An analysis of the macro-environment of South Africa

An analysis of the macro-environment of South Africa

POLITICAL SYSTEM
a) Political structure
· Government type – Republic
· Head of state/government - President Thabo Mbeki

b) Political parties
· Since the transition to democracy in 1994, South Africa has been ruled by the left-leaning African National Congress (ANC). The ANC was the major source of opposition to the minority white governments of the Apartheid era, and has reaped the rewards in terms of solid electoral mandates in both the general elections held since the transition to democracy in the early 1990s.
· The Democratic Party has become the most vocal source of liberal opposition to the ANC, under the leadership of Tony Leon. However, the party remains a predominantly white organization, and is unlikely to gain in influence unless it is able to broaden its appeal. The other significant player in South African politics is the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), which won 34 seats i...