NEW HOPE: Despite his controversial past, Zuma remains hugely popular
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The violence is an increasing international concern as the 2010 soccer World Cup draws near. But first there is the election, and as that approaches, many South Africans are weighing a suspicion that the ANC hasn't delivered on all its past promises because the party hasn't been made to. Granting the ANC a hefty majority--it won 66% of the vote in the last general election in 2004--obviated its need to perform. Instead of focusing outward on improving the living standards of the country, it focused inward on improving its own. That hasn't gone unnoticed and, notwithstanding Zuma's populist appeal, may now be punished. "They're crooks," declares Lucky Maqutu, 33, an unemployed construction foreman in Mthatha and a volunteer at St. John's Apostolic Faith Mission Church. "Come election day, the ANC better watch out. They're in for a shock."
A jolt at the ballot box might prove to be a much needed reminder to the ANC that it is there to serve the people and not the other way around. In March 2007, at the funeral of Adelaide Tambo, wife of his longtime friend and comrade Oliver Tambo, Mandela scolded the assembled party leadership. The ANC's leaders should be "making this country of ours the caring and decent society for which this great South African dedicated her entire life and for which she sacrificed so much," he said. If the ANC gets another chance to lead South Africa, its leaders would be wise to heed those words.
South Africa Snapshot For a look at how the nation is doing 15 years after the end of apartheid, go to time.com/south_africa