Podcast: South Africans Experience Freedom, Only to Have it Stolen by Corruption

In a special three-part podcast series marking 30 years since South Africa’s post-apartheid transition began, The Conversation Weekly delves into the economic policies introduced during Thabo Mbeki’s presidency and the turmoil that followed under Jacob Zuma.

When Nelson Mandela handed over the presidency to Mbeki in 1999, South Africa was emerging from a long recession. The ANC implemented austerity measures initially, but as the economy improved in the early 2000s, fiscal policies expanded to include social grants and black economic empowerment initiatives.

Under Mbeki’s administration, the focus was on redressing the historical injustices of apartheid by transferring ownership of capital to black individuals. However, in 2008, Mbeki was recalled by the ANC, paving the way for Jacob Zuma to take office after the 2009 elections.

Zuma’s presidency was marred by allegations of state capture and corruption, particularly in his relationship with the Gupta brothers. Mashupye Maserumule, a professor of public affairs, describes Zuma’s tenure as a systematic destruction of the country, with the ANC also bearing responsibility for allowing it to happen.

The podcast series explores the impact of these two presidencies on South Africa’s democratic history and the challenges faced in the aftermath. Listen to the experts’ insights on The Conversation Weekly to gain a deeper understanding of “What happened to Nelson Mandela’s South Africa?”