IT’S going on 31 years now since Nelson Mandela visited Glasgow. As a photographer back then working with the anti-apartheid movement, I was tasked with documenting the great man’s visit in October 1993 and therefore had the opportunity of meeting him during his stay in the city.
For six consecutive elections since 1994, the ANC have unequivocally dominated South African politics and won the majority of the national vote. Now, though, there are many South Africans who believe those days are numbered – among them journalist Redi Tlhabi. It was Ramaphosa who back in the 1980s and early 90s was seen as the arch negotiator that oversaw a series of near-miraculous agreements to ensure the end of white rule.
The main opposition is the centre-right, pro-business Democratic Alliance – led by John Steenhuisen, who has suggested he would be willing to form a coalition with the ANC if his party doesn’t secure a majority. The DA secured a little less than 21% of the vote when elections were last held five years ago.
“We are not part of the 1994 elite pact. We are a completely new generation, with new demands,” the EFF manifesto begins. Like many of the parties in contention during the election, the MK has used populist rhetoric.
Just what exactly might sway such voters remains to be seen, but what is undoubtedly clear is that part of a younger generation of South Africans appear so disenchanted with democracy that only 40% have registered to vote. “Young people have been made to feel they have no stake in politics,” she added, speaking to the Financial Times.
Recent data from the World Bank suggest that the effectiveness of South Africa’s government has plummeted since 1996 with corruption and patronage having eroded the state. Twenty years of economic stagnation mean that half of South Africa’s young people are unemployed, the vast majority of them Black. This entrenched joblessness is the main reason South Africa is so unequal, say analysts.
As the main liberation movement that fought and helped end apartheid, the ANC have used this fragmentation to their advantage, seeking to downplay the role and relevance of any opposition.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
David Pratt: Is Georgia sliding under Kremlin control?ON the streets of the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, it’s not unusual these days to hear the frequent refrain of the European Union (EU) anthem Ode To…
Source: SunScotNational - 🏆 49. / 63 Read more »
David Pratt: Gaza fallout is as much diplomatic as humanitarianTHE fallout and list of countries and political entities impacted grows by the day. Israel, America, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Hamas, the…
Source: SunScotNational - 🏆 49. / 63 Read more »
Source: Metro Newspaper UK - 🏆 61. / 63 Read more »
David Bowie estate remembers US saxophonist David Sanborn after death age 78The US musician died on Sunday afternoon.
Source: Glasgow_Times - 🏆 76. / 59 Read more »
David Bowie estate remembers US saxophonist David Sanborn after death age 78The US musician died on Sunday afternoon.
Source: Observer_Owl - 🏆 18. / 72 Read more »
Source: heatworld - 🏆 110. / 51 Read more »