South Africa's Continuing Leadership Challenges: Will the Real Jacob Zuma Please Stand Up?

It is twenty years since Nelson Mandela walked free from prison on February 11 1990 and over fifteen since the advent of democracy in South Africa. The country has faced multiple challenges, but only one of the post-apartheid presidencies – that of Mandela himself – has risen to meet them, and even then only partially. Thabo Mbeki’s presidency was notable for an abdication of responsibility in crucial areas, and, so far, Jacob Zuma appears more concerned with a careful balancing of party interests than providing bold leadership and a coherent government agenda.