Some newspapers defied government threats in 2013, and published pictures of President Jacob Zuma’s private home, which was revamped using taxpayers’ money.
Alexander Joe/AFP via Getty Images.
There is much to celebrate about the critical role the media have played in 30 years of democracy. But challenges remain.
Winnie Madikizela Mandela and Nelson Mandela were mythologised for the greater good.
Shawn Walker/Getty Images
Would South Africa have been torn apart by civil war without the myth of Nelson Mandela?
The question of whether the constitution should continue to be supreme has become a public as well as a political issue.
Shutterstock
The constitution and the principle of constitutionalism will continue to be politically contested territory. So far it’s held in South Africa.
Young jobless South African graduates protest outside the Union Buildings, the seat of government, in Pretoria.
Frennie Shivambu/Gallo Images via Getty Images
The third and final part of our series What happened to Nelson Mandela’s South Africa on The Conversation Weekly podcast. Featuring interviews with Sithembile Mbete and Richard Calland.
A statue of Nelson Mandela in an upmarket shopping square.
C. Na Songkhla/Shutterstock
Commerce, culture and heritage mix in rather strange and sometimes unsettling ways in South Africa, especially when the struggle for freedom is commemorated.
Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma: two very different styles of governing.
Jon Hrusa/EPA
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 April 1994 international mediation team in South Africa, with Washington Okumu sitting between the US’s Henry Kissinger and the UK’s Peter Carrington.
Washington Okumu, reused by Nancy J. Jacobs with permission
In a matter of days, one Kenyan’s intervention helped give South Africa a peaceful transition to its first post-apartheid government.
Nelson Mandela casts his vote in South Africa’s 1994 election.
TT News Agency / Alamy Stock Photo
The first episode of What happened to Nelson Mandela’s South Africa?, a three-part podcast series on The Conversation Weekly. Featuring interviews with Steven Friedman and Sandy Africa.
Nelson Mandela takes the oath as South Africa’s president in Pretoria on 10 May 1994.
Walter Dhladhla/AFP via Getty Images
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.
Nelson Mandela greets people as he walks with Prime Minister Brian Mulroney on his arrival in Ottawa, June 17, 1990, for a three-day visit to Canada.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Wm. DeKay
Brian Mulroney’s role in the campaign against apartheid in South Africa can teach us how Canadian foreign policy can be done effectively.
Zuleikha Mayat with copies of her bestselling book, Indian Delights.
Courtesy of the Mayat family
Mayat embodied principled, faith-based, socially committed, inspired leadership.
Nelson Mandela revisiting his cell at Robben Island prison. The image was sold to support his charitable causes.
Louise Gubb/Corbis via Getty Images
Many South Africans have a strong personal relationship with Nelson Mandela. The planned auction felt like a transgression of the moral boundary of familial respect.
Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, SC, receives a hero’s welcome at Oliver Tambo International Airport on arrival from The Hague.
Alaister Russell / AFP via Getty Images.
Palestine remains the single issue on which South Africa’s support for a people’s struggle has been unquestionably consistent.
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the Cairo Summit for Peace in October 2023.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s messages, and tone of delivery, suggest an assertive leader representing the interests of the global south.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation on developments in South Africa’s strategy to manage the spread of COVID-19.
GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa tried to foster social cohesion in his speeches during a pandemic that had exposed the nation’s divisions.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee is set to announce its annual winner for the peace prize on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
The Nobel Peace Prize has recognized some legendary leaders and peace activists, but it has a mixed track record of recognizing people who actually deserve the prize.
Aziz Pahad in Tehran in 2004. He was South Africa’s deputy foreign minister at the time.
Henghameh Fahimi/AFP via Getty images
South Africa will miss having a “diplomat-scholar” of his calibre to turn to for sage advice.
Nelson Mandela, the late first president of democratic South Africa, is credited with the relatively peaceful transition from apartheid rule.
Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images
There is never going to be a final assessment of Mandela’s legacy. How it is regarded will continue to change, depending on the destination South Africa travels to.
Some 1971 tour players, from left, Hira Dhiraj, Hoosen Bobat, a Dutch friend, Jasmat Dhiraj, Charmaine Williams and Oscar Woodman. Williams toured at her own expense.
Courtesy the 1971 players/UKZN Press
A new book delves into the issues faced by a 1971 international tennis tour, and calls for injustice to be recognised.
Detail of a photo of Frank Anthony (front left) on Robben Island with Walter Sisulu (front right).
© Unknown/Courtesy Nelson Mandela Foundation
The activist and writer has been erased from South Africa’s history - but new academic work seeks to restore his voice.