Suchergebnisse

This article introduces the topic of democratic challenges and opportunities by referring to the nature of democracy and the proportional representation electoral system as applied in South Africa. The dominance of the ruling African National Congress and the fragmentation of the opposition are referred to. The centralisation of power is also discussed, as are the characteristics of South African society, which remains an open society. A blurring between the party and the state has taken place, and the point is made that there is no attested case where simple majoritarianism has sustained democracy in a divided society. The conclusion drawn is that, on the tenth anniversary of South Africa's transition, the quality of the country's democracy receives a mixed report. (Politeia/DÜI)

South African political leaders—as either prime ministers or presidents—have an average term of office of approximately nine years. If he conforms to average, De Klerk is likely to be the dominant figure in white politics for some time, and therefore his credentials are of some significance. At 53 he is young, he comes from a background steeped in politics and he has an impressive intellectual background as an academic lawyer. In 1972 he chose to enter Parliament rather than accept the offer of a chair in law at Potchefstroom University. Having entered Parliament, his talent as a debater helped him to win his spurs quite quickly and he became Minister of Posts and Telecommunications in 1978.