Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free with Roula Khalaf, the Editor of the Financial Times, selecting her favorite stories in this weekly newsletter. One of the stories highlighted is South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s crucial role in negotiating a peaceful transition from apartheid to democracy. Now, 30 years after the country’s first free elections in 1994, he faces the challenge of managing a second vital transformation for his nation. Despite the African National Congress losing its overall majority in the recent national elections after three decades of single-party rule, Ramaphosa remains relaxed and confident as he aims to form a government of national unity.
Ramaphosa’s task of transitioning from single-party rule to multi-party government, while less dramatic than the end of white supremacy, is crucial for South Africa’s future as a functioning state and peaceful democracy. However, the main opposition parties, with opposing platforms, pose a challenge to his aim for unity. The Democratic Alliance advocates for market-based reforms, while the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party and the Economic Freedom Fighters demand nationalization and radical wealth redistribution. Despite this, Ramaphosa remains determined to work towards unity, even if some opposition parties refuse to join coalition talks, as he believes they will only marginalize themselves.
The need to avoid violence during this transition is emphasized, given South Africa’s current challenges, including low growth, high unemployment, crime, corruption, and crumbling infrastructure. The inefficiency of container ports, as reported by the World Bank, is also a significant hurdle for South African exporters. While some commend Ramaphosa for pushing through important changes, such as allowing greater private sector involvement in electricity generation to ease power cuts, others criticize his cautious approach and question if the ANC is capable of leading the necessary reforms effectively.
The ongoing challenges facing Ramaphosa and South Africa highlight the delicate balance between calmness and complacency in leadership. While some view his conciliatory approach and focus on a government of national unity as necessary for stability and progress, others fear it may not be enough to address the nation’s deep-rooted issues. In the midst of political and economic uncertainties, all eyes are on Ramaphosa as he navigates the complexities of South Africa’s second transformation and works towards securing a brighter future for the country.
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