The only response to bullies is to call them out

An ugly incident occurred recently at an event hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) which is emblematic of a style of “protest” that is intended to shut down debate. The topic under discussion was "South Africa's

Soldiers left behind

Nicholas Lorimer and Chris Hattingh discuss reporting from City Press about how most of South Africa's troops in DRC have been left behind due to lack of budget, whilst the heavy equipment is removed. They also discuss Transnet's financial woes

Cowardice

Agony and Agency: Why Ukraine Deserves Emulation

In her acceptance speech for the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize, Ukraine’s laureate, Oleksandra Matviichuk, said: “You don't have to be Ukrainians to support Ukraine. It is enough just to be humans.”  Her country has suffered human rights abuses on a

Past experience, and an imminent meeting

In February, I wrote up some thoughts about what a South African delegation could say to Donald Trump and his administration to salvage something of the relationship between the two countries. Since then, things have tumbled from bad to worse.

Looming Ramaphosa-Trump showdown a time for boldness and straight talking 

When President Cyril Ramaphosa meets with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, he will do so against the backdrop of a diplomatic relationship under strain.   The leader of the world’s most powerful nation is paying unusually close attention to a

Patriotic white engineers: Get out!

If you are a skilled white engineer who wants to develop South African industry, if you are a dynamic white entrepreneur who wants to employ a lot of people, if you are a proficient skilled white man with a driving

The Promised Land (as inspired by Karel Schoeman’s 1973 award-winning novel)

Oh yes, our land is lovely – but one day we may have to consider leaving it. As a white South African born in the ‘50s I have been conscious of this much of my life. In the ‘50s there