiences for South Africa. LET IT GROW, LET US PLAN, LET IT GROW. Nature-based Solutions for Sustainable Resilient Smart Green and Blue Cities. Proceedings of REAL CORP 2023, 28th International Conference on Urban Development, Regional Planning and Information Society. pp. 787-798. ISSN 2521-3938

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Abstract

The South African government has set up sound governance structures to respond to growing demands for services since 1994. Although the country has functional institutional structures and is one of the largest economies in the African continent; the healthcare system was substantially impacted by the outbreak of the global Covid-19 pandemic. As with countries around the globe, South Africa struggled to devise timeous response strategies to the pandemic resulting in huge losses of lives and depressed socio-economic activities. As co-members of the BRICS power bloc, the South African and Chinese economies share commonalities. This paper therefore draws some significant lessons from China’s experience in managing the epidemic, while also taking account of uneven social and economic impacts. Chinese experiences of good governance systems and meaningful capacities to engage in trial-and-error responses to the pandemic resulted in the containment of the disease. A systematic analysis of literature was conducted to answer clearly formulated questions. This research adopted a case study design together with a qualitative research approach. The results reveal that there are weaknesses in South Africa’s constitutional democracy with a three-tier system of government and an independent judiciary. This aggravated the severity of Covid-19 which negatively impacted the people and put more strain on the healthcare system and the economy. The governance structures’ late response to adjust led to losses of lives and the rapid spread of the virus, which resulted in the implementation of strict lockdown measures. On the contrary, the Chinese government’s robust global governance structures enhanced its ability to promulgate laws and guidelines which informed rapid changes across all aspects of its functions. This resulted in the swift implementation of initiatives that ensured strict safety protocols to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and generated advanced analytical technological systems and created new markets for new technologies. As a result, of the global phenomenon, South Africa has learnt from Chinese experiences as the largest developing economy in the world. In view of the findings of the study, it is recommended that South Africa collaborates with other countries to facilitate real-time information and skills transfer and to avoid being left behind. As part of the proactive measures to enhance emergency responses to pandemics, commitment to planning and implementation of long-term strategies is required to circumvent future pandemics. In conclusion, the study reveals that governance system reforms are needed to improve and strengthen primary healthcare and to ensure that government processes and systems foster good governance. The paper further suggests that South Africa should consider investing in competent skills, technology and adequate budget to ensure good governance systems, as well as actively conducting research studies in preparation, responding to any future infectious diseases.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Global governance, Covid-19 pandemic, Construction sectors, Economic and population growth, spatial planning
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HM Sociology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Depositing User:	REAL CORP Administrator
Date Deposited:	03 Oct 2023 16:25
Last Modified:	04 Oct 2023 17:33
URI:	http://repository.corp.at/id/eprint/1039

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