October 09, 2023
Mozambique: Protecting Election Observers to Bolster Peace and Democratic Resilience in Mozambique
This week, on 11 October, Mozambicans will vote to choose their representatives in 65 municipalities across the country in the sixth municipal elections. Ensuring the protection of… Read more »
South Africa: KZN ANC Rejects Poll Suggesting Loss to IFP-DA Coalition Next Year
Despite the release of a poll suggesting that an IFP-DA coalition will win more votes than the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal in next year's general election, the party's provincial leader… Read more »
October 02, 2023
Eswatini: Parliamentary Elections Get Nod of Approval From Observer Missions
Last week's elections in Eswatini -- which was rocked by violent pro-democracy protests in 2021 -- have been described by observer missions as 'peaceful' and 'orderly'. Read more »
October 01, 2023
West Africa: West African Coups Set to Worsen Already Prevailing Economic Crises, Mass Hunger and Violent Chaos
The reality is that the African countries under new military leaders following coups face the spectre of plunging into Libyan and Sudan-like chaos. Read more »
September 29, 2023
South Africa: ANC's Shock By-Election Loss to IFP in Kwa-Zulu-Natal Spells Danger for Party Ahead of 2024 - Analysts
Analysts say Wednesday's Ward 13 by-election result in the uMhlathuze Local Municipality shows that KwaZulu-Natal is likely to have a coalition government after next year's general… Read more »
September 28, 2023
Eswatini: Monarchy Poised for Contentious Elections With Pro-Democracy Opposition On Back Foot
The tiny southern African kingdom, sandwiched by South Africa and Mozambique, goes to the polls on Friday to elect Members of Parliament under an electoral system that excludes… Read more »
September 09, 2023
South Africa: Politicians Offer Condolences After Death of Political and Cultural Leader Buthelezi
Messages of condolences have poured in following the death of Mangosuthu Buthelezi, founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party and Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu monarch.… Read more »
South Africa: Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi - Lauded Abroad, Divisive at Home
Up to the last moments of his colourful public life, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi epitomised the ambiguity of his complex political career that polarised opinions and attitudes… Read more »
September 07, 2023
Zimbabwe: The Litany of Laws That Were Broken to Secure Mnangagwa's Election Victory, According to CCC's Coltart
The Citizens Coalition for Change isn't challenging Zimbabwe's election results in court, saying the ruling Zanu-PF has captured the judiciary. The party's David Coltart has,… Read more »
Southern Africa: SADC's Election Report Leaves Mnangagwa Out in the Cold With Only One Option - Reform
The refusal of most SADC heads of state to support Mnangagwa's inauguration -- and the absence of all three presidents in the SADC Troika -- follows the unprecedented condemnation… Read more »
September 03, 2023
Zimbabwe: Opposition Abandons Legal Challenge to Poll Results
Zimbabwe's main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change party, led by Nelson Chamisa, will not lodge a court challenge against President Emmerson Mnangagwa's controversial… Read more »
South Africa: Shortcuts and Fudged Legislative Processes Undermine Democracy
Ministers rushing draft laws to Parliament in the last months of 2023 may reduce their to-do lists and clinch a PR moment or two before next year's electioneering. But it's the… Read more »
September 02, 2023
South Africa: Ethekwini Upgrades Metro Boss' Salary By 66% in Less Than a Year As City Falls Further Into Decay
While Durban's residents are up in arms over the appalling state of service delivery, eThekwini municipal manager Musa Mbhele has had his annual pay package bumped up to… Read more »
August 31, 2023
South Africa: City of Johannesburg Points Finger At NGOs and Foreign Nationals After Deadly Fire
The Johannesburg building where at least 74 people died in a fire on Thursday was a provincial government shelter for women and children before 'some challenges were encountered'.… Read more »
South Africa: City of Joburg Mothballed Task Team That Should Have Cleaned Up Building in Which 73 Died
Exposed: the complete list of 57 hijacked buildings in the inner city. Read more »
August 30, 2023
South Africa: Ace Magashule Launches African Congress for Transformation - a Party for the 'Politically Abused'
Ousted ANC secretary general Ace Magashule has announced the launch of his new political party, marking his return to politics ahead of the 2024 general elections. Read more »
South Africa: Zuma Roped in By Kwazulu-Natal ANC to 'Cleanse' Province Amid Spiralling Political Killings
As the assassination of political leaders and activists continues unabated in KwaZulu-Natal, the ANC in the province has asked former president Jacob Zuma to help 'cleanse the… Read more »
August 28, 2023
Eswatini: To Contest or Boycott? Eswatini Election Divides Pro-Democracy Activists
Political activists in Eswatini are deeply divided over whether to contest or boycott parliamentary elections in late September under an electoral system that bars political… Read more »
Southern Africa: South African Govt Remains Silent Over Widespread Reports of Electoral Abuses in Zimbabwe
The South African Presidency has called on Zimbabwe's political parties to work together for peace and prosperity, but the government has failed to comment on widespread reports of… Read more »
August 21, 2023
South Africa: Reserve Bank's Phala Phala Cop-Out Puts President in the Clear
Central Bank gives Ramaphosa the final get-out of jail free card on the buffalo sale and dollar theft at his farm. Read more »
South Africa: Multi-Party Charter Is a Headache for the ANC - But Still Has to Weather Many Storms
The formation of the Multi-Party Charter for SA has the potential to be the start of a massive new dynamic in our politics. While there is still a great deal of work to do, this… Read more »
August 20, 2023
South Africa: Ramaphosa Likely to Use Brics Summit As a Platform to Position Himself As a Winner At Home and Abroad
President Cyril Ramaphosa will use this week's BRICS Summit to position himself as a global statesman and a shoo-in for a second term after the 2024 election. With an expected 40… Read more »
South Africa: IEC Raises Concerns Over Impact Independent Candidate Concourt Cases Could Have On Poll Timelines
IEC chairman Sy Mamabolo says that it must prepare for elections at the 'earliest possible date', which is 22 May. But it won't be able to do this until the issue of how… Read more »
August 17, 2023
South Africa: Opposition Multi-Party Charter Agrees On Key Power-Sharing Principles
All parties involved in the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa signed a pre-election agreement, which covers their vision, priorities and shared governing principles. They also… Read more »
August 16, 2023
South Africa: ActionSA Scores a Victory At National Coalition Convention
On the first day of the national convention on coalitions, ActionSA appeared to score a victory by inviting the Patriotic Alliance to participate in further talks on how a broad… Read more »