The article is based on discourse analysis which uses data from development literature. The notion of a developmental state is conceptualised and analysed through the human development framework as advocated by the United Nations Human Development Report (1990) (UNDP 1990)). The authors posit that by embracing the human development perspective, South Africa could adopt governance that is anchored in both social and economic development. This paper will conclude by examining whether the democratic developmental state is the answer to South Africa's economic woes. It will also consider whether the intervening variables such as leadership, ethics and education might expedite an effective and efficient developmental state.