'Time of challenge, opportunity'
Acknowledging South Africans' fears for their future, prompted by an energy crisis, crime and economic concerns, President Thabo Mbeki has called for national unity, saying the country has entered a period both of challenges and of opportunities.
Government in South Africa
South Africa is a constitutional democracy with a three-tier system of government and an independent judiciary.
Provincial government
What's a Premier? What does an MEC do? Find out about South Africa's nine provincial governments, and how they relate to national government and the local governments beneath them.
Local government
Now we're getting close to home. Find out how local government works, how municipal councils are elected - and where you fit into the municipal scheme of things.
Visit Parliament
Attend a parliamentary sitting, public hearing or committee meeting, have a discussion with a Member of Parliament, or take part in a guided tour of Parliament.
Traditional leaders
SA's Constitution gives communities living under traditional law and custom the right to influence the way in which the country is run. Traditional leaders accordingly play an advisory role in government.
