News/Politics

Until the coffin is nailed shut, Zimbabweans will fear that Vampire Bob will find a way of rising from electoral death.

Wow. South Africa is at it again. Apparently our beloved country of soothsayers has refined its general problem-solving skills for solving criminal investigations from their armchairs without any real facts or perspective to such a degree that our courts should just pack up shop and ask Judge Judy for a job. Granted, it’s hardly a […]

So, the years of stirring are finally paying off. After spending aeons pissing off the members of the Mail & Guardian Forum, Sentletse Diakanyo has spread his wings and succeeded in knotting the knickers of half the known world. How else to explain how one blog entry can elicit responses, not only from other Thought […]

This Sunday’s referendum in South Sudan is a seriously big deal. I didn’t think it would happen. I thought it would go the way of the referendum in the Western Sahara, the one that should have taken place well over a decade ago but hasn’t, because the Moroccans are still afraid that they might lose. […]

Though it is physically possible for Judge John Hlophe to hear the murder trial of Anni Dewani, the Swedish beauty that was killed while on honeymoon in Cape Town, it will not even be in the contemplation of the South African judiciary. Shrien Dewani, assisted by British publicist Max Clifford and his legal team, are […]

We are not all humans, Africans are! Thought Leader has, among many other brilliant things, provided us with a new brand of virtual stand-up comedy. The claims, rants and musings of many here are often laughable or hilarious. It has also generated a new brand of pseudo-intellectuals who by virtue of contributing here dare to […]

Most philosophy graduates can probably attest to the fact that the most common response to their chosen area of study is: “Philosophy? Whatever do you plan to do with that?” It is a reaction I have often encountered, and in moments of self-doubt (usually prompted by moments of financial uncertainty) have even directed such incredulity […]

Part I: Farming in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur region Producing enough food to satisfy domestic markets is a challenge that countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa face. But for places in Africa where conflict and war prevail, the threat of hunger and malnutrition is particularly acute. For many, the biggest obstacle is accessibility, as internal conflict often limits […]

One of the major disappointments of the Brett Kebble murder trial was the fact that in granting Glenn Agliotti a section 174 discharge at the close of the state’s case we were unable to see whether Lawrence Hodes SC was going to raise the issue of assisted suicide during the defence. As many will recall […]

It’s time for Assange to face the music. And for his howling supporters to remember that his accusers, even if they are only women, also have rights.

The rush. The people asking you questions like you’re someone important. The small glass of water for your gentle sipping between questions. The cameras on you. The lights. The news coverage. Is our president addicted to court? I can’t see any other explanation for his decision to once again waste taxpayers’ money on suing someone […]