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In-Depth Review of 'Politics and Government in

South Africa' by Mueni wa Muiu

Image Source: AI Generated

The 1994 democratic transformation in South Africa stands as one of the 20th century's most
important political changes. Mueni wa Muiu's detailed book "Politics and Government in South
Africa" looks at this complex experience and provides readers with an analysis of the nation's
political institutions, governance structures, and ongoing challenges. The author shows South
Africa's progress from apartheid to its current democratic system.

Muiu's book covers South Africa's governance system, including Parliament's role, the Executive
Branch, and the Judiciary. The text analyzes pressing issues like economic inequality, land
reform, and social justice movements. The author also discusses South Africa's growing
influence in international relations through its BRICS membership and African Union
participation. This review assesses how well the text captures South Africa's political landscape
and its effect on the nation's development since apartheid ended.

Overview of South African Political Institutions

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South Africa runs a constitutional democracy that features a three-tier system of government and
stands as one of Africa's most progressive governing structures 1 . The nation's transformation
from apartheid-era rule created these foundations of governance.

Historical context
South Africa's current political institutions emerged from the country's first universal suffrage
elections in 1994 2 . The nation operated under an interim constitution until 1996. The
Constituent Assembly drafted and approved the permanent constitution that year, and President
Nelson Mandela promulgated it in 1997 2 . This constitutional framework became the life-blood
of South Africa's democratic transformation and established key institutions that support and
protect democracy.

Key government branches

South Africa's government has three distinct but interconnected branches:
Branch Key Components Primary Functions
Policy development and
Executive President, Deputy President, Ministers
implementation
National Assembly, National Council of
Legislative Law-making and oversight
Provinces
Judicial Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Appeal Law interpretation and application

The President holds executive authority and serves as both head of state and government 2 .
The National Assembly elects the President who needs its continued confidence to stay in office
3
. Each of South Africa's nine provinces has its own executive council with a Premier as its
leader 4 .

Constitutional framework

South Africa's Constitution establishes several core principles that shape its governance:

National, provincial, and local levels work together through cooperative governance

Basic human rights and freedoms receive protection

Rule of law operates with an independent judiciary

Government remains accountable through democratic processes

Democratic government functions through a multi-party system

South Africa's democratic framework includes several supporting institutions like the Public
Protector, Human Rights Commission, and the Electoral Commission 1 . These organizations

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act as significant checks and balances that protect citizens' rights and ensure government
accountability 5 .

Provincial governments function within their constitutional boundaries. They share some powers
with the national government while maintaining exclusive control over others 4 . This structure
creates a balanced yet complex governance system. Different government levels must work
together while keeping their unique responsibilities intact 3 .

Critical Issues in South African Politics

South Africa's democratic institutions face multiple interconnected challenges today. Economic
difficulties plague the nation severely, while social inequalities persist. Land reform debates
continue to alter the political map of this democratic state.

Economic challenges

South Africa faces its most important structural obstacles that affect its political stability. The
unemployment rate remains at 32.9%, close to historic highs 6 . Youth unemployment has hit a
concerning 63% for people aged 15-24 7 . The country's economic problems are made worse
by:
Economic Indicator Current Status
Debt-to-GDP Ratio Among highest in emerging markets 6
GDP Growth (2023) 0.4% (Q1) 6
Inflation Above target range 6

The country's resilient infrastructure faces a crisis, especially when you have problems in the
energy sector. This has caused widespread power cuts and forced authorities to relax
regulations for private sector energy production 6 . The state-owned utility Eskom's problems
illustrate the broader challenges that South African parastatals face 7 .

Racial and social inequalities

South Africa continues to be the world's most economically unequal country 8 . The nation still
struggles with significant disparities almost 30 years after apartheid ended. The wealth
distribution paints a concerning picture:

The wealthiest 10% control between 71% and 85% of total wealth

Half of the population at the bottom owns a mere 4-7% of national wealth 8

More than half the population (55%) lives below the poverty line 9

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Race and educational access continue to fuel these inequalities 9 . Young South Africans face
the toughest challenges, and about 24 million people now depend on government welfare
support 9 . The country's struggling economy limits the success of affirmative action programs
9
that aim to reverse systemic inequalities .

