The African National Congress (ANC) party has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. But the party today suffers from popular frustration over official corruption and economic stagnation. It faces growing threats from both left and right opposition parties, even as intraparty divisions surface. Given America’s history of opportunistic engagement with Africa, there are few prospects for a closer relationship between the two countries. Meanwhile, a weaker ANC could lead to political fragmentation in this relatively new democracy. Speaker Gary Prevost is professor emeritus of political science at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University and research associate in political and conflict studies at Nelson Mandela University in Port, Elizabeth, South Africa. He has published numerous articles on South African politics, with particular emphasis on the African National Congress and the political attitudes of South African university students.
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