"The State of the State" explores how the old apartheid system in South Africa still affects the government today. The author looks at issues like affirmative action, corruption, and patronage to understand how the past influences the present. The book aims to help policymakers make better decisions by learning from past mistakes. It's the first in a series that focuses on governance challenges in Africa. The findings show that understanding the history of the state is crucial for improving governance in the region.