Summary

Since his ascension to the highest seat in the land, Cyril Ramaphosa has roused a great sense of optimism in black South Africans who have become deeply disillusioned with the African National Congress (ANC) and the country’s governments institutions. Former president Zuma, who was ousted before the completion of his eight-year tenure as president, has greatly undermined the ANC’s reputation. Embroiled in numerous scandals, accused of economic mismanagement and now facing some 800 allegations of graft, the once formidable political survivor has left South African society worse for wear. Ramaphosa, in his bid to restore public confidence, will have to appease and alleviate the deep-seated grievances most black South Africans exhibit towards the party. Issues centring on widespread corruption, the redistribution of land, income inequality, and education will be the crucial to determining whether Ramaphosa will be able to carry a weak and divided ANC to victory in next year’s elections.

The road to repairing the damage dealt to Africa’s most industrialised economy will be a long one.