NPR's Ann Cooper reports that South Africa is already making the transition to the post-Nelson Mandela era. The 78-year-old Mandela will be president until he retires in 1999, but Deputy President Thabo Mbeki has taken over much of the day-to-day running of the government. Many are fearful of a future without Mandela, but the president is laying the groundwork for a smooth transition by giving Mbeki more responsibility now. In addition, Mbeki is not expected to change many of Mandela's policies.
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