As South Africa passes the anniversary of 20 years of democracy it is important to reflect on both the failures and successes of democratic South Africa. South Africa in 2014 is a markedly different country. it enjoys a pluralistic political system; freedom of speech...
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Chris McGregor and the Brotherhood of Breath
The morning of our father's 82nd birthday dawned with the news of Chris's death. We had known for some time that he was desperately ill and so had already booked a flight to France to go and visit him – ironically the flight was due to leave that very evening. Chris...
There is no liberal tradition in South Africa | by Z. Pallo Jordan
Liberalism regards the individual as the ultimate social and political agent, endowed with a number of rights. The ideology also acknowledges that individuals live in societies and are not totally autonomous. Consequently it also recognises a number of societal...
The EFF and South Africa’s long-standing project of multi-class politics
It's becoming common knowledge, if not a public secret, that the ANC and the DA, though differing ideologically, at least at the level of rhetoric, are not practically far from each other in terms of their policy recommendations for the country's economic trajectory....
The Racist Undertones of Guptagate
The City Press made an astonishing error of judgement in deciding to publish Phumlani Mfeka's more or less fascist rant on Sunday. Presenting this extraordinarily crass form of ethnic chauvinism under-girded by a clear threat of violence as if it were a legitimate...
A Namibian tribute to Neville Alexander: Revisiting the National Question | by Shaun Whittaker
It is a remarkable historical coincidence that Neville Alexander was laid to rest on the very same day that some Marikana workers – most of whom were also from the Eastern Cape - were buried. This tragic incident of the miners represents a turning point in the...
Neville Alexander: Revolutionary who changed many lives | by Brian Ramadiro, Jane Duncan, Salim Vally
The death of Neville Alexander on August 27, coming as it does in the wake of the massacre of mineworkers at Marikana, is a double blow. He had the breadth of intellect and depth of knowledge to help the world to understand the significance of these events. Throughout...
Farewell to a great thinker, educator and activist | by Jonathan Jansen
Language was the tool of Dr Neville Alexander's fight for freedom, writes Jonathan Jansen, rector and vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State. "I was nervous as I made my way through Salt River to my first physical meeting with my childhood hero. No youth...
South Africa’s dashed hopes of liberation | by Charlie Kimber
Charlie Kimber travelled to South Africa regularly to report on the fight against apartheid for Socialist Worker. He looks back at that struggle in the wake of the Marikana massacre—and how dreams have turned to disillusionment In the misty early morning of 27 April...


