HOPEACADEMY
APC 3701
EXAM MAY -JUNE 2026
2026
Section A: Compulsory Question
It is said that democratisation in Southern Africa has its “highs
and lows” (see Matlosa’s article 2017, cited in the tutorial
letter). Discuss the above statement by using (1) Angola, (2)
Mozambique, and (3) Namibia OR (1) Botswana, (2) Zambia and
(3) Zimbabwe as your case study.
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 2 2 9
,APC 3701 MAY –JUNE EXAM 2026
Section A: Compulsory Question
It is said that democratisation in Southern Africa has its “highs and
lows” (see Matlosa’s article 2017, cited in the tutorial letter). Discuss
the above statement by using (1) Angola, (2) Mozambique, and (3)
Namibia OR (1) Botswana, (2) Zambia and (3) Zimbabwe as your case
study.
Introduction
Democratisation in Southern Africa has developed differently from one
country to another. Some countries have managed to build stable
democratic systems, while others have experienced political problems,
weak institutions, and authoritarian rule. According to Khabele Matlosa
(2017), democratisation in Southern Africa can be described as having
“highs and lows.” This means that democracy in the region has not followed
the same path in every country.Democracy usually includes free elections,
political freedom, citizen participation, and respect for human rights.
However, some countries only practice democracy in theory while limiting
freedom in practice. This essay will discuss democratisation in Botswana,
Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Botswana will be discussed as an example of
democratic stability, Zambia as a country that has experienced both
progress and challenges, and Zimbabwe as a country that has faced
democratic decline and authoritarianism.
Botswana: Stability and Liberal Democracy
Botswana is often described as one of the strongest democracies in Africa.
Since independence in 1966, the country has held regular elections and
maintained political stability. According to Matlosa (2017), Botswana is
, considered a liberal democratic state because it allows political parties to
compete and protects many civil liberties.
One important reason for Botswana’s stability is the strength of its
institutions. The judiciary, parliament, and electoral system have generally
functioned effectively. According to Larry Diamond (1994), democratic
consolidation depends on strong institutions and active citizen participation.
Botswana has managed to maintain these institutions for many years.
Another factor that has helped Botswana is good economic management.
The country used its diamond resources carefully after independence. This
allowed the government to invest in education, healthcare, and
infrastructure. As a result, many citizens developed trust in the government.
Political violence has also been limited compared to many other African
countries.However, Botswana’s democracy also has weaknesses. Although
elections are held regularly, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has
ruled the country continuously since independence. According to Matlosa
(2017), this long-term dominance has reduced real political competition.
Opposition parties often struggle to gain enough support to challenge the
ruling party effectively.For example, some critics argue that state resources
and media coverage tend to favour the ruling party. This creates an uneven
political environment. According to Diamond (1994), democracy is stronger
when opposition parties have a fair opportunity to compete for power. In
Botswana, this has not always happened fully.
Another criticism is that citizen participation outside elections remains
limited. Many people vote during elections, but fewer citizens actively
participate in policy discussions or civil society activities. This weakens
democratic engagement.Therefore, Botswana represents both the “highs”
and “lows” of democratisation. The country has achieved peace, regular
elections, and stability, but challenges such as limited political competition
still exist.
APC 3701
EXAM MAY -JUNE 2026
2026
Section A: Compulsory Question
It is said that democratisation in Southern Africa has its “highs
and lows” (see Matlosa’s article 2017, cited in the tutorial
letter). Discuss the above statement by using (1) Angola, (2)
Mozambique, and (3) Namibia OR (1) Botswana, (2) Zambia and
(3) Zimbabwe as your case study.
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 2 2 9
,APC 3701 MAY –JUNE EXAM 2026
Section A: Compulsory Question
It is said that democratisation in Southern Africa has its “highs and
lows” (see Matlosa’s article 2017, cited in the tutorial letter). Discuss
the above statement by using (1) Angola, (2) Mozambique, and (3)
Namibia OR (1) Botswana, (2) Zambia and (3) Zimbabwe as your case
study.
Introduction
Democratisation in Southern Africa has developed differently from one
country to another. Some countries have managed to build stable
democratic systems, while others have experienced political problems,
weak institutions, and authoritarian rule. According to Khabele Matlosa
(2017), democratisation in Southern Africa can be described as having
“highs and lows.” This means that democracy in the region has not followed
the same path in every country.Democracy usually includes free elections,
political freedom, citizen participation, and respect for human rights.
However, some countries only practice democracy in theory while limiting
freedom in practice. This essay will discuss democratisation in Botswana,
Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Botswana will be discussed as an example of
democratic stability, Zambia as a country that has experienced both
progress and challenges, and Zimbabwe as a country that has faced
democratic decline and authoritarianism.
Botswana: Stability and Liberal Democracy
Botswana is often described as one of the strongest democracies in Africa.
Since independence in 1966, the country has held regular elections and
maintained political stability. According to Matlosa (2017), Botswana is
, considered a liberal democratic state because it allows political parties to
compete and protects many civil liberties.
One important reason for Botswana’s stability is the strength of its
institutions. The judiciary, parliament, and electoral system have generally
functioned effectively. According to Larry Diamond (1994), democratic
consolidation depends on strong institutions and active citizen participation.
Botswana has managed to maintain these institutions for many years.
Another factor that has helped Botswana is good economic management.
The country used its diamond resources carefully after independence. This
allowed the government to invest in education, healthcare, and
infrastructure. As a result, many citizens developed trust in the government.
Political violence has also been limited compared to many other African
countries.However, Botswana’s democracy also has weaknesses. Although
elections are held regularly, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has
ruled the country continuously since independence. According to Matlosa
(2017), this long-term dominance has reduced real political competition.
Opposition parties often struggle to gain enough support to challenge the
ruling party effectively.For example, some critics argue that state resources
and media coverage tend to favour the ruling party. This creates an uneven
political environment. According to Diamond (1994), democracy is stronger
when opposition parties have a fair opportunity to compete for power. In
Botswana, this has not always happened fully.
Another criticism is that citizen participation outside elections remains
limited. Many people vote during elections, but fewer citizens actively
participate in policy discussions or civil society activities. This weakens
democratic engagement.Therefore, Botswana represents both the “highs”
and “lows” of democratisation. The country has achieved peace, regular
elections, and stability, but challenges such as limited political competition
still exist.
