As from yesterday (Thursday, 16 April 2009) CNN began special programming focused on South Africa and next week's elections.
The coverage runs up to and including election day (22 April), as well as results day (23 April) and features background reports, polling station updates and analysis.
Here are some teasers of the inserts and specials being broadcast in between regular programming over these days, followed by Voting Day coverage.
South Africa today
by Robyn Curnow.
Much has been accomplished since apartheid was swept away 15 years ago - houses have been built for the poor, universal health care has been introduced and the country boasts an impressive constitution. But with one of the highest crime rates in the world, endemic government corruption and one in four adults unemployed, all is not well in the country.
As protests break out countrywide over lack of services, this insert asks: can the government reconnect to the needs of ordinary people?
Youth vote
by Nkepile Mabuse
Many of South Africa’s youth are too young to remember the reality of apartheid, and have no strong historic bond to the ruling party.
2009’s election has been marked by an impressive increase in voter registration amongst the country’s youth. This so-called ‘Obama effect’ has resulted in political parties trying to engage with youth, through social networking, comics and mobile phones. Are they buying it, and how do they see the choices?
Zuma: Controversial Leader
by Nkepile Mabuse
Possibly the most controversial presidential hopeful South Africa has ever seen. Almost guaranteed to be the next president, yet Zuma’s integrity remains in question, despite corruption charges against him having been dropped. Who is Jacob Zuma? Nkepile looks at the man who divides the nation.
ANC under fire
by Nkepile Mabuse.
It was the party that ended the apartheid era and brought democracy to the country, but it’s not been smooth sailing lately as a bitter internal struggle forced the exit of the sitting president. But why did the party of Nelson Mandela elect a man under a cloud of suspicion and corruption charges? The continent’s oldest liberation movement has now split over Zuma, with senior members forming the new party of COPE.
Drawing Democracy
by Robyn Curnow.
Jonathan Shapiro is South Africa’s most famous and controversial political cartoonist. He made his name lampooning apartheid leaders, but the current leadership has not escaped his pen. Many worry that the new political power has lost its sense of humour and that satire is under attack. The likely next president, Zuma, is suing Zapiro over defamation of character.
Inside Africa
This weeks episode of Inside Africa will focus on the polls. Hosted by Nkepile Mabuse, the episode assesses what's at stake for the nation.
Show times:
Saturday, 18 April 2009 at 17h00
Sunday, 19 April 2009 at 13h30
Tuesday, 21 April 2009 10h30
Voting Day
On polling day, Robyn Curnow and Nkepile Mabuse will lead the coverage, with live reports and analysis of what the future holds for the country.
The coverage will also feature reports from polling stations and party headquarters and begins at 07h00 on Wednesday morning. (*Time to be doubly-confirmed.)
Results
On Thursday, 23 April the broadcast begins at 06h00 (time to be confirmed) with reports on the results as they roll in, as well as analysis on the international impact the results will have.
*Please note: times were given in international times and need to be doubly confirmed. We'll update once we've recieved confirmation.
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