A full ten years have passed since the departure of Nelson Mandela, the iconic leader who played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s post-apartheid era. As the nation reflects on the milestones achieved since
Mandela’s death, there’s an undeniable undercurrent of concern about the current state of the country— a condition some describe as a gradual ‘decay.’
Nelson Mandela’s legacy is etched in history as a symbol of recon- ciliation, unity, and the triumph of justice over oppression. His efforts laid the foundation for a democratic South Africa, promoting inclusivity and equality. How- ever, the question arises: How has the nation fared in the decade following Mandela’s passing?
One of the prominent facets contributing to the perceived ‘decay’ is the economic landscape. Despite progress, South Africa grapples with issues such as unemployment, income inequality, and a sluggish economy. These challenges have fueled discontent among the population, raising concerns about the sustainability of Mandela’s vision for a prosperous nation.
Political dynamics have also played a role in shaping South Africa’s trajectory. Shifts in leadership, corruption scandals, and a4sometimes-tumultuous political environment have left citizens questioning the effectiveness of the country’s governance.
The ideals of Mandela’s presidency are juxtaposed against a backdrop of political uncertainty, prompting reflection on the state of the nation’s leadership. Social issues, too, contribute to the narrative of decay. Persistent challenges like crime, inadequate access to education and health- care, and ongoing racial tensions underscore the complexities facing contemporary South Africa. These societal struggles test the resilience of Mandela’s vision for a united and prosperous nation.
Mandela’s Greatest Achievement
Mandela’s greatest achievement lay in bringing freedom and democracy to South Africa after decades of brutal white minority rule. His leadership with the African National Congress (ANC) was instrumental in forging a new path for the nation. He forgave former enemies and ushered in one of the world’s most progressive constitutions, turning South Africa into a moral example and a beacon of hope globally.
However, even before Mandela’s passing in 2013, cracks were appearing in the once-storied ANC. The party, which had been at the forefront of the anti-apartheid struggle, became entangled in corruption scandals, notably during the tenure of one of Mandela’s successors, former President Jacob Zuma.
Today, critics argue that the ANC, a party that was once synonymous with the fight against injustice, now prioritizes self-enrichment over the welfare of South Africa’s citizens. The disillusionment is palpable, with accusations that some Cabinet ministers, who were once proud members of Mandela’s ANC, are now embroiled in corruption and misconduct.
One of Mandela’s close friends and noted anti-apartheid activist, Peter Hain, expressed deep disappointment at the current state of affairs. Hain, who survived an assassination attempt by apartheid security forces in 1972, remarked that Mandela would have been “absolutely ap- palled at the decay in the country, the continued rampant corruption, including by some Cabinet ministers… who are members of his once proud African National Congress.”
Ndaba Mandela, one of Mandela’s grandsons, echoes this sentiment, stating, “Of course, my grandfather Madiba would have been very disappointed to say the least, to see what’s happened with the current ANC, with this party that he loved so much.” Ndaba pointed to the actions of some party members, describing them as being on a “feeding frenzy,” a stark departure from the values Mandela championed.
As South Africa approaches the 30th anniversary of its first democratic elections, the nation stands at a critical juncture, grappling with a myriad of challenges that paint a sobering picture of its current state.
Lumkile Mondi, an economics professor at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, sheds light on the pressing issues con- fronting the country. Foremost among these challenges is the stag- gering level of unemployment, which stands at a staggering 32.5%. This alarming figure not only underscores the immediate economic struggles faced by a significant portion of the population but also points to broader systemic issues that require urgent attention. In tandem with the high unemployment rate, Mondi highlighted the deepening levels of inequality and poverty, revealing a harsh reality for many South Africans despite the promise of democracy.
The deterioration of critical infrastructure emerges as another pivotal concern. Across sectors such as water, roads, and energy, infrastructure has crumbled, reflecting a broader breakdown in the systems that underpin the functioning of the nation. This infrastructure collapse not only hampers economic development but also impacts the daily lives of citizens, calling into question the effectiveness of governance and public administration.
The combination of high unemployment, deepening inequality, poverty, and crumbling infrastructure presents a formidable set of challenges for South Africa. As the nation stands at this critical juncture, it faces the imperative to address these issues with urgency and strategic planning. The upcoming elections serve as a barometer of public sentiment and a potential catalyst for change, reflecting the evolving expectations of South Africans as they navigate the complex landscape of post-apartheid governance and development.
