Indlulamithi’s research method
How the scenarios were compiled
The research that provided the foundation for the Indlulamithi scenarios was a collaborative and creative venture, involving a range of stakeholders and social scientists.
The research team
The Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), in collaboration with Professor Somadoda Fikeni and under guidance from our leadership team, oversees and coordinates all research and development. This includes conducting interviews and focus groups, and coding and analysing qualitative data.
The process
Indlulamithi South Africa Scenarios 2030 applies the methods used by Intuitive Logic School. This combines evidence-based social and economic research with the insights of experts — pushing them to think beyond the confines of the current reality to a future that is in many ways uncertain. As a result, the approach deals with two worlds: facts and perceptions.
Phase one
The qualitative research process included collecting data via interviews from the leadership group, steering committee, core participants and a wider sample of participants.
To enrich the research sample’s diversity, inclusivity, intellect and experience, Indlulamithi also conducted online conversations and face-to-face focus groups with young people from different communities and life circumstances.
Phase two
This research was supplemented by research papers on potentially influential issues, which were presented and discussed at a 2018 Research Conference.
The conference brought together academic experts, policy practitioners and young, emerging thinkers to grapple with some of the nation’s most pressing questions, from mother-tongue education to intergenerational trauma.
Phase three
Working sessions with the leadership group and core participants were held at intervals throughout the process, to identify factors emerging as key shapers of our reality.
Phase four
The trends were summarised into a number of key driving forces (KDFs) – forces most likely to be the most fundamental shapers of our world and our country heading towards 2030.
Phase five
The scenarios are woven around possible combinations of the various KDFs. Each storyline was constructed to provide the most plausible, challenging and inspiring narrative about the hurdles, opportunities and milestones South Africans might encounter on the journey to 2030.
Find out more
The research process generated 25 variables that participants believe will shape South Africa’s future over the next decade. Find out more about them in this report: