After 18 years of black majority, democratic rule, South Africa still faces huge challenges.

Following decades of clamour and struggle against the unjust and discriminatory Apartheid system of white minority rule at the expense of majority blacks, South Africa’s dream of a democratic society finally became reality in April 1994. This was sequel to free and fair elections that saw the African National Congress, ANC, party win over 62 per cent of the vote. They were followed by the white-led National Party with 20 per cent.

Veteran nationalist leader and former Apartheid prisoner, Nelson Mandela, then became President. More than 18 years on, the ANC is still in power, with two other Presidents – Thabo Mbeki and now Jacob Zuma – having succeeded Mandela who opted to serve only one five-year term.

Today, the ANC’s achievements include political stability after years of upheaval and oppressive rule. There is a new liberal constitution with an entrenched bill of rights and a set of institutions to bolster democratic rule. The threat from the far-right was diffused and peace returned to KwaZulu-Natal after more than a decade of low-intensity civil war. Largely free and fair elections have continued to be held since 1994.

On the other hand, ANC governments have reduced the number of people experiencing the worst levels of income poverty significantly, including the redistribution of land. To date, more than 15 million people receive social grants while others enjoy free access to health care for the poorest. Other indigent members of society also receive free basic services.

However, many challenges remain. The destruction of peasant agriculture by Apartheid policies has left South Africa with a permanent unemployable underclass among black Africans; with 64 per cent of them living in poverty. A whopping 48 per cent of all young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are unemployed, according to a study by the South African Institute of Race Relations.

In spite of the 1994 change of guard, blacks who now hold political power still have little economic influence while whites with economic muscle now have minimal political power. On the other hand, the gap between the new black elite and other blacks has been widening. The lack of shared economic prosperity has given rise to a crushing sense of bitterness and anger among the majority of mine workers on the lower rungs of the industry, seeing that their working and living conditions have not improved.