As the end of the second decade of democracy in South Africa approaches, deep political and social scars remain, and negativity continues to co-exist with hope and optimism. Practical issues of governance have become pertinent: accountability, delivery of services, balancing the state budget, macroeconomic policies to encourage sustainable growth and fighting corruption in the state sector. Government and politics in South Africa is an introductory narrative on the government and politics of contemporary South Africa, covering both key political institutions and major processes and policies. Government and politics in South Africa provides an analysis and evaluation of South Africa's political transitions; national, provincial and local government; party politics and the policy dynamics associated with these governments; and international political economy and foreign policy. It is based on the historic 1994 democratic settlement and the political developments and practices in the country since then, from the election of Nelson Mandela as the first head of state, to the emergence of the Jacob Zuma presidency. Government and politics in South Africa is aimed at students and other interested observers to the intricacies of South African politics and the operations of the country's governments.