South Africa has emerged as a major power on the continent since the end of white minority rule in 1994. Its size, relative stability and the moral authority won through the long anti-apartheid struggle give it unusual weight in African and international diplomacy. Nonetheless, the ruling African National Congress has lost some of its lustre after a decade of economic mismanagement and corruption that has eroded much of the state’s infrastructure. The country has lately experienced severe unrest due largely to persistent crime, joblessness and inequality exacerbated by COVID-19 lockdowns. Through reporting and analysis, Crisis Group tracks indicators of social conflict in the country, advocating for economic reform, while pushing Pretoria to assume a bigger role on the regional stage.
This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard speaks with Crisis Group experts Praveen Donthi, Pauline Bax and Falko Ernst about recent elections in India, South Africa and Mexico and what they mean for the countries’ policies at home and abroad.
Deputy leader of EFF opposition party defected to MKP party; gunmen targeted and killed local politicians.
Opposition parties faced shake ups. Floyd Shivambu, deputy leader and co-founder of populist opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), 15 Aug announced he had resigned from party and was joining largest opposition uMkhonto weSizwe party (MKP) led by former President Zuma to serve as national organiser; EFF leader Julius Malema’s refusal to join President Ramaphosa’s unity govt reportedly informed Shivambu’s decision. MKP continued to face internal power struggles as party 8 Aug fired 15 MPs amid accusations of cronyism.
Local govt representatives threatened by criminal violence. Amid continued worries over nexus between politics and organised crime, gunmen 19 Aug killed African National Congress (ANC) municipal executive at his home in KwaBhaca town, third murder of ANC leader in Eastern Cape province since Jan. Unknown gunmen 14 Aug shot and wounded Patriotic Alliance party councillor in drive-by after he attempted to mediate gang dispute in Kensington suburb, Cape Town city. Earlier in Johannesburg city, EFF ward councillor shot dead 4 Aug during protest against social housing evictions, with exact circumstances around death unclear; EFF leader Malema 9 Aug alleged councillor was “assassinated”.
Dans cet épisode d’Afrique 360°, Enrica Picco et Rinaldo Depagne reçoivent Koffi Kouakou, professeur à la Wits School of Governance à Johannesburg, pour parler des enjeux liés aux prochaines élections générales en Afrique du Sud où l'ANC, l’African National Congress, risque de perdre la majorité absolue pour la première fois depuis trente ans.
South Africans go to the polls on 29 May. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Pauline Bax outlines what is at stake in the elections and why South Africa’s domestic politics are more fragmented than ever.
South Africa has experienced its worst unrest since apartheid ended. Mobs attacked shopping malls and factories in two provinces. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Pauline Bax explains that the disturbances exposed the political and economic dynamics of a state struggling to contain deadly violence.
For years, South Africa trusted in behind-the-scenes contacts to alleviate Zimbabwe’s political and economic problems. But those troubles have continued to mount. By stepping up pressure, and by working with Washington on reform guidelines, Pretoria can help Harare find a way out of its crisis.
In the years right after apartheid fell, South Africa was a leader in continental diplomacy, brokering peace accords and bolstering multilateral institutions. Its role subsequently diminished, but today it is well placed to make a positive difference in several trouble spots.
U.S. President Donald Trump touched off a diplomatic row with South Africa by repeating an erroneous broadcast about land reform there. In this Q&A, our Southern Africa Senior Consultant Piers Pigou sets the record straight about the land ownership and expropriation debates that are really underway in South Africa today.
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