This time last year, on the eve of South Africa’s 20th anniversary of the first multiracial democratic elections, Nelson Mandela lay sick in the hospital as the country mourned—not only the imminent passing of the nation’s father but also for the sad state of the nation itself.
It was about that time when Mamphela Ramphele launched Agang—a much-needed political alternative to the incumbent African National Congress. Ramphele—anti-apartheid stalwart, medical doctor, successful business executive and former managing director of the World Bank—seemed like the perfect person to challenge the corrupt and complacent ANC. In fact, her platform was so promising that the media and the international community enthusiastically backed her candidacy, while the country’s main opposition group offered to merge with her nascent party.
On Tuesday, however, the hype surrounding Ramphele and Agang came to an end when she announced she would be quitting politics for good. For many South Africans the declaration only made official what the May election results had clearly demonstrated—her party won only two seats in the 400-person legislature.
Written by Jessica Eaton/Read more at The Wall Street Journal
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