Understanding South Africa [Paperback]

The go-to guide for those seeking an informed, balanced and up-to-date analysis of South African politics and society in the Ramaphosa era.When Nelson Mandela emerged from decades in jail to preach reconciliation, South Africans truly appeared a people reborn as the Rainbow Nation. Yet, a quarter of a century later, the country sank into bitter recriminations and rampant corruption under Jacob Zuma. Why did this happen, and how was hope betrayed?President Cyril Ramaphosa, hoping to heal these wounds, was re-elected in May 2019 with the ANC hoping to claw back support lost to the opposition in the Zuma era. This book analyzes this election, shedding light on voters' choices.With chapters on all the major issues at stake - from education to land redistribution - Understanding South Africa offers insights into Africa's largest and most diversified economy, closely tied to its neighbors' fortunes.Abbreviations viiIntroduction: Extraordinary Country, Contrasting Lives 11. A Brief History 52. The African National Congress 353. The Political Opposition 594. Corruption: The Legacy of Apartheid 935. The Economy: Explaining the Failure to Thrive 1116. Land and Agriculture: The Thorniest Topics 1317. Education: The Weakest Link 1478. Justice and the Law 1679. Civil Society: The Push from Outside 18710. Violent Politics in a Violent Society 20111. The Making of President Ramaphosa 21912. The 2019 Election Leaves the Country Stirred, not Shaken 231Notes 247Index 301Carien du Plessis is one of South Africa's most respected journalists. She writes forThe Huffington Post, The Mail & Guardian,andCity Press.Martin Plaut, the BBC World Service's former Africa Editor, has published extensively on African affairs. An adviser to the Foreign Office and the US State Department, he is Senior Researcher at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies. This breezy introduction to contemporary South Africa by two of its veteran journalists is perfect for anyone wanting a quick survelã§