This study aims to critically examine South Africa’s persistent socio-economic and governance challenges, and to explore policy and institutional pathways for building an inclusive, ethical, and sustainable society framing the vision of ―The South Africa We Want.‖ The research seeks to identify actionable strategies for structural reform, youth empowerment, governance renewal, and environmental resilience. Despite nearly three decades of democratic governance, South Africa remains burdened by high inequality, widespread poverty, youth unemployment (46.1% in 2025), and weakened institutional trust due to systemic corruption and service delivery failures (Statistics South Africa, 2025; Zondo Commission, 2022). These conditions threaten national cohesion and sustainable development. The gap between constitutional ideals and lived realities necessitates a reimagined developmental approach. A qualitative, systematic research approach was employed, combining document analysis, thematic literature synthesis, and policy review. Recent datasets (2022–2025), government reports, and academic literature were triangulated to ensure validity and contextual relevance. The research framework drew from structural inequality theory, good governance theory, developmental state theory, and sustainable development theory. Structural inequality and poverty remain entrenched due to policy gaps, spatial injustice, and elitedriven economic models. Governance breakdown at local and national levels has eroded public trust and hindered service delivery. Youth unemployment, climate change, and energy insecurity are critical stressors on national development. However, there are emerging opportunities through ethical leadership, inclusive growth policies, digital transformation, and the just energy transition. This study offers an integrated, multidimensional analysis of South Africa’s current developmental crisis and articulates a coherent vision of transformation rooted in participatory governance, sustainable development, and socio-economic justice. It contributes to policy discourse by aligning short-term reforms with long-term national aspirations outlined in the NDP 2030 and the UN SDGs. Achieving ―The South Africa We Want‖ demands a bold and collaborative national agenda that addresses inequality, restores institutional integrity, and empowers youth and marginalized communities. Through ethical leadership, inclusive planning, and accountable governance, South Africa can transition from a crisis-prone state to a just, resilient, and unified society capable of fulfilling its constitutional promise.