During a period of rising authoritarian populism around the globe, South Africa stands out as a surprising democratic success story. For example, the 2021 local-government elections were the most competitive yet in the postapartheid era, defying early predictions of long-term, single-party domination. And for more than a quarter-century, citizens have been able to positively influence policy and the quality of governance. To be sure, the country has serious longstanding challenges and burdens, and the prospects for upheaval loom large. Nonetheless, South Africa’s multiracial democracy offers a powerful example of what is possible with well-designed democratic institutions.
About the Authors
Rorisang Lekalake
Rorisang Lekalake is a doctoral candidate in political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her research explores the politics of land inequality in Southern Africa.
Evan Lieberman is professor of political science and holds the Total Chair on Contemporary Africa at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His book, Until We Have Won Our Liberty: South Africa After Apartheid, is forthcoming.
Nelson Mandela, who died in late 2013, fought for freedom for all the people of South Africa and masterfully guided his country’s transition to a nonracial democracy. His record on foreign policy…
