Jacob Zuma twists in the wind, wondering whether the National Prosecuting Authority is going to reinstate corruption charges against him before the ANC's December conference. If the NPA does recharge the embattled but still tremendously popular (in some circles, at least) Zuma, it will almost assuredly scuttle any hopes that he would be able to […]
The ANC succession battle continues to emit heat if not light. Zwelinzima Vavi, general-secretary of Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), recently remarked that “Many of the millions who are unemployed, or whose jobs have been casualised, are even worse off than under apartheid: about 20 million of our people are still mired in […]
I’ve been out of town for several days, which explains the light posting. I plan to write a great deal, especially about South African politics, next week when I return. In the meantime, Desmond Tutu recently visited the editorial offices of The Boston Globe, and he argued that the recent successes of the Springboks also point the […]
Thabo Mbeki is currently visiting Namibia, where he was accorded the honor of speaking before that country's parliament and where he hoped to boost trade between the two countries and to reaffirm their special relationship. Mbeki and Namibian President Hifekepunye Pohamba oversaw the signing of three agreements, one on investment promotion and reciprocal investment protection, cooperation in the […]
The shocking murder of South African reggae star Lucky Dube has stunned South Africans and once again brought the issue of violent crime to the forefront of national debate. One of the common themes discussed even as mourners gathered to celebrate the life and work of a native son-turned global superstar and the accused wallowed […]
This feature on Thabo Mbeki's relationship with the media caught my eye this morning. Essentially the Mail & Guardian asked two prominent South African writers, William Gumede and Ronald Suresh Roberts, to assess that issue, and their independent conclusions are, I think, telling. Gumede believes that Mbeki brings most of his difficulties on himself. Roberts […]
This feature on Thabo Mbeki's relationship with the media caught my eye this morning. Essentially the Mail & Guardian asked two prominent South African writers, William Gumede and Ronald Suresh Roberts, to assess that issue, and their independent conclusions are, I think, telling. Gumede believes that Mbeki brings most of his difficulties on himself. Roberts […]
The Mo Ibrahim Prize will go to Joaquim Chissano, the former president of Mozambique who served from 1986 to 2005 and helped to end that country's civil war and oversaw the transition to peace. The list of finalists, in addition to Chissano, included: Benjamin William Mkapa (Tanzania) Domitien Ndayizeye (Burundi) Sam Nujoma (Namibia) El-Hadj Bonfoh Abbass […]
The Springboks are the World Champions after defeating England 15-6 in the World Cup finals in Paris. South Africa led 9-3 at the break. The Springboks were led by fullback Percy Motgomery's four kicks. This marks Amobokoboko's second time hoisting the Ellis Cup, as they also won in historic fashion in 1995. Nelson Mandela hands […]
It seems that much of the world is lining up to support the Springboks, or at least to oppose what many, including yours truly, believe to be a somewhat unsightly form of rugby emanating from England. Naturally South Africa has its share of high-profile South African boosters, including Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki. Perhaps somewhat […]
The Council on Foreign Relations has a fantastic interactive map of Africa's conflict zones and areas of UN/African Union intervention past and presence, as well as an option to see the contours of former colonial rule and influence. This is a first-rate resource for those who want to understand Africa's divisions, particularly for students.
South Africa is gearing up for this weekend's clash between the Springboks and the rejuvenated defending World Champions from England in the finals of the rugby World Cup. South Africa should be the heavy favorites, though Springbok coach Jake White, taking a page from the playbook of coaches the world over, insists his team must be […]
Is Thabo Mbeki revealing signs of creeping authoritarianism? Newsweek International fears as much. It is most alarming that Mbeki is showing his Machiavellian side (it certainly is not new; it might now be more brazen, however) as his tenure as President and party head comes to an end and while the whispers that he might consider […]
Let the Games Begin! Actually, the machinations over the African National Congress succession have been under way for quite some time and will continue to be the source of political infighting, manipulation, and polarization well into next year. The latest volleys have come from KwaZulu-Natal, where the Thabo Mbeki wing of the party has put forward a […]
At The Boston Globe Michael Gerson has a column on AIDS in the developing world, focuding on Africa. Embracing neither foolish optimism nor outsized pessimism Gerson argues that a cobination of approaches will be required to stanch a disease that is still spreading at a faster rate than it can be prevented: Treatment and prevention, […]