The onset of democratic rule set in motion a completely different framework for politics from that previously practised in the ANC and its allies. Parliamentary politics – constitutional politics – in a rule-based order was very different from the popular politics, military politics of MK, and other illegal politics of the ANC. Theoretically there would no longer need to be any more ducking and diving to avoid police, and hunger and healthcare and similar questions would now be addressed – where needed – through public programmes.

Professor Raymond Suttner unpacks his column, 'Being a revolutionary or believer in emancipatory transformation in post-apartheid South Africa: Part six'