Democracy, Peace and Stability in South Africa: The Struggle Continues

Abstract

After decades of protracted conflicts, South Africa peacefully transitioned into democracy in 1994. South Africa’s then-new regime resonated with the growing democratic wave and had all the markings of a progressive democracy with speckles of both socialism and liberalism. Fuelled by Mandela’s deepening prominence, the democratic dispensation positioned South Africa as a regional power player as seen by its BRICS membership, a regular invitation to G7, and rotational sit at the United Nations Security Council and various roles within the African Union to promote peace, stability and prosperity.

However, while South Africa’s efforts to build peace and promote stability are commendable, there remain several areas of concern that pose an imminent threat to peace and stability in the country. Officially the most unequal society on planet earth, it is no surprise then that the triple-helix issues of poverty, inequality and unemployment are recurrent features that pose a thread to South Africa’s peace, stability and prosperity. Accompanied by racism, xenophobia and crime, the country is fast galloping to the cliff. The jury on whether it is too late to turn the tide is still out.