Land reform debates

Land reform stands as one of South Africa's most heated political issues. White farmers owned
87% of the land in 1994. The government wanted to make changes, but progress remains
nowhere near the target. Their original goal to redistribute 30% of commercial farmland within
five years reached only 1% by 1999 and 9.7% by 2018 10 .

Several factors have slowed down the reform process. The "willing seller, willing buyer" principle
created obstacles. Agricultural productivity challenges also posed problems 10 . Cities now face
a growing need for land. To cite an instance, Cape Town's housing backlog affects 575,000
families, yet resources only allow 18,000 new housing opportunities each year 10 .

The government's land reform strategy now includes options to expropriate land without
compensation, while staying within constitutional limits 10 . This fundamental change should
speed up redistribution. South Africa's approach differs from more extreme methods used by
other countries in the region, as it balances economic stability and food security 10 .

South Africa's Role in International Relations

South Africa has become a most important player in the international arena and serves as a
bridge between the Global North and South. The nation chooses to remain non-aligned in global
affairs while demonstrating its steadfast dedication to regional leadership and global cooperation
through its international relations approach.

African Union involvement

South Africa plays a prominent role in the African Union since its creation through the Sirte
Declaration in 1999 11 . The country welcomed African leaders at the historic Durban Summit in
2002 that launched the AU and brought together the First Assembly of Heads of States 11 .
President Cyril Ramaphosa's tenure as AU chair from 2020 to 2021 12 helped South Africa
advance three essential continental priorities:

Promoting democratic governance and accountability

Enhancing inclusive growth and environmentally responsible development

Advancing peace and security initiatives throughout Africa

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South Africa actively participates in the AU's Peace and Security Council, which helps prevent
and resolve conflicts across the continent 11 . The organization showed its strength during crisis
periods through its coordinated response to food security challenges in the pandemic 11 .

BRICS membership
South Africa achieved a substantial milestone in its international relations when it joined BRICS
in 2010 13 . The country's involvement with BRICS has delivered considerable economic
advantages:
Trade Indicator Value/Percentage
R830 billion 14
Total BRICS Trade (2022)
Growth Rate (2017-2021) 10% average 14
Global Trade Share 21% of SA's total 14
14% of total exports 14
Exports to BRICS

BRICS expanded its membership substantially during South Africa's chairship in 2023 by
welcoming Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran 15 . This strategic expansion
will propel development and is expected to represent over 50% of global GDP by 2030 15 ,
strengthening the bloc's economic influence worldwide.

Foreign policy shifts

South Africa has transformed its foreign policy by accepting a strategic non-alignment stance
that became clear in recent international developments 16 . The country takes a balanced
approach and encourages relationships with Western nations while building ties with emerging
powers like Russia and China 16 . This strategy shows South Africa's steadfast dedication to:

1. Deepening South-South cooperation through institutional frameworks

2. Supporting reform in global governance systems

3. Advancing multilateralism in international relations

South Africa expanded its diplomatic influence after winning elections to the UN Security Council
in 2006, 2010, and 2018 12 . The nation's dream of permanent membership on the Security
Council faces obstacles due to lack of unified regional support 17 . Ethiopia and Nigeria now
compete with South Africa's role as Africa's diplomatic heavyweight and challenge its economic
dominance across the continent 17 .

South Africa's recent foreign policy choices about international conflicts and human rights issues
showed its commitment to independent diplomatic positions 16 . The nation's upcoming G20
presidency in 2025 offers a chance to display its diplomatic skills while managing relationships
between traditional trading partners and emerging global powers 16 .

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Engaging with Politics through Culture and Media

South Africa's culture is a crucial platform that demonstrates political involvement and
democratic participation in the post-apartheid era. Different forms of expression, ranging from
traditional media to digital platforms, enable South African society to shape and influence its
political discourse.

Influence of popular culture

South African popular culture showcases a rich blend of traditions and modern influences.
Western technology merges seamlessly with indigenous practices to create a unique cultural
18
identity . The cultural landscape includes several key elements:

Traditional art forms that strengthen ethnic identity

Township jazz and pop music that echo political awareness

Religious choral music that brings communities together

Dance performances shaped by mining culture and competition

Music has been one of the most important tools for political expression in the entertainment
industry. Artists like the African Jazz Pioneers, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Johnny Clegg
made history by defying apartheid-era segregation rules through their mixed-race musical
collaborations 18 .

