The Broken Promise: South Africa’s Struggle with Democracy After Mandela

 

Despite the promise of a new era under Nelson Mandela, South Africa's dream of democracy has been severely tarnished by three decades of stagnant wages, soaring unemployment, and deteriorating public services.

On May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first black president, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. The scenes of joy as millions of black South Africans cast their votes for the first time resonated globally, symbolizing a broader shift towards democracy. The early years of Mandela’s presidency were filled with optimism and significant achievements, including robust economic policies that spurred on average GDP growth of 3.3% per year and significant improvements in infrastructure and social welfare systems.

Yet, as South Africa prepares for its seventh multiracial general election in 2024, the initial euphoria has significantly dampened. A majority of South Africans are now disillusioned with the democratic process, frustrated by stagnant wages, escalating unemployment rates, and deteriorating public services. With unemployment having risen from about 20% to over 30%, and public services like power and water experiencing frequent disruptions, the disillusionment is palpable.

This growing dissatisfaction can largely be attributed to the failures within the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party. While Mandela's tenure saw substantial progress, subsequent administrations have seen a marked decline in governance quality. The era of Jacob Zuma, from 2009 to 2018, is particularly noted for widespread corruption and the deterioration of state institutions through the policy of cadre deployment, where loyalty rather than merit dictated appointments.

Moreover, the ANC's economic policies have often hampered rather than fostered economic growth. Initiatives such as black economic empowerment and policies bolstering union power have not effectively addressed the stark inequalities remaining in the country. These measures have sometimes obstructed economic development, contributing to a scenario where a minority prospers while a significant portion of the population remains mired in poverty.

The critique that Mandela compromised too much in the early 1990s—effectively trading economic freedom for political rights and thereby perpetuating economic disparities under a new guise—is a controversial one. While it’s true that Mandela’s negotiation avoided civil war and achieved peaceful transition, the claim that he was a 'sell-out' is a profound misreading of his and the ANC’s early intentions. Such a view oversimplifies the complex challenges Mandela faced and the delicate balance he sought to achieve between transformation and stability.

As South Africa stands on the brink of another election, it is evident that the promise of democracy has not been fully realized. The ANC's dominance is waning, as reflected in their reduced majority control in urban areas, signaling a public demand for greater accountability. Despite the setbacks, the democratic framework established during Mandela’s time still holds potential for reform and improvement.

The ongoing challenge for South Africa extends beyond mere reflection on the past three decades of democracy. The nation must proactively seek out and implement solutions that pave the way toward a more inclusive and prosperous society. This task is multifaceted, requiring a candid acknowledgment of the failures of the African National Congress (ANC), whose missteps have often hindered progress. Additionally, there is a critical need to revitalize and strengthen the democratic institutions that are fundamental to empowering South Africans. These institutions are the backbone of a society that enables its citizens to effectively participate in reshaping their country’s future.

As South Africa approaches a critical election, the stakes are incredibly high, but so too is the potential for transformative change. There remains a resilient hope among South Africans that democracy, despite its past disappointments, can still serve as a powerful agent for substantial change and renewal. This election presents an opportunity to reinvigorate Mandela’s vision of a unified and thriving nation. It’s a chance to restore faith in a system that promises equality and justice for all its citizens, reinforcing the belief that through a robust and transparent democratic process, South Africa can achieve the greatness envisioned at the dawn of its new democratic era.