About yudhvir

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Yudhvir Ranchod is a recent graduate from South Africa with a MA in International Relations. He has been working on the Why Democracy? project since August 2007 and is developing an outreach programme for schools and universities across the developing world. With a keen interest in technology, film and politics, he is optimistic his blog entries will appear informative.

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Thabo Mbeki Ousted

by Yudhvir Ranchod (more posts by this author)

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What a weekend for South African politics! Not since 1994, has South Africa had such an abrupt change in leadership. Just having to deal with the global financial meltdown might have been enough for most developing countries, but South Africa's ruling party has increased uncertainty by dropping a political bombshell on an already fragile arrangement.

Following the "recall" (read: firing/axing) of the President, the African National Congress has assured citizens that all is fine and that a smooth transition will take place, however many South Africans are worried about the incoming leadership. Although emotions are mixed regarding the axing of the President, some are calling this situation a victory for democracy.

A legal change of leadership this swiftly is not a common occurrence in African countries. The prospect of having a future president who is facing charges of corruption and racketeering may send shivers down the backs of many South Africans, but with little dispute from the outgoing President, it seems as if democratically, South Africa works.

Photo from IOL