Abstract
This thesis is concerned with the tension between the ANC and Cosatu regarding the economic reform Gear which was introduced in 1996. The adoption and the implementation of the program has created anger in Cosatu because they say the program is undemocratic and that it leads to increasing poverty and inequality. This thesis focuses on the implications of this tension and asks what impact it may have to the further consolidation of democracy in South Africa. Hence the research question is whether the tension indicates that democracy in South Africa is under threat?
In order to find out, the thesis firstly asks whether the program is undemocratic. The thesis concludes that the program is not undemocratic in the minimalist sense of the word. Yet, it rather points out the space the ANC’s continued role as the liberation party has given them to manoeuvre as “they want”. This position has, ironically, resulted in an economic policy that is not really representative to people on the ground. The Cosatu strikes are one example of this. Despite the fact that the organisation “only” has 2 million members, this thesis argues that the cases they advocate are representative to a lot more people than their membership would suggest. However, people’s perception of Gear is likely to depend solely on its ability to deliver economic results. In light of the enormous economic expectations people had when democracy was implemented, many people will claim the program has failed. Cosatu is the most profiled advocate of such a view. Thus in order to find out whether the economic situation in South Africa poses a threat to democracy as the Cosatu strikes might suggest, the thesis provides an analysis of economic development in South Africa. What has changed since democracy was implemented? The study finds out that some aspects have become better, whilst other aspects have got worse since democracy was implemented. It is likely that people’s enormous expectations have not been fulfilled. The thesis asks whether this represents a threat to democracy in terms of political instability or low participation rates to such an extent that democracy can no longer be called a democracy.