The suggestion that Mandela single-handedly achieved democracy is as intellectually threadbare as the charge that he was centrally responsible for the failure to transform South Africa.
South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa faces a tricky time giving evidence about corruption. He wears two presidential hats: as head of the African National Congress, and the government.
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Ramaphosa will be eager to communicate his position that no one should be above scrutiny and that all parts of society,should be examined by the Commission.
Supporters of Ace Magashule, the secretary general of the ANC, protest outside the court where he appeared on corruption charges.
EFE-EPA/Conrad Bornman
The revered trombonist, composer and cultural activist never wished to be ‘the state composer’ but remained political until the end, in service of the people.
Jackson Mthembu is the most prominent South African politician to succumb to COVID-19.
GCIS
The problem for the Democratic Alliance is not one of policy. There is real substance in its commitment to substituting racial criteria for overcoming historical disadvantage.
The governing party’s good performance may signal confidence in the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
EFE-EPA/Kim Ludbrook
Local government elections in South Africa have traditionally been characterised by low voter turnout.
African National Congress treasurer Paul Mashatile wants more money for political parties from the government.
Antonio Muchave/Sowetan/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Since parties always need money, forcing them to depend on private funders means throwing them into the hands of donors who will demand favours for their cash.
Human rights lawyer and anti-apartheid activist George Bizos at Freedom Park, Pretoria, in 2013.
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His appearance on behalf of the families of mine workers shot by the police at the Marikana Commission of Inquiry was just one of his efforts to seek justice for the poor and marginalised.
Apartheid-era Justice Minister Kobie Coetsee, Thabo and Zanele Mbeki, Nelson Mandela and his daughter Zenani, FW and Marike de Klerk.
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The book shows that the claim made by some analysts that it was the fall of communism that prompted moves towards negotiations to end apartheid is off the mark.
Former South African government minister Nomvula Mokonyane, a leading member of the ruling ANC, at the commission probing grand corruption.
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Mangosuthu Buthelezi deserves better than being dismissed as an apartheid stooge. But he deserves little praise as an advocate for human rights and civil liberties.
Political killings in the country are linked to the fierce competition for control of state resources within the governing ANC.
EPA-EFE/Jon Hrusha
Author shows how politicians intent on settling problems by physically eliminating opponents tap into a ready source of assassins from within the taxi industry.
Bikers protest against the tobacco ban at Parliament in Cape Town, South Africa.
The government was initially praised for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic but powerful interests could now be pushing its containment plans off course
South African freedom struggle stalwart Andrew Mlangeni at the UN.
Chief Research Specialist in Democracy and Citizenship at the Human Science Research Council and a Research Fellow Centre for African Studies, University of the Free State