Vibrant democracy 20 years after freedom walk

TWENTY years after Nelson Mandela was freed from prison, South Africa is a vibrant democracy but the millions still living in poverty are now looking for leadership that can tackle its economic problems.

Mandela’s release after 27 years in apartheid-era jails, set in motion the country’s transformation to democracy which culminated in historic all-race elections in 1994 and his inauguration as the country’s first black leader.

Some critics say Mandela’s legacy has been blighted by his successor Thabo Mbeki’s sacking as president by the ruling ANC and the latest sexual scandal involving President Jacob Zuma which has damaged the party’s image.