Professor Koopman, of Stellenbosch University near Cape Town, said the country's problems included corruption, poverty, unemployment, skills shortages, HIV/AIDS, crime and the lack of stability in neighbouring Zimbabwe.

''The strength of our democracy was proven by the fact that a president could be removed and the country is functioning normally,'' he said in Canberra.

The first 14 years of democracy had shown that a multiracial government could make South Africa work.

Nelson Mandela's government had helped to bury many prejudices against black people as leaders. Thabo Mbeki had been a very capable leader despite his flaws, notably among them his attitude to HIV/AIDS.

The new president, Kgalema Motlanthe, had plenty of support among white people.

Professor Koopman said that, subject to a legal matter still pending, Jacob Zuma was likely to succeed Mr Motlanthe as president next year.

Despite weaknesses, South Africa enjoyed high economic growth at the macroeconomic level, he said. But there had been poor planning, causing a shortage of electricity. The Government had not expected economic growth to require so much more energy. He also acknowledged that South Africa's skills shortage had caused poor delivery of some services.

''There is a high percentage of vacant positions in different state departments.''

The challenge to South Africa was to ensure the benefits of economic growth were enjoyed by the poorest people.

Though crediting the Church with a significant role in the removal of apartheid, Professor Koopman said it should now speak out more courageously against wrongs. He retained hope in the anthem of the apartheid struggle, ''We shall overcome.''