Andrew Palmer: Life after Madiba

In the month that sees Nelson Mandela reach his 90th birthday, Andrew Palmer, who spent two months living a South African township, provides a two part insight into the problems facing modern day South Africa. Andrew currently works at the Parliamentary Resources Unit producing briefings for Conservative MPs on Work & Pensions and International Development.

On the 18 July 2008 Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela turns 90. A prisoner, a President, a terrorist and a Statesman, Mandela, or Madiba as he is affectionately known, is the epitome of the division, struggle and reconciliation that makes up life in the rainbow nation of South Africa. 

In the 60 years since the first election of the National Party government, the restrictive and degrading shackles of apartheid have been broken yet the scars of the conflict are all too apparent. Mandela’s South Africa remains the African tale of two cities or in fact the tale of 9 tribes, 11 languages and multiple religious denominations. Home to 6% of the continent's population, South Africa produces 23% of Africa's GDP, boasts 45% of its mineral production and 50% of its buying power. In 2007, 9.07 million foreigners visited the South Africa breaking annual tourist arrivals record for the third year running. Yet in the country with 41% of the world’s gold, a staggering 4.2m people live on less than $1 a day. Unemployment is at 23%. 5.5 million people are infected with HIV; with over half of 15 year olds not expected to reach the age of 60. 

Andrew Palmer: Zimbabwe's problems will outlast Mugabe

Andrew Palmer, who works at the Parliamentary Resources Unit providing briefings for Conservative MPs on work and pensions, recounts a recent visit to Zimbabwe.

It was with some apprehension that we approached the Zimbabwe border. The trip had been on my mind for some time. What would we find, who would we meet and, most importantly, how would two British nationals be received?

The country’s border is apparent many miles before you reach it. The queues of lorries stack up as far as the eye can see. Carrying much-needed resources, the drivers sit and wait as the laboriously slow checks are completed. Many of them face delays of months before they reach their final destination.

The sight of our British passports brings raised looks from the stern immigration officer. With suspicion, he carries out his examination, pausing frequently to question our intentions.