The president inherited a country on the ropes. The stakes are high
It is 25 years since Nelson Mandela cast his vote for the first time, in the elections crowning South Africa’s journey from apartheid to freedom. “We have moved from an era of pessimism, division, limited opportunities, turmoil and conflict,” he told reporters afterwards. “We are starting a new era of hope, reconciliation and nation-building.”
Wednesday’s general election could prove another pivotal moment for the country; but South Africa approaches the polls with only muted optimism. Jacob Zuma’s replacement as president by Cyril Ramaphosa last year ended the nation’s most troubled period since the end of apartheid. But the near decade of Mr Zuma’s rule saw not only the wasting of precious opportunities, but also the squandering or stealing of the country’s resources – including the hope of many of its citizens. Though the new president promised a cleaner and more competent government, capable of effecting the changes his country sorely needs, progress is slow. The ANC’s own officials have described this as “a referendum about rescuing South Africa”.
Continue reading...from The Guardian http://bit.ly/2vDcgg7
