In the Shadow of Mandela: Political Leadership in South Africa (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781784539535)

This outstanding and original work goes to the heart of South Africa's political problems - doubts as to the sustainability of the post-apartheid settlement, beset with divisions in the ruling ANC, factionalism, corruption and the widening of fault-lines in state and society.

The 'leadership issue' has become key and this will be the first specific examination of leadership in the light of Mandela's legacy and its effect on his successor as potential and actual leaders - all in 'the shadow of Mandela' as the architect of the transition from apartheid to democracy, and with overarching moral authority and international reputation. Alexander Johnston shows how his successors are judged against Mandela's achievements, including the potentially impressive 'lost' leaders and concentrating on his immediate successors, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma. The book concludes with an in-depth assessment of new president Cyril Ramaphosa's potential to be a leader for a 'new dawn'. This is an objective and critical work by a close observer who acknowledges the achievement of South African leadership but is acutely aware of the doubts as to the sustainability of South Africa's hard won democratic settlement. An essential read for all readers interested in leadership and in the traumatic history and future of Africa's leading state, as the continent rises to global importance.

Author: Alexander Johnston
ISBN-10: 1784539538
ISBN-13: 9781784539535
Publisher: I. B. Tauris & Company
Language: English
Published: 12/12/2019
Pages: 384
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.32lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.60w x 1.00d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 01/01/2021