The Trump Counter-Effect in national elections
Several major elections have been held around the world, each leading to upsets widely attributed to anti-Trump sentiment. It’s only been four months, so there’s
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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
Why South Africa Needs a Leaner, Fairer, Safer State
Each year, the South African Parliament issues a quiet but important invitation to the general public, inviting ordinary South Africans to submit proposals and suggestions to amend the Constitution. It’s a democratic gesture and part of the machinery that keeps
Why don’t we exclude politics from the beautiful game?
The South African Police Service (SAPS) deserves praise for dealing with the violent protesters who call themselves Red Card Israel, who were causing chaos at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria during a football match between South Africa and Malawi on
Competition Commission parroting European antitrust law will harm economic dynamism
Whether consciously or unconsciously, the European Union (EU) influences how South African competition regulators formulate policy, guided by what is usually termed “international best practice.” This influence is not beneficial for the domestic economy, as EU policies stem from the