10155 SOUTH AFRICA 2010: MORE OF THE SAME OR REAL CHANGE?

Judith February, head of Institute for Democracy in South Africa’s South African Governance Programme

Jacob Zuma has had a baptism of fire since he started his Presidency in May 2009. His first months in office have been difficult to navigate given the social protests across the country as well as the changes in personnel in many key government departments and constitutional institutions. In addition, there have been significant changes in the structure of government. New players have emerged both in the cabinet and in the presidency. A new power-map is emerging. This lunch-time lecture will consider what this means for politics and process and more importantly what it means for ordinary citizens. Will the changes in leadership and structure mean a better deal for the poor? What are the opportunities and pitfalls which face South Africa as we enter 2010?