BBC Africa debate on South Africa

On 7 May South Africans go to the polls to vote again in a democratic election, the fifth since the historic poll that ended apartheid in 1994.

The world was inspired by South Africa's seeming ability to overcome its brutal past by preaching reconciliation, establishing the rule of law and building an economy that nurtured a large black middle class.

But there is also frustration over widespread poverty, inequality and corruption. People acknowledge the advances in providing cash for the poorest to feed their families. But they want the government to do better in providing housing and healthcare and jobs. They are angry over the scandals that appear in the headlines with embarrassing frequency.

In a special BBC Africa Debate from Johannesburg, two decades after the end of apartheid, BBC presenters Lerato Mbele and Audrey Brown ask if democracy is delivering for South Africa.

On the panel were Nomvula Mokonyane, the premier of Gauteng Province and the head of the ANC's election campaigns; Thebe Ikalafeng, a writer and brand expert; Dali Mpofu, the Gauteng candidate for Economic Freedom Fighters, one of the newest opposition parties founded by a former youth leader of the ANC, Julius Malema and Mmusi Maimaine, Gauteng candidate for Democratic Alliance, the biggest opposition party.

Unfortunately, owing to a power cut it was not possible to record the debate for television and is only available as audio.

You can download a podcast of the debate here.