Political leadership in the ANC: the South African provinces 1994-1999

The African National Congress (ANC) government in South Africa, having made compromises in the transition of 1994, has been accused of resorting to un democratic ways in dealing with the frustrations of government. The instabi lity of political leadership at the provincial level appears to confirm pes simism. The central organs of the ANC have tried to bring wayward provinces into line, most recently (May 2000) by dissolving the local party executiv es in two provinces. But there have been successes in provincial leadership and the party has resolved a number of disputes flexibly and arguably effe ctively. Conventions of political management are solidifying and may help t o pattern ideological conflict in democratic ways in the future.