South Africa: success story or basket-case? This year marks the centenary of the ANC. It is also the year when Jacob Zuma will fight for his political life, seeking to fend off opposition from within the Tripartite Alliance and retain his presidency. Now, more than ever, to the victor the spoils. With the country’s politics poorly understood in the world, Paul Holden and Martin Plaut present the true story of post-apartheid South Africa. They depict a nation fighting against appalling unemployment, poor education, widespread corruption and organised crime. In a country where poverty is rampant and institutions are weak, the battle for power is set to intensify. Plaut and Holden seek to answer the burning question: is South Africa destined to become another African tragedy or is there still the promise of growth and a stable democracy?