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Thirty years ago today, Nelson Mandela was sworn in
as South Africa’s first black president, a fortnight after he and millions of other black South Africans had
voted
for the first time. “South Africa could turn solid growth into real prosperity,” we wrote. “Now it badly needs to preserve the precious spirit of confidence generated during its liberation election.”
South Africa’s general election this month—for which we have just launched a poll tracker—will be free and fair. Yet, as we reported in last week’s issue, many citizens are
disillusioned with democracy.
“The reason is simple,” we
wrote.
Incomes have stagnated, unemployment is rife and corruption plagues the state. “It is hard to be thankful for democratic freedoms when you are jobless and living in your grandmother’s house.”
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