Sarah Stein Lubrano: Democracy Is What We Do, Not Just Think

Sarah Stein Lubrano, a prominent voice in political discourse, recently emphasized during a Talk About Politics event hosted by Century Minds that “democracy is something we do more than we think.” Her remarks, delivered to an audience in Johannesburg, sparked conversations about the intersection of civic engagement, governance, and development across Africa. The discussion highlighted how grassroots actions and institutional reforms are critical to advancing the continent’s developmental goals, particularly in nations like South Africa, where political and economic challenges remain pressing.

The Paradox of Democracy in Africa

Lubrano’s analysis underscored a growing tension in African democracies: the gap between formal political structures and lived realities. “Democracy isn’t just about voting,” she said. “It’s about holding leaders accountable, ensuring transparency, and creating systems that reflect the needs of all citizens.” This perspective resonates in South Africa, where despite a robust constitutional framework, issues like corruption, inequality, and service delivery protests persist. Lubrano pointed to the 2024 World Bank report, which noted that 68% of South Africans believe their government is unresponsive to their needs, as a stark reminder of the work ahead.

Her comments align with broader African development goals, such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which prioritizes “inclusive growth and sustainable development.” Lubrano argued that true progress requires redefining democracy to include economic and social rights. “When people lack access to healthcare, education, or jobs, their voice is silenced,” she said. This insight ties directly to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions, which South Africa and other nations are striving to meet.

Change and Governance Challenges

The concept of “Change” in South Africa, often tied to the ANC’s post-apartheid legacy, remains a focal point for Lubrano’s analysis. She critiqued the stagnation of political reforms, noting that “change without accountability is just a cycle of the same problems.” This critique comes amid growing public frustration over corruption scandals, such as the Zondo Commission’s findings on state capture, which have eroded trust in institutions. Lubrano urged citizens to leverage civic tools, from social media activism to community organizing, to drive tangible reforms.

Her emphasis on grassroots mobilization reflects a broader trend in African development. A 2023 Afrobarometer survey revealed that 72% of South Africans believe civil society plays a crucial role in holding leaders accountable. Lubrano highlighted examples like the #FeesMustFall movement, which pressured universities to address financial barriers for students, as proof that collective action can influence policy. “Change isn’t top-down,” she said. “It’s a dialogue between the people and the state.”

Education as a Catalyst for Development

Education emerged as a key theme in Lubrano’s talk, linking democratic participation to long-term development. She cited South Africa’s uneven access to quality education, with 40% of children in under-resourced schools struggling to meet basic literacy benchmarks, as a barrier to equitable growth. “An informed citizenry is the backbone of democracy,” she argued. “Without education, people can’t engage meaningfully in political processes or demand better services.”

This aligns with the African Development Bank’s focus on education as a driver of economic growth. Lubrano called for investments in teacher training, digital infrastructure, and curriculum reforms to bridge the gap. She also praised initiatives like the Century Minds program, which partners with schools to teach critical thinking and civic engagement. “When students learn to question, debate, and act, they become agents of change,” she said.

Global Lessons for Local Impact

Lubrano drew parallels between South Africa’s challenges and those of other African nations, emphasizing the need for regional collaboration. She referenced Rwanda’s success in reducing corruption through digital governance platforms and Kenya’s use of technology to improve electoral transparency. “Africa’s solutions are often homegrown,” she said. “We don’t need to replicate Western models—we need to adapt what works for our contexts.”

Her remarks also touched on the role of international partnerships. While foreign aid and investment remain vital, Lubrano warned against dependency. “True development comes from within,” she said. “Africa must lead its own narrative, leveraging its resources and talent to build sustainable systems.” This perspective echoes the African Union’s call for “self-reliance” in achieving Agenda 2063, a goal that requires both political will and public participation.

What’s Next for South Africa’s Democratic Journey?

As South Africa approaches its 30th anniversary of democracy in 2024, Lubrano’s insights offer a roadmap for renewal. She urged citizens to prioritize local elections, where municipal governments directly impact services like water, sanitation, and healthcare. “Every vote matters,” she said. “It’s in these spaces that democracy is tested and strengthened.”

For now, the focus remains on translating rhetoric into action. With the upcoming 2024 national elections, the pressure is on leaders to address public demands for transparency and equity. Lubrano’s message is clear: democracy is not a static achievement but an ongoing process. “We must keep doing the work,” she concluded. “That’s how change happens.”