Turning point

Elections in South Africa: Mandela’s legacy is coming to an end

(Bild: APA/AFP)

Corruption, abuse of power, economic collapse, high unemployment and a youth without hope. South Africa, the democratic anchor and long-standing beacon of hope, is facing a turning point. In the parliamentary elections, the African National Congress (ANC), the party of freedom fighter Nelson Mandela, may lose its absolute majority for the first time. They themselves are primarily to blame.

The "Springboks", as South Africa's national rugby team is affectionately known, are one of the few unifying symbols in this torn South Africa. To celebrate the 2023 World Cup title, there was even an extra public holiday throughout the country in December. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg had to experience what this meant: Meetings at ministerial level and with the National Security Advisor were canceled because they were on vacation.