Showing a Rough Side

As criticism over Pikoli's suspension began to spread, Mbeki ordered an independent investigation—but made sure to appoint a friendly ANC supporter to head it up. "Democracies are designed to deal with leaders [who are] less than democratic," says Paul Graham, director of the Institute for a Democratic Alternative in South Africa. "This will be the first real test."

A coalition of opposition parties has begun arguing that Mbeki has done irreparable damage to the independence of South Africa's judiciary and that he should publicly explain his actions. Even some Mbeki supporters, such as trade-union leaders, now admit that his behavior has provoked a "serious crisis" and undermined the democratic process. That may be a stretch: South Africa is still a beacon for democracy. But that's something Mbeki may sometimes need reminding of these days.

© 2007