Ed, regarding your question about Zuma and the ANC's popularity - I beleive the answer is very complex, and various factors do have an influence in this regard.
In the first place, our former Presisident (Thabo Mbeki) became extremely unpopular within his own party, due to his cloistered and exclusive style of leadership. Mbeki surrounded himself with a small (and often incompetent) clique of allies. Mbeki also thrashed Zuma as Vice President of our country , but has eventually been fired as president of the ANC at a political rout by his own "comrades" - who became sick and tired of his leadership. At this rout Zuma came to power, due to the support of groups like the South African Communist Party, and restless Labour Unions.
As far as Zuma is concerned - despite his lack of proper education - he only passed Standard 3 (Grade 5 at junior school), he is extremely well spoken, and extremely popular amoungs the uneducated poor of the poor.
Ethnicity is also still very alive and well in our country. Zuma will be the fist Zulu President of our county, and this will play a major role amoungst our Zulu population.
As far as the ANC as political party is concerned - during political rallies - which take place quite often, they never fail to remind the masses about their own role against Apartheid - and regarding the ANC's own failures, the masses are very forgiving.
During his election campaign Zuma has also made extraordinary promises to the uneducated masses - which "favours" him as well.
Well for what it's worth, my wife and myself have casted our votes early this morning. The importance of this election has been very clear - we were facing an extraordinary long que when arriving at our local polling station.
Only time will tell, and hopefully the restless will not become more restless after the election.
May God save South Africa
