Both sweeping immunity and overzealous prosecutions of former leaders can undermine democracy. But such prosecutions pose different risks for older democracies like the US than in younger ones.
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Articles on Jacob Zuma
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Former president Jacob Zuma’s MK Party borrows the slogan “mayibuye” from the liberation party to make a point about the ruling African National Congress.
The growing loss of support for the governing ANC raises the possibility of South Africa having its first national coalition government since 1994.
Political secularism in South Africa is shaping into a tense contest between the relative ambitions of state and religious actors.
Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe is now the largest party in KwaZulu-Natal and the fourth biggest nationally.
The 2024 elections may be the tipping point that enables opposition parties to portray themselves as viable contenders in forming a national coalition government.
The constitution and the principle of constitutionalism will continue to be politically contested territory. So far it’s held in South Africa.
The second episode of What happened to Nelson Mandela’s South Africa?, a three-part podcast series on The Conversation Weekly. Featuring interviews with Mashupye Maserumule and Michael Sachs.
The court covered itself in glory in the first 15 years, but its performance has been patchy since then, coinciding with Jacob Zuma’s presidency.
A lot of good has happened since apartheid ended in 1994. Sadly, 30 years on, the country is in a political and economic crisis. Many are questioning the choices of the past three decades.
Donald Trump says he’s being politically persecuted, like Russian democracy martyr Alexei Navalny, who died while in a Russian prison on Feb. 16. A scholar says there’s no comparison between the men.
Jacob Zuma claims that his new political home, the Umkhonto we Sizwe Party, is the authentic ANC, not the one led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The bill seeks greater intelligence powers but neglects oversight.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s messages, and tone of delivery, suggest an assertive leader representing the interests of the global south.
South Africa will miss having a “diplomat-scholar” of his calibre to turn to for sage advice.
Awarding punitive costs against legal practitioners would make them think twice about facilitating delaying tactics and malicious lawsuits.
If an offender is lawfully released on medical parole, but their health improves or even if they are cured, they cannot be forced to return to prison.
When Essop Pahad was given a job, he did it efficiently. He surprised even his critics with his diligence.
Mashatile could be the new broom that sweeps clean. Ramaphosa’s apparent confidence in him suggests that he has some latitude to do so.
The government must not trample on its own laws and court decisions. Compliance with the constitution must be the priority.
Top contributors
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Professor of Sociology, University of the Witwatersrand
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Professor of Political Studies, University of Johannesburg
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Emeritus Associate Professor in Public Law, University of Cape Town
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Political Scientist, University of the Western Cape
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Professor in Political Science, University of South Africa
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Professor of Public Affairs, Tshwane University of Technology
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Professor of World Politics, SOAS, University of London
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Visiting Professor at the Business School, University of the Witwatersrand
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Professor of Urban Governance, University of the Witwatersrand
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Visiting Professor and Professor Emeritus, University of the Witwatersrand
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Professor of Physics, University of Johannesburg
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Senior Research Fellow, Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study, University of Johannesburg
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Head: Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand
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Associate professor, University of Cape Town
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Associate Professor in Public Law, University of Cape Town
