Could SA become the next Zimbabwe?

As a Zimbabwean living in South Africa, Tamuka Chirimambowa, PhD Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, shares his insights on the political scenario in the country. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, he delved into the comparison between South Africa and Zimbabwe, raising the question of whether South Africa could potentially follow the same path as Zimbabwe. Chirimambowa highlighted several key differences between the two nations that may prevent South Africa from experiencing a similar fate. While some traits might point towards Zimbabwe, he emphasized the unique composition and dynamics of South Africa's political landscape. One significant distinction he mentioned is the legacy of liberation politics in both countries. While Zimbabwe is still influenced by the 'big men' of the liberation struggle, such as Robert Mugabe, South Africa's history is shaped by leaders like Nelson Mandela who chose to step down after one term, setting a different precedent for governance. Chirimambowa underscored the vibrancy of South African society compared to Zimbabwe, noting that the former did not strive for a one-party state from the beginning. South Africa's independence occurred at a different time and under different geopolitical circumstances, which may contribute to its divergent trajectory. Despite potential challenges, Chirimambowa expressed confidence that South Africa will navigate its current issues and avoid descending into a Zimbabwe-like situation.