South Africa's Leader Hopes for a Payoff on His Gamble

Since coming to power in early 2018, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has gone to great lengths to distance himself from his controversial predecessor, Jacob Zuma. By cracking down on graft and making overtures to the business community and foreign investors, Ramaphosa's reign has offered a notable departure from the populist and corruption-tainted Zuma. Still, Ramaphosa has -- much to his chagrin -- continued the legacy of his predecessor on one front by failing to improve South Africa's lackluster economy. The uninspiring economic situation would create a headache for any leader -– particularly one whose country will hold crucial elections within the next year. With no lift for the economy, Ramaphosa might have to play the populist card at the expense of hurting investor confidence if he is to head off challengers to the ruling African National Congress party and win next year's polls....