News/Politics

It has always been the objective of the political class to seek the support of persons other than themselves and their employees in order to reinforce legitimacy and public acceptance which should, ideally, subsist to enable the political class to exercise the privilege of representing the people and citizenry of the state as governed. The […]

Some journalists believe that President Jacob Zuma’s inauguration speech signalled a thaw in his relationship with the media. But actions speak louder than words: look who he appointed as his communications minister. Of all the surprising cabinet appointments — and there are many — that of former defence force chief Siphiwe Nyanda as minister of […]

One of the big mysteries of Zimbabwean politics is the metamorphosis of Prof Jonathan Moyo. A former critic of Robert Mugabe and his party, Moyo suddenly switched allegiances and helped keep Mugabe and Zanu-PF in power. Although there has been plenty of speculation on the subject, why Moyo made the switch is still not known […]

Jacob Zuma’s inauguration at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, South Africa, was characterised by early rains hastily retreating and giving way to clear blue skies and a heart-warming speech from the new president. If ever there was a sign from above that the dark clouds, which have dogged the ANC president, might now be replaced […]

German Studies Association October 9 1993: “Although I do not subscribe to what Fukuyama called the end of history and the ultimate triumph of liberalism, my guess is that a new political agenda of post-cold-war politics and post-social-democratic politics causes a great deal of general liberal concern, which could feed a liberal party. Liberal politics […]

It was radical Pan-Africanist activist and visionary, Malcolm X who said: to be called brother, you must act like a brother. It has to be said that newly sworn in Western Cape premier Helen Zille cannot be called … er, a woman. To be called a woman, she has to act like a woman. Or […]

“We’ve elected probably the most pro-gay president in history; he’s very good on the issues but he is not good on gay marriage,” said Steven Elmendorf, a gay Democratic lobbyist. “From the gay community’s perspective, he and a lot of other elected officials are wrong on this. My view is that over time, they’re going […]

Before going onto the blog, I invite readers to do a quick survey and answer, who finds the Zille-Malema slugfest: a) Entertaining b) Irresponsible politics c) An embarrassment for South Africa’s international image d) Stupid but harmless e) Destructive and creating rifts and resentments among races and parties f) Other (your opinion) Thanks. I first […]

“We also intend to start a new chapter in relations between government and opposition. We reiterate that it should be possible to work with opposition parties on issues that are in the national interest”. (Part of president-elect Jacob Zuma’s acceptance speech) Zuma had earlier confirmed that the government’s priorities shall be those five areas targeted […]

Over the weekend IOL and the Weekender carried articles concerning the Judicial Services Commission hearing into the allegations made by the Constitutional Court judges against Judge President John Hlophe and his counter-charges against them. Hlophe has been charged with unlawfully attempting to influence two of the judges in respect of the matter which was previously […]