April 27 1994 – After decades of repression under apartheid and widespread violence as white rule unravelled, South Africans vote in their first democratic election. The African National Congress, the main resistance movement, wins overwhelmingly with Nelson Mandela at its head. In coalition with allies on the left and the Zulu-based Inkatha Freedom Party, the ANC sets about the colossal task of reconstructing an economy built to serve the white minority.

December 20 1997 – The ANC chooses Thabo Mbeki, as its new leader. A pipe-smoking intellectual groomed for leadership from childhood, as Mr Mandela’s deputy Mr Mbeki had overseen much of the day-to-day business of government.