Book sheds light on how South African icon should be viewed | COLIN BUNDY AND WILLIAM BEINART | There are two widely available views of Nelson Mandela, the first post-apartheid president of South Africa. The first is a reverential and uncritical celebration of his life and achievements. It resonated in …
Read More »Presidents who subvert democracy
They can hit a brick wall: ask Jacob Zuma, Trump | ROGER SOUTHALL | It can be tough when you are a former president in a democracy you have attempted to subvert, especially when that democracy comes back to bite you. Former South African president Jacob Zuma is finding this …
Read More »Africa’s Covid-19 corruption
‘Theft doesn’t even stop during a pandemic’ | THE INDEPENDENT | Doctors have gone on strike over a lack of protective equipment, and protesters have taken to the streets in anger at the abuse of medical funds, many wearing T-shirts emblazoned with #arrestCovidthieves. Public uproar in Kenya in recent weeks …
Read More »South Africa ex-president Zuma faces court on corruption charges
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | AFP | South Africa’s embattled former president Jacob Zuma is expected in court on corruption charges on Tuesday, in what would be the first time he faces trial for graft despite multiple accusations. Zuma stands accused of taking kickbacks before he became president from a 51-billion-rand ($3.4-billion) …
Read More »Ramaphosa sworn-in as president of South Africa vowing ‘new era’
Pretoria, South Africa | AFP | Cyril Ramaphosa vowed a “new era” Saturday after he was sworn in as president of South Africa at a colourful ceremony in the capital, as he looks to revitalise his push to revive the economy and fight corruption. Foreign heads of state from more than …
Read More »SOUTH AFRICA POLL: ANC 57%, DA 20% and EFF 10%
ANC wins election, to lead S.Africa govt with diminished majority Pretoria, South Africa | AFP | South Africa’s ruling ANC was Saturday declared winner of general elections, handing it a sixth straight term in the post-apartheid era on what was nevertheless its worst electoral showing. The African National Congress (ANC) …
Read More »S.Africa opposition party seeks to claim Mandela mantle
Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | In the busy centre of Johannesburg on one short stretch of pavement, men search through a dumpster, women sell wigs — and South Africa’s main opposition party unveils its latest election slogan. “Honour Mandela’s vision to build one South Africa for all. Vote DA,” it …
Read More »‘Free at last!’: when black South Africans could finally vote
Paris, France | AFP | Black South Africans voted for the first time in April 1994, turning out in droves for a jubilant election that was the final death blow to centuries of white domination. Here is an account of that historic event, based on AFP reports from the time. …
Read More »S.Africa’s Zuma won’t seek MP seat, party list shows
Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | Former South African president Jacob Zuma will not seek a place in parliament in the May 8 elections, the ruling party has said, surprising those who expected him to try to stage a comeback. Zuma, who has had a fraught relationship with his successor Cyril Ramaphosa and his anti-graft …
Read More »Ruling ANC kicks off S.Africa election campaign with vow to restore democracy, growth
Durban, South Africa | AFP | South African President on Saturday launched the ANC’s campaign for legislative elections in May, acknowledging the party’s past mistakes and promising to restore democratic institutions and economic growth. Ramaphosa unveiled a 68-page manifesto before tens of thousands of supporters in the eastern city of Durban, marking the start of …
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