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The Intelligence from The Economist

The Intelligence: Mandela’s vision, tested

May 6, 2024
Join John McDermott, Chief Africa correspondent, as he explores the complexities of South Africa's democracy and the disillusionment surrounding the upcoming elections, where Mandela's legacy hangs in the balance. Annie Crabel sheds light on the rise of small Texas towns like Waco and Marshall becoming patent litigation hotspots, driven by savvy judges. Lastly, Anne Rowe pays tribute to Eleanor Coppola, a pioneering filmmaker whose work on 'Apocalypse Now' resonates with themes of chaos and creativity, reflecting on personal loss.
27:37

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Disillusionment with democracy in South Africa stems from economic hardships, impacting trust in the system.
  • Economic disparities persist in South Africa, with challenges faced by the black middle class.

Deep dives

Challenges Facing the Democracy

South Africa, despite significant progress post-apartheid, is experiencing challenges as many feel locked out of the democratic era. Disillusionment with democracy stems from economic hardships, with polls showing pessimism regarding future improvements. Unemployment rates have risen, infrastructure issues persist, and younger generations face high unemployment levels, impacting their trust in the system.

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