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Vol 40 No 13

Published 25th June 1999


South Africa

Powers behind the throne

Much more striking than the cabinet reshuffle are the big structural changes in government under President Thabo Mbeki. His office denies that he is creating an 'imperial presidency' but doesn't dispute that this will be the most centralised government in South Africa's 90-year history. If his ministers fail to perform, his strong new office will guide them. Mbeki sent his brother Moeletsi to study foreign cabinet systems, in particular the British Cabinet Office, which have influenced the restructuring. Mbeki says he is determined to 'deliver': on jobs, houses, education and medicare, and to make a determined onslaught on crime.

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