The democratic frontier: progress and challenges in the Eastern Cape

Abstract

The Eastern Cape is known as the heartland of the ANC. It is the birthplace of many iconic liberation leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, Oliver Tambo and Albertina Sisulu. It is the second-largest province in South Africa by land area and held the hope of freedom, opportunity and prosperity as South Africans cast their first votes in the historic 1994 elections. Thirty years later, however, disillusionment, hopelessness, and disappointment dominate the political narratives of the people of the Eastern Cape. A province once regarded as the heartbeat of the liberation struggle is now characterised by limited opportunities and poor governance. The 1994 promise of a better life remains unfulfilled for the communities of Gqeberha, Makhanda and the rural villages of Mxekazi and Cwebe.