Nelson Mandela

He spent 27 years imprisoned on Robben Island for his political beliefs.

In 1990 he was released and in 1994 he became the first black President democratically elected by all the people of South Africa.

Nelson Mandela personifies peace and democracy. He is a South African icon and represents what South Africa is capable of.

Democracy

This is an institution which only came into practice in 1994. With the elections at that time, South Africa became an example of a successful modern Democracy.

Since then the country has been governed by the ANC with a majority of 70% in Parliament. The legislation period is the same as in Europe (4 years).

At present Jacob Zuma is the President of the country.

Economic Boom

With the scrapping of Apartheid in 1994 and the lifting of economic Sanctions in 1996 the country has experienced an economic boost constantly increasing from year to year (4%-6%).

The boom has resulted in a growing non white middle class and prospering communities.

Unfortunately the majority of the people are still living in abject poverty with a very high unemployment rate (40%).