The Presidencies of Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki Compared

Abstract

This article assesses the South African
transition after the dismantling of apartheid
and the negotiations for a new constitution.
It points out that the process was pact-driven
and that one of the principal compromises
was the consensus about the desirability of a
post-apartheid market-economy. Comparative
analyses are made between the two presidencies
of Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, the
criteria used being nation-building, public
institutions, and economic policies. The
analysis reveals negatives and positives from
a consolidation point of view, with the latter
outweighing the former, most notably the stable
transition and remarkable reconciliation, an
independent judiciary and media freedom.
In a way, therefore, these substitute the
absence of stronger parliamentary opposition.
Consequently, the greatest challenge is economic
development, especially of the so-called ‘second
economy', in order to reduce inequalities and
solidify democratic principles. The post-2009
leadership will determe whether consolidation
will be the next phase in South Africa's history.

African Insight Vol. 36 (3&4) 2006: pp. 173-185