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  • February 2002 (Revised February 2003)
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Remaking the Rainbow Nation: South Africa 2002

By: Rawi E. Abdelal, Debora L. Spar and Katherine E. Cousins
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:28
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Abstract

In April 1994, the world witnessed a political milestone in South Africa. After decades of repression and racial segregation, South Africa's black majority came to power at last, as the African National Congress (ANC), led by the celebrated Nelson Mandela, rode into power with 63% of the vote in the country's first racially inclusive election. Eight years after this electoral victory, however, many South Africans are starting to question the shifting priorities of the ANC. Although the political situation of the country has vastly improved, the economy remains fragile, and some of the ANC's most loyal allies are decrying what they see as a change of faith. Thabo Mbeki, a former political exile who became president in 1999, must now decide what democracy means for South Africa and how best to preserve it.

Keywords

Development Economics; Race; Political Elections; Economic Growth; Business and Government Relations; South Africa

Citation

Abdelal, Rawi E., Debora L. Spar, and Katherine E. Cousins. "Remaking the Rainbow Nation: South Africa 2002." Harvard Business School Case 702-035, February 2002. (Revised February 2003.)
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About The Authors

Rawi E. Abdelal

Business, Government and the International Economy
→More Publications

Debora L. Spar

General Management
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More from the Authors
  • Does Marriage Have a Future? By: Debora L. Spar and Aryanna Garber
  • 'Care in Every Drop': Ayala Corporation and Manila Water (A) and (B) By: Debora L. Spar and Sarah Sasso
  • Northvolt: Building Batteries to Fight Climate Change (B) By: George Serafeim, Debora L. Spar, Peter Tufano, Hugo Etchegoyhen and Emilie Billaud
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