The most important concepts during the first term of government in the ''New South Africa" were reconstruction and development, transformation and deracialisation. Landmarks on the road to transformation were: the 1994 election, the final constitution, the Reconstruction and Development Programme and GEAR. These are placed in a first and second term perspective. The way in which transformation led South Africa on a road to democracy is analysed and possible adaptations of existing state and political practices which could strengthen the ideal o fgood governance are investigated
