SA @ 30: Successes and Failures

The Weekend View

South Africa's journey toward democracy began in the early 1990s with the end of the apartheid era. This era marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape, with the setting aside of racial segregation and acceptance of multiracial democracy. On April 27 1994, the first democratic elections were held after which Nelson Mandela, became the first black president. This election was the first in which citizens of all races were allowed to participate. TODAY marks the 30th anniversary of the democratic elections and in these 30 years, from the euphoria of freedom to the realities of today, the path traversed has been one of triumphs and tribulations, progress and setbacks. Some have described the country's democratic history as two halves: 15 years of progress and development, where life got demonstrably better for the majority of the population and 15 years of democratic and developmental backsliding. To explore where SA currently stands 30 years after democracy Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to founder member of the UDF and former cabinet minister Valli Moosa and Political Analyst, Sandile Swana.....