South Africa’s protests

Watch Part 2

Just a few months into his first term, Jacob Zuma, the South African president, faces a critical test of his leadership. 

Violent protests have broken out in several townships over the lack of basic services in the middle of winter.

At the same time, many labour unions are calling for wage strikes.

Zuma swept into office on a campaign promise to end poverty, but his options are limited with Africa’s largest economy struggling through its worst recession in 17 years. 

Zuma has just one year to fix the problems before thousands of World Cup football fans descend on South Africa, the first time the global sports spectacular has ever been held in Africa.

What can be done to improve the delivery of basic services in South Africa, and how can the government turn things around quickly?

Joining Monday’s Riz Khan show from Johannesburg is Dr. Mcebisi Ndletyana, a researcher and author of several articles and books about South African civil society and politics.

Also joining Riz from Cape Town is Ferial Haffajee, the recently appointed City Press editor. When she took over the position as editor of the Mail & Guardian newspaper in February 2004 she became the first female editor of a major newspaper in South Africa.

You can join the conversation. Watch this episode of the Riz Khan show live on Monday, July 27, 2009 at 2030GMT, with repeats on Tuesday at 0030GMT, 0530GMT and 1130GMT.