Now that the African National Congress has been re-elected with an increased majority in South Africa, attention has turned to how it will use this majority in a third term of government.
Ten years on from the end of apartheid, South Africa remains a deeply divided society. This is notwithstanding the progress made in providing housing, water, electricity, education and other basic necessities for the impoverished and disadvantaged black population who make up the ANC's electoral backbone. Some 40 per cent of South Africans are unemployed and over five million of its 43 million people suffer from HIV/AIDS. High rates of crime and limited progress in empowering the victims of apartheid were some of the main issues in the campaign and will continue to preoccupy government and voters after the election.
It is unfair to dwell exclusively on such challenges, daunting though they are, given the basic political progress registered by South Africa since 1994. The transition from apartheid to democracy has been peaceful, miraculously so, given the profound divisions and hurt from which it sprang. The two successive ANC dominated governments since then have successfully concentrated on macro-economic stability and prioritising expenditure on basic needs. They have had to convince international markets of their integrity in these respects in order to keep their confidence. It has been difficult to attract international investment sufficient to generate the growth required to create large-scale employment. Within these constraints, progress on basic infrastructure has been impressive.
South Africa continues to combine first and third world standards of living and opportunity. A new black middle class has thrived on political and cultural equality - but its affluence sits uneasily with the majority living in townships and poor rural areas. There has been significant but limited social integration between whites and blacks. This is becoming more marked among the younger generation; but they were the most apathetic of voters in the election.
President Thabo Mbeki cast off his distant, cerebral image in the campaign to present a more human electoral appeal. In framing his new cabinet he is pledged to implement a large public works programme designed to tackle social and economic infrastructure deficits and create jobs.
His majority means he can also change the constitution, but he and his party must take care to avoid the temptation of perpetuating themselves in power.