Welcome back to the Young World Podcast! In the third episode of our new season, host Emma Green sits down with Lael Bethlehem and Vuyo Guma to discuss the art of smart and resilient policymaking in an increasingly volatile world. As geopolitical shifts, climate uncertainty, and rapid technological change disrupt the status quo, governments in the Young World must find ways to move beyond traditional, slow-moving bureaucracies to achieve impact.

The episode explores real-world examples of reform, specifically looking at the success of South Africa’s Operation Vulindlela, a flagship delivery unit designed to unlock growth and cross-government collaboration. We explore the complexities of the South African visa system, uncovering how even well-intended laws can be undermined by implementation hurdles. From Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIA) to establishing high-bandwidth organisations, our guests explain why getting policy right requires a blend of technical rigour and adaptability.

"Policy is an instrument of change... the question is, can policy be used in a real-world manner that actually shifts the needle?"