Not sure if all the brick bats re race help. The fact that previously there was minority, undemocratic rule in both nations (and not minority rule like we have here
) does not suggest well run countries. At the same time no-one I think would suggest that the anti-democratic, violent and corrupt Zanu PF regime is doing a good job. South Africa has its problems - there's a lot of cronyism for example - but the ANC, or whoever was elected, was always going to have a major issue reconciling the aspirations and expectations of the black majority whose life opportunites had long been suppressed under apartheid. The country will struggle but, over time, will, I think, emerge a fairer nation with a strong economy. But it will take time.
Getting back to the whole point of this thread.... ordinary Zimbabweans are taking a stand against a brutal regime which has crushed opposition voices and is demolishing townships to quell dissent. I believe gogogo asked us spare a thought for them on a day when congestion charging has been the biggest thing we've apparently had to worry about.