Freedom and democracy
This year marks 29 years since the dawn of democracy in 1994. The euphoria and excitement which engulfed South Africa in 1993 as the country readied itself for the first democratic election has since subsided. This should not come as a surprise.
The general trend across Africa is that after the excitement about freedom calms down, the reality sinks in and many people get disappointed. South Africa cannot be insulated from that reality.
But before painting a pessimistic picture of the country – which is not unfounded – it is important to briefly reflect on the road South Africa has travelled since the advent of democracy in 1994.
First, unlike in many parts of Africa, South Africa’s liberation
