Even though Nelson Mandela’s legacy has deteriorated in the ten years since his death, the home he left behind has been painstakingly maintained, drawing crowds of tourists and street vendors every day along Vilakazi Street in Soweto.
Among the many South Africans who are disappointed is Ntsiki Madela, who lives nearby and makes her living by selling hats and jewelry from a booth next to the matchbox home museum at 8115.
While thankful that Mandela’s 16-year presence in the township now draws tourists, the 47-year-old said: “I haven’t seen any change from Mandela’s democracy and I don’t even see the need to vote.”
In just a few months, there will be a parliamentary election in South Africa marking the 30th anniversary of the country’s first democratic vote. However, officials are having difficulty registering voters like Madela.
Every election since the first in 1994 has seen a decline in the number of voters. Additionally, the African National Congress (ANC), which has controlled since Mandela’s time, is facing growing opposition from those who do cast ballots.
According to polls, as Africa’s largest economy declines and corruption tarnishes its reputation, the scandal-plagued African National Congress (ANC) may see its vote share drop below 50% for the first time.
