Ramaphosa’s rise to power in 2018 offered South Africans hope that he would end corruption. Indeed, he made promises to do so. But he has met with resistance, especially within the ANC.
The rights entrenched in South Africa’s progressive constitution work for some, but not those living in abject poverty.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened unemployment and poverty, showing the need for the government to permanently expand income support to working-age adults.
Automobile body shells hang from cradles on the assembly line at a car plant in South Africa.
Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Policy changes that forced government departments to buy locally produced vehicles would be good for the economy.
Supporters of Ace Magashule, the secretary general of the ANC, protest outside the court where he appeared on corruption charges.
EFE-EPA/Conrad Bornman
Revelations show that the State Security Agency did little to safeguard the country and much to protect Zuma’s political faction and to funnel public money into private ends.
Former South African president Jacob Zuma says he won’t comply with a Constitutional Court order to appear before a commission on corruption.
EFE-EPA/Yeshiel Panchia
The longer government dithers over how Eskom’s debt will be paid, the bigger the problem becomes. Whatever the decision, electricity customers and taxpayers will feel the pinch.
ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule in court in Bloemfontein, on corruption charges.
EFE-EPA/Conrad Bornman
South Africa’s National Treasury now proposes to reduce salaries. On the face of it this seems sensible. But the fundamental issue is the structure of the public service.
Understakers have had to take special precautions following a spike in COVID-19 related burials.
EFE-EPA/Kim Ludbrook
While restrictions on civil and political liberties may be necessary to protect lives, human rights law requires that they go no further than what’s strictly necessary to achieve this goal.
Failure to campaign due to COVID-19 has fuelled calls to synchronise polls.
EFE-EPA
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
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised inclusive decision-making informed by scientific evidence. Such an approach would serve to depoliticise and rationalise decision-making.
The ban on the sale of alcohol has been partially lifted, but tobacco remains prohibited.
Roger Sedres/Gallo Images via Getty Images
South Africa’s post-apartheid leaders have failed to properly prepare the military for secondary roles such as peacekeeping, let alone to a fight a virus.
Abuses by police and the army point to the need for citizens to be involved in security and other crisis response measures
EFE-EPA/Kim Ludbrook
Ramaphosa’s call for a new social compact will fall on deaf ears unless there are some fundamental changes to the way in which the pandemic is being managed.