BBC news 2009-07-23 加文本

1.It's the most direct challenge to President Zuma since he came to power in April, promising to improve conditions in the townships.

come to power(开始)掌权, 上台

例句：The new leader has come to power.
       新领导上台了。 

2.Paradoxically, the gap between rich and poor is wider now than it was 15 years ago in spite of the progress that's been made since the demise of apartheid.

in spite of不管

例句：In spite of the recent rash of problems she has experienced, she looked careless.
      尽管最近已经接二连三地犯了很多错误，但她看起来还是那么漫不经心。

make progress取得进步/展

例句：Only by rejecting obsolete administrative ideas can we make progress in business.
      只有丢弃陈旧的管理观念，我们才能取得新的业务进展。

3. President Obama said the two countries were in the midst of a transition based on mutual respect.

in the midst of在...之中

例句：They departed in the midst of a heavy rain.
       他们在大雨中离去。