Alec Erwin vs Jamil Mahuad

Alec Erwin was appointed as South Africa's Minister of Trade and Industry under President Thabo Mbeki. He oversaw the country's trade policy during the post-apartheid era, implementing liberalization measures and negotiating trade agreements.

Erwin led negotiations for the South Africa-European Union Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA). The agreement provided preferential trade access to EU markets for South African goods while phasing out tariffs over 12 years.

Erwin oversaw the implementation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policies in the trade and industry sector. These policies aimed to increase black ownership and management of South African businesses, though they faced criticism for benefiting a small elite.

Erwin resigned as Minister of Trade and Industry following President Mbeki's resignation. His departure marked the end of a 12-year tenure during which South Africa's trade policy shifted from protectionism to greater global integration.

Mahuad signed the Brasilia Presidential Act on October 26, 1998, ending the long-standing border dispute with Peru. The treaty resolved a conflict that had caused multiple wars and established a definitive border, earning Mahuad international recognition.

President Mahuad announced the adoption of the U.S. dollar as Ecuador's official currency on January 9, 2000, to combat hyperinflation and stabilize the economy. The policy ended the sucre's circulation and remains in effect, fundamentally reshaping Ecuador's monetary system.

Following widespread protests led by indigenous groups and a military uprising, Mahuad was forced to resign on January 21, 2000. Vice President Gustavo Noboa assumed power, marking the end of Mahuad's presidency after only 18 months.