South Africa 's fifth democratic elections are held this year - first since Nelson Mandela 's death . President Jacob Zuma is most divisive figure in South African politics today , says David Malala . Malala : As he spoke , a scandal about the national ombudsman 's report into how he unduly benefited from the building of a $ 25 million palace for him at his rural KwaZulu Natal village was intensifying . Several scandals have wracked his administration since he came to power in 2009 . He predicts he will win power , but ANC will lose most of the vote .
South Africa 's fifth democratic elections are held this year - first since Nelson Mandela 's death . President Jacob Zuma is most divisive figure in South African politics today , says David Malala . Malala : Several scandals have wracked his administration since he came to power in 2009 . He predicts he will win power , but ANC will lose most of the vote .