Christopher Vandome

Nota: Este archivo abarca los artículos publicados por el autor desde el 1 de febrero de 2009. Para fechas anteriores realice una búsqueda entrecomillando su nombre.

MundoÁfrica

Ramaphosa ran for the leadership of the ANC on a platform of party renewal, economic recovery, and building the capacity of the state. But Jacob Zuma remains the President of South Africa and, under the constitution, can stay in office until elections in 2019. Therefore, meeting expectations on economic recovery will depend on Ramaphosa taking the presidency – and he has a number of political battles to face before that becomes reality.

To begin with, Ramaphosa and his supporters did not win a total victory at the elective conference.  The presidency was only one position in the senior cadre – the co-called ‘top six’ – that was elected.…  Seguir leyendo »

MundoÁfrica

South Africa’s status as the ‘gateway to Africa’ is under serious threat. Its companies continue to flourish, but complex relationships at home and abroad constrain government capacity to match its economic dominance with political reach and influence.

South Africa’s policies towards the rest of the continent are often accused of being inconsistent and incoherent. It has been a development partner to the region and to international donors; a moral leader, championing human rights and exporting its own model of transition; and an advocate and representative for the continent in international forums. However, it has simultaneously been accused of exploiting its economic dominance at the expense of its neighbours; handicapped by the political debts owed by the ANC to other liberation movements for their assistance in the struggle; and criticized for its arrogance in seeking to position itself as the ‘legitimate’ voice of Africa.…  Seguir leyendo »

MundoÁfrica

This interview was conducted during the speaker’s visit to Chatham House for an expert roundtable on 23 January 2017.

What do you see as the trajectory for the historical and strategic trade and investment relationship between South Africa and the UK post-Brexit?

Our trade with the UK over the last three years has expanded, and there’s a small surplus in our favour. Of course there are opportunities to move further, but I think our first priority is to make sure there is no interruption. I think that the way our conversations have gone so far[…] is that the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that we have signed recently with the EU ought to be the basis on which we continue our relationship [with the UK], at least in the immediate future.…  Seguir leyendo »

MundoÁfrica,

South Africa’s local election results have humiliated President Jacob Zuma—and for the first time since coming to power more than 20 years ago, the African National Congress (ANC) looks vulnerable.

But rather than a new dawn for South Africa, the elections look like the start of a new era of coalition government, policy compromise, party factionalism, and weak leadership that will stifle hopes of economic advancement ahead of the next national elections in 2019.

President Zuma has been chastened by the August 3 local elections. For the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994, support for the ANC has fallen below 60 percent, with the party gaining just 53.9 percent of the aggregate national vote (down from 61 percent in 2011).…  Seguir leyendo »

South Africa and ANC president Jacob Zuma at the official launch of the municipal elections manifesto on 16 April 2016 in Port Elizabeth. Photo by Getty Images.

MundoÁfrica,

The Africa National Congress (ANC) launched its manifesto for the local elections starting on 3 August at a poorly attended rally in Nelson Mandela Bay on 16 April. The ANC is hoping that its manifesto launch helps to unite the party as it faces the most contested election in urban areas since 1994. President Jacob Zuma highlighted past ANC successes and made promises of future delivery. But putting the leadership team on the same stage to promote unity does little to hide the cracks in the party.

These local elections promise to be a major test. Support for the party remains strong among the rural poor but the loyalty of urban voters is not guaranteed.…  Seguir leyendo »