There is a new wave of politeness and contrition surrounding South African politics these days, as everyone seems to be apologizing to someone. The Congress of the People has apologized for intemperate remarks from some of its members about Jacob Zuma. Months after the fact ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema has said he is sorry for his (perhaps intemperate!) remarks about his supporters being willing to “kill for Zuma.” Now, whether or not anyone means these apologies is another matter, but the strained civility simply indicates that there is much antagonism in South African politics as the dust settles from the past year's massive and largely unforeseen transformations.
