Time to govern

EVER since Nelson Mandela led South Africa into the democratic era in 1994, the country has been ruled by the African National Congress (ANC), the main movement that opposed apartheid. In every election since, it has secured about 60-70% of the vote. But in local ballots this month the party’s share fell to 54%. The mighty ANC now looks mortal. This is a humiliation for its leader, Jacob Zuma, whose tenure in office has been marked by corruption and misrule. His legacy may be the loss of the ANC’s majority in the election of 2019.By contrast, the outcome is a triumph for Mmusi Maimane, the impressive young leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA). But before Mr Maimane can become South Africa’s giant-slayer he must resolve the dilemma of power: should his party seek to govern some of South Africa’s leading cities by forming an alliance with the radical, dangerous Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) or should it keep clean and stand aloof?