RDP, noun
- Origin:
- Initial letters of Reconstruction and Development Programme.
The economic restructuring programme of the Government of National Unity, against which all expenditure and planning is tested. Also transferred sense. See also GNU noun2.
1994 R. Rumney in Weekly Mail & Guardian 8 July (Business Mail) B3It is not surprising that the RDP has been embraced by so many different interest groups. It is symbolic enough to stand, like the new flag, for all things bright and beautiful. Few can doubt the RDP’s stress on meeting basic needs, on achieving socio-economic goals which must lay the foundation stone for economic growth...Development of the wasteland left by apartheid is a necessity. But redirecting spending within the Budget is also part of the RDP.
1994 W. Hartley in Weekend Post 26 Nov. 12The Reconstruction and Development Programme — that’s the expression on everybody’s lips...For the private sector it has become politically correct speak to mention the RDP to prove that you are on the side of the angels...The RDP began its life as the election manifesto of the ANC. It was a compilation of election promises which would be implemented when the ANC came to power..a necessary promise of socio-economic realignment in the new South Africa for a political party entering the fray of its first election struggle...The reality is that the RDP is a political symbol designed to persuade voters that their hope of a better future is not misplaced...The RDP is the promise that the cake will be resliced according to a new set of priorities.
The economic restructuring programme of the Government of National Unity, against which all expenditure and planning is tested. Also transferred sense.
- Derivatives:
- Hence (nonce) RDP transitive verb, to bring (something) into line with the aims of the RDP.1994 K. Mkhize in Natal Witness 23 Dec. 8Sidelines will be the archives of first-hand reporting of our history. Let the sponsors.., a German foundation which is dedicated to promoting a liberal..world-view, be thanked for its endeavor in RDPing our media.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Unit for South African English.

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