By Gavin du Venage, South African Editor
A changing of the guard of South Africa’s political leadership could usher in a new era of mining, ending years of questionable policy decisions that have hampered the industry.
In late December, the country’s ruling African National Congress held its elective convention to choose a new leader to replace Jacob Zuma, the party’s current leader and president of the country whose two-term tenure was at an end.
In a tightly fought race, Zuma’s chosen successor, his ex-wife Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, lost out to businessman Cyril Ramaphosa. Although slated to remain in office until elections in 2019, Zuma is likely to come under pressure to quit sooner and allow Ramaphosa, current vice president of the country, to take over.
