CAPE TOWN: South Africa's third post-apartheid president was sworn in to office last night after the dramatic toppling of Thabo Mbeki by his own party just months before the end of his term.

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Is democracy working in South Africa?

Ask Mr D Tutu. I think his latest comment is that " SA is on the brink of becoming a banana republic". Truly a country touched and blessed by him upstairs............but boy what a mess.

I was just intrigued by the sight of an African leader accepting his dismissal so easily.

I was just intrigued by the sight of an African leader accepting his dismissal so easily.

Jumped before he was pushed methinks. Not so different to the ousting of the Iron Lady, Maggie, by the then ruling Conservative party. I suppose, putting as much positive spin as one can on it, it is a sign of democracy at work probably more so than the disposal of khun Samak. However, I have to admit not knowing a lot about S. African politics and if Bish Tutu says they are on the verge of a banana republic he should know a thing or two.

As for Mr Trebor Ebagum, he's only in power because his party has superiority in thuggery. One leader Africa and the world would be better off without. Rhodesia, same as S. Africa is heading, once the breadbasket of Africa now a complete basket case.

South Africa is still considered to be one of the most stable countries in Africa. I wonder if this will change that view?

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And it says a lot for Mbeki, born and bred a loyal ANC cadre, that he bowed to the democratic process, even though denied the pomp and ceremony that would have been his after April's elections.

Mbeki will not have the aura of a Mandela but has contributed to S.A at least trying to get out of its troubled past, it is not a Zimbabwe and continues to be the major power in the area.

I for one will never understand the manner in which Mandela was feted. ( Unable to put the silly symbol above the first e of feted )

Good Luck

Moss

fêted... easy peasy, just find it some where else and cut and paste.

Mandela is the classic example of the rise through the system from terrorist to patriot to statesman.

All you have to do is win.