South Africans are gearing up for many fights in 2009. It increasingly appears that one of these, sure to be among the most explosive, may be a serious reconsideration of the role, efficacy, and direction of affirmative action. The Congress of the People (COPE) has made clear its serious concerns over the nature of affirmative action as it plays out in South Africa. Recent COPE convert Allan Boesak has made clear his concerns, as have Trevor Tutu, son of Desmond Tutu, the Nobel Prize Laureate, the South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR), and so many others. This has inevitably created a defensive response in numerous circles, not the least being Jacob Zuma. Do not be surprised if the differences between the ANC and COPE on affirmative action frame the country's political debate in the year to come.
