Democratic Transition and Consolidation in South Africa: The Advice of ‘the Experts’

Abstract

The quality of the South African democratic order and its potential trajectory cannot be adequately measured by abstract and supposedly universal prescriptions. It is questionable whether democratic ‘consolidation’ requires the potential replacement of a government in power in the foreseeable future, whether there is an inevitable and necessary transition of liberation movements into political parties, and whether South Africa is a ‘dominant party state’. This article problematizes ‘the national liberation model’ depicting the organization as representing the entire nation. While unifying people against colonialism and apartheid, it tends to suppress difference and is intolerant of pluralism. Social movements and opposition parties are not likely to supplant the ANC but social and political organization outside and inside the ruling organization is legitimate and essential to strengthen and deepen democracy. One should avoid fixation on a potential change of government and encourage broader factors in order to secure and extend democratic gains. In particular, wider forms of popular participation are crucial. The specific South African constitutional order and traditions of popular mass activity have the potential to sustain and expand democracy.