Where now?

Uncertain times lie ahead for the African continent. Not simply because of the intra-national unrest gripping the Congo or the increasingly desperate situation in Zimbabwe.

South Africa is often held up as the beacon of African democracy and a nation which has successfully made the transition from racial division and elitism to an inclusive, pluralistic society. But today’s expected announcement by disaffected ANC members of the formation of a new political party; the South African Democratic Congress (SADC), highlights the fragility of this claim and the reality.

The SADC's formation highlights, not only the internal divisions within the ANC itself and the current ‘lions’ of the ANC, Thabo Mbeki (who was forced to resign in September) and Jacob Zuma. It also highlights that the nation as a whole, is not the mirror of tranquillity and inclusiveness that it seems.

Add this to the increasing ‘democratic deficit’ in one of the most underdeveloped parts of the world and the question raised above affects us all.