Political arrangements to consider, or avoid, after 29 May
A coalition between the African National Congress (ANC) and one or two Multi-Party Charter (MPC) parties after 29 May would be the kiss of death
South Africa and the new world order
The breakout of World War III might not be imminent, but there is a new Cold War marked by heightened tensions and a growing risk
How ANC and DA differ on industrial policy
The ANC wants to double down on its industry Master Plans. The DA says it won’t pick winners and losers. ‘The ANC,’ says the ANC,
When corruption is a feature, not a bug
The ANC took power with the firm conviction that state power was the route to resolving the country’s chronic socio-economic deficits. Partly, this reflected the
The Daily Maverick, and the future of the Press
The most memorable newspaper headline I ever saw was in England 50 years ago to this month. It surprised me − shocked me, I suppose.
Media choices, bias, and propaganda
Two minor storms in the local media teacup drew my attention this week and prompt some comment. The Daily Maverick online publication didn’t publish and
Smoking guns: Can we be sure the police destroyed 50 000 firearms?
The High Court in Pretoria recently ruled in favour of the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai) to compel the South African Police Service (SAPS) to
Corrupt rulers create criminals
Transparency International has classified South Africa (SA) as a “flawed democracy” in its recent Corruption Perception Index (CPI). ‘Flawed democracy’ is definitely correct – but
Russia’s delusions of grandeur and inferiority complex
Russia imagines itself to be a world power, but it is just an angry bully with an inferiority complex. If you’re of a liberal mind,
Keeping the South in the Union
This Week in History recalls memorable and decisive events and personalities of the past. 18th April 1783 – Three-Fifths Compromise: The first instance of black slaves