Growing Xenophobic Problem
The self-appointed civilian army patrolling the streets in South Africa’s Soweto Township has one aim only: To drive out foreigners. A mob made up of people supporting the anti-immigrant group ‘Operation Dudula’ stormed into so-called Spaza shops run by foreigners in the village of Diepkloof, where they harassed owners — inspecting the sell-by dates on their products and threatening to close the shops.
Operation Dudula supporters have claimed that relevant ministries are not doing enough to stop foreigners from owning businesses, using this as justification for taking the law into their own hands.
“They are not allowed to own a Spaza shop,” claims Thabo Ngayo during one such vigilante operation. Dudula’s national coordinator, Ngayo said the businesses are reserved solely for South Africans, before telling the shop owner, “That means this Spaza shop must be- long to a South African. You have a few days to vacate the premises.” The same goes for foreign owners who have registered their businesses.
Mzwanele Manyi, a representative of the Economic Freedom Fighters party, agrees. He, too, is calling for the closure of all foreign-owned Spaza shops in South Africa. “We simply cannot tolerate such a situation,” Manyi told DW.
In April 2022, a Zimbabwean in Diepsloot, North of Johannesburg, was stoned and set on fire. In 2008, Black South Africans torched huts belonging to foreigners in their townships, killing 62 people. The outrage sparked by the wave of hate killings was widespread, yet investigations started by initiatives at the time went nowhere.
The platform Xenowatch, which was developed by the African Center for Migration and Society (ACMS) at the University of Witwatersrand, collects data on crimes against foreigners. They recorded 1,038 attacks on migrants, 661 deaths and 5,131 shops looted since 1994. Xenowatch says this is almost certainly an underestimation, as not every case is reported.
South Africa’s Right-Wing Scene Is Growing
The group Operation Dudula first appeared on social media in 2020. Dudula is a Zulu word meaning “push back.” The group is now registered as a political party and will take part in the country’s 2024 general election.
But Dudula candidates won’t be the only ones chanting xenophobic slogans on the campaign trail. The Economic Freedom Fighters, currently South Africa’s third-strongest party, also uses them. Though the party takes a radical leftist approach to the economy, it is also openly xenophobic.
South Africa finds itself at a critical juncture as it battles a confluence of economic and social challenges, raising concerns about the potential for stagnation. A complex web of issues, including an unprecedented energy crisis, infrastructure bottlenecks, external economic headwinds, and cli- mate shocks, threatens to impede the nation’s growth trajectory.
Economic Landscape: Unemployment, Inequality, and Public Debt
The economic landscape is marked by alarming levels of unemployment, standing at a staggering 32.5%. Despite a modest recovery in the services sector in 2022; job creation remains in- sufficient to bring employment back to pre-pandemic levels.
High poverty and inequality per- sist, further exacerbating the challenges faced by South Africa.
Moreover, the country grapples with an energy crisis, collapsing infrastructure, and logistics bottlenecks. These issues not only hinder economic development but also pose a threat to social cohesion. The impact of global events, such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, further expos- es the vulnerability of the South African economy to external shocks and capital flow volatility.
A significant concern is the elevated public debt, limiting fiscal space to respond effectively to economic and climate shocks. Long-standing rigidities in product and labor markets, coupled with governance and corruption vulnerabilities, compound the challenges, posing a threat to both growth and employment prospects.
Strengths and Policy Initiatives
While challenges loom large, South Africa possesses strengths such as a large external asset position, low levels of foreign currency debt, a diversified economy, and a flexible exchange rate regime. The South African Reserve Bank’s proactive monetary policy has played a role in keeping inflation expectations anchored, providing a foundation for growth.
The government has initiated crucial policy measures, including domestic revenue mobilization, the removal of licensing requirements for embedded power generation, plans for private sector participation in transmission infrastructure, and anti-corruption measures in response to the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture. Despite the concerns surrounding South Africa’s current condition, there are glimmers of hope. Grassroots movements, civil society initiatives, and the resilience of ordinary citizens demonstrate a commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges. Mandela’s spirit lives on in those striving to overcome adversity and work towards a better future.