Role of social movements

Social movements are vital players in South Africa's democratic world, especially when you have
digital activism and grassroots mobilization. Social media disrupts political activism in the most
important ways, and these platforms work as engines of:
Platform Impact Primary Function
Instant Communication Mobilization and digital utilization
Opinion Formation Trending hashtags and activism
Community Organization Protest coordination and awareness

Social movements showed they can make real change by tackling problems of all sizes, from
service delivery to corruption. The Human Science Research Council's research reveals these
movements helped challenge society's prejudices and misconceptions 19 .

Media representation of political issues

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South Africa's media landscape has seen major changes since the end of apartheid. The country
now operates with three distinct tiers:

1. Public Media: SABC has evolved from a state propaganda tool into a public entity that
20
reports to parliament
20
2. Commercial Media: Major conglomerates like Naspers and Media24 lead this sector
3. Community Media: Local outlets serve underrepresented communities and rural areas 20

The 2003-old Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) supports community print and
broadcast media that target historically disadvantaged communities 20 . This program helps
democratize media access and representation across different social and economic groups.

Several challenges plague the media's role in political discourse. A few major conglomerates
control the commercial media sector 20 . The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the media
world and hit magazine publications and smaller players hard 20 .

Media and political power's relationship remains a vital aspect of South Africa's democratic
transition. The Press Council of South Africa and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of
South Africa (BCCSA) oversee media content. Critics say the Press Council treats the media
industry too leniently 20 .

Digital media has changed political communication dramatically. The 2019 election campaign
showed both benefits and problems of social media's influence. This led the South African
Election Commission to create Real411, a digital fact-checking website 19 . People can now
verify information and report disinformation or incitement to violence through this platform 19 .

Conclusion
South Africa's political experience since 1994 shows remarkable achievements alongside
ongoing challenges in creating a democratic society. The country's constitutional framework has
created reliable democratic institutions. Economic inequality, unemployment, and land reform
problems continue to test these structures. Media and cultural expressions have strengthened
democratic participation. Social divisions and economic gaps remain the biggest problems the
government doesn't deal very well with.

South Africa has become a most important global player through its BRICS membership and
African Union leadership, despite facing domestic challenges. The country's balanced approach
to international relations and strategic non-alignment policy has improved its diplomatic position
while creating opportunities for economic growth. South Africa will continue its vital role in
shaping African politics and international affairs as it works to solve the problems of internal
social and economic disparities.

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References
[1] - https://www.gov.za/about-government/government-system/structure-and-functions-south-
african-government
[2] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_South_Africa
[3] - https://www.pa.org.za/info/structure-government
[4] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_South_Africa
[5] - https://mkparty.org.za/the-evolution-of-south-african-democracy-since-1994/
[6] - https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2023/06/15/cf-south-africas-economy-loses-
momentum-amid-record-power-cuts
[7] - https://www.swp-berlin.org/10.18449/2021C61/
[8] - https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/soc4.13173
[9] - https://www.vox.com/world-politics/355328/south-africa-apartheid-cyril-ramaphosa-anc-
jacob-zuma-mk-elecitons-parliament
[10] - https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/southern-africa/south-africa/land-reform-south-africa-
fact-and-fiction
[11] - https://www.nti.org/education-center/treaties-and-regimes/african-union-au/
[12] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_South_Africa
[13] - https://www.gov.za/about-sa/international-relations
[14] - http://www.thedtic.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/BRICS-Benefits-to-South-Africa.pdf
[15] - https://uct.ac.za/casewritingcentre/blog/opinion-how-can-south-africa-benefit-brics-
expansion
[16] - https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/06/11/south-africa-nonalignment-election-coalition-foreign-
policy-russia-china/
[17] - https://www.idos-research.de/en/events/details/south-africas-role-on-the-african-continent-
and-beyond/
[18] - https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Africa/Cultural-life
[19] -
http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/110841/2/LSE_IDEAS_Social_medias_impact_on_political_discourse_in_So
[20] - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11616-020-00594-4

Original Humanized

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