December 11, 2023
South Africa: After the Bell - Why the Passing of the NHI Bill Demonstrates the Obliviousness and Ignorance of SA's Political Class
We are who we are. We need more investment in healthcare, not less. And less investment is what the NHI will create because since it excludes the private sector, it will no longer… Read more »
December 12, 2023
South Africa: Battle for Zulu Throne Reignited As King Misuzulu Kazwelithini's Recognition Ruled Unlawful
President Cyril Ramaphosa has been ordered to appoint an investigating committee comprising experts on Zulu royal matters to determine the rightful heir to the throne after he was… Read more »
December 04, 2023
South Africa: How Real Is Roger Jardine As SA Opposition's Next Big Hope?
There's been much speculation that the Multi-Party Charter is looking for a single presidential candidate -- and that person could be the former FirstRand chair Roger Jardine.… Read more »
December 01, 2023
South Africa: Cash-Strapped Eastern Cape Municipality Spent R100 Million On Upgrading a Beachfront
The East London beachfront upgrades cost close to R100m -- not R87m as originally stated by the municipality. Read more »
Africa: For the Aids Response to Succeed, Govts Need to Let Communities Lead
To end Aids as a public health threat by 2030, governments and international partners need to support the communities on the frontlines of the Aids pandemic. Read more »
November 30, 2023
South Africa: Oil-Soaked Climate Summit Disaster Looms - - Thanks Partly to Elite South African Self-Interest
Will COP28 contribute to worsening the climate catastrophe? With climate imperialists and sub-imperialists like Kerry, Al Jaber and Creecy in the lead, how could it not? Read more »
South Africa: Ex Chief Justice Mogoeng Slams President Ramaphosa, Demands ANC Prioritise Taxpayer Needs
Speaking at the inaugural SAfm lecture, under the theme 'Constitutionalism and upholding the rule of law in South Africa', the former Chief Justice criticised President Cyril… Read more »
South Africa: Hello, China - in the Run-Up to 2024, Ramaphosa & Co Come Out Swinging, Challenging Our Basic Constitutional Rights
The injunction by President Cyril Ramaphosa that South Africans must be more like the Chinese -- 'never badmouth your country' -- and his claim that public criticism of his… Read more »
November 29, 2023
South Africa: Solid Even When Under Fire, the Constitution Is Here to Stay
While calls for change to our politics have become a constant in our national conversation, there are many people who want to alter the entire system. There are now regular calls… Read more »
November 22, 2023
South Africa: Govt Trying to Make It Impossible for Independents to Stand for Parliament - Zackie Achmat
Elections are a fight for numbers - but so is getting on the ballot in the first place. Attempting to run in 2024 as an independent, Zackie Achmat, known internationally for his… Read more »
November 06, 2023
South Africa: Tel Aviv Diplomats Recalled Over 'Untenable' Situation With Israeli Ambassador
The South African government has decided to recall its diplomats in Tel Aviv for 'consultation' amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Read more »
October 27, 2023
Madagascar: Age-Old Foes Scuffle More On Streets Than in Hustings
President Andry Rajoelina, who first took power in a coup, is bashing aside opposition protesters in search of another term. Read more »
November 02, 2023
South Africa: Much Said About Nothing and Nothing Said About Much in Ramaphosa's Parliamentary Q&A
Some nimble side-stepping, some lecturing to the opposition, and a determinedly positive spin on South Africa's progress - that's how President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday wrapped… Read more »
October 30, 2023
South Africa: Three Polls Show Election Support for Ruling ANC Is Falling Off a Cliff
The ANC would get 43% to 45% of the national vote if an election were held now, three polls show. Read more »
October 28, 2023
South Africa: ANC Hopes to Capitalise On Zuma's KZN Popularity to Turn Back the Political Tide and Win Over Voters
The ANC's declining support has alarmed its provincial leaders to such an extent that they have called in the party's disgraced former president, who remains popular despite the… Read more »
October 26, 2023
South Africa: Zondo Concerned By No Sign of Public Procurement Anti-Corruption Agency 16 Months After State Capture Report
'If another group of people were to do exactly what the Guptas did to pursue State Capture, Parliament would still not be able to stop it - and that is simply because I have seen… Read more »
South Africa: 'Reimagining of Parliament' Thwarted By Patchy Application of State Capture Report Proposals
Some 16 months ago, the Zondo Commission formally handed in its report, which sharply criticised Parliament for the shoddy oversight that allowed State Capture. The question… Read more »
South Africa: Multi-Party Charter's Long Walk to 2024 Election Starts With Convincing Voters the ANC Can Lose
With the Electoral Commission's public suggestion this week that next year's polls should be as close to May as possible, we may now be less than seven months away from an… Read more »
October 24, 2023
South Africa: 'Your Democracy, Own It' - IEC Launches Campaign for Next Year's Poll
The Electoral Commission has launched its 2024 national and provincial election campaign and has called on voters to register under the theme 'Your democracy, own it.' Read more »
October 23, 2023
South Africa: Ruling ANC Removes Errant MPs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Expected to Face Disciplinary Charges
The ANC is removing members of Parliament who failed to attend sittings and disciplining those who have not toed the party line. Read more »
Eswatini: Eswatini Democracy Activists Reject Dialogue to Be Chaired By Mswati III
Activists calling for political reforms in Eswatini have rejected a national dialogue that the government says will be held under the framework of traditional laws and structures.… Read more »
October 22, 2023
South Africa: Fresh Poll Shows Support for Ruling ANC Dropping to 41%
There is a route to power for the MPC, but it will require frank internal conversations and honest assessments of where to focus efforts and resources. Read more »
October 19, 2023
Zimbabwe: 'It's a Joke' - Now 70 Zanu-PF Legislators Have Been Recalled After 'Imposter' Does Same to Opposition MPs
Power plays continue to dog Zimbabwe's politics almost two months after its disputed general elections, with parliamentary recalls now taking centre stage as President Emmerson… Read more »
October 17, 2023
Lesotho: Security Forces Threaten a De Facto Military Coup to Save Prime Minister From No-Confidence Vote
Lesotho's army, police and intelligence chiefs have in effect threatened a military coup, warning they will step in to prevent Prime Minister Sam Matekane from being toppled in a… Read more »
October 10, 2023
South Africa: Fikile Mbalula's Attack On Ace Magashule, AKA It's Still Cold Outside the ANC Tent
Public comments by the ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, claiming his predecessor Ace Magashule 'ruined everything and the ANC in the Free State', symbolise how the party is… Read more »