The challenge to deliver a persuasive speech comes firstly in the context of intense doubts as to whether President Ramaphosa is truly in charge of the ANC.
FW de Klerk, the last president of apartheid South Africa.
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In his new capacity as President of South Africa, FW de Klerk directly experienced for the first time how the international community had abandoned its support for minority white rule.
Anti-corruption protesters march on Parliament in Cape Town in 2017.
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In South Africa, state corruption has taken hold with utter disregard for ethics and democratic norms in a cynical exploitation of the post-apartheid transformation agenda.
A major concern is that the government’s resolve is strongest on policies that are actually quite suspect.
South African Finance Minister Tito Mboweni delivers the mid-term budget statement at parliament, Cape Town, South Africa, 24 October 2018.
EPA/Nic Bothma
President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Finance Minister Tito Mboweni appear to have good intentions for the economy. But that’s not enough.
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria (left) arriving at Waterkloof Airforce Base Airport in Pretoria. He is welcomed by Minister Naledi Pandor.
Katlholo Maifadi/EPA/DIRCO
South Africa and Nigeria have had a turbulent relationship dating back to the early 1990s.
Each of South Africa’s former presidents treated the state broadcaster very differently. From left Jacob Zuma, Nelson Mandela, and Thabo Mbeki (2008).
Epa/Kim Ludbrook
The South African Broadcasting Corporation, like South Africa itself, is a symbol of contradictions. While there are bad people who work for it, there are also many good ones.
Firefighters outside a burning building after violence and looting against foreign nationals in Pretoria, South Africa in 2019.
EPA-EFE/Yeshiel Panchia
As a branch of government, the courts must naturally be accountable for the exercise of their power. The means of achieving their accountability must be balanced against their necessary independence.
Former President Jacob Zuma is fighting a batttle for political capital.
EFE-EPA/Kim Ludbrook/Pool
By positioning himself as a loveable granddad to supporters and the punchline of a joke to his opposition, Zuma adroitly defangs the very serious charges against him.
Former South African President Jacob Zuma recanted his decision to walk out of the Zondo Commission.
EPA-EFE/Wikus de Wit/Pool
The dilemma for Zuma and his legal team is this: by putting him on the witness stand, there is a risk that he would be found wanting, especially in terms of the detail of any matter.
Former South African President Jacob Zuma at the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture.
EPA-EFE/Pool
Trump and Zuma seek to sell explanations of their misfortunes to the socially insecure and economically vulnerable. To an alarming extent they succeed.