Bertrand Russell once wrote about the American revolutionary Thomas Paine, "He had faults, like other men; but it was for his virtues that he was hated and successfully calumniated." This was certainly true of Hugo Chávez Frias, who was probably more demonized than...
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Why socialists need feminism | by David Camfield
The relationship between socialism and feminism has been getting more attention in online discussions recently. This is both for good reasons — such as the article by Sharon Smith of the International Socialist Organization in the US that looks critically at how the...
The Weirdness Closes In
On the face of it, Mamphela Ramphele's long political Calvary has not seemed so strange. It has been clear ever since she returned to South Africa, flushed with neoliberal propaganda and plugging effortlessly into the right-wing smear campaign against President Mbeki,...
The 2013/14 Budget: One step forward, two steps backwards
This budget takes one step forward, only to take two steps backwards. It is delivered in a deepening economic and social crisis. In our country, this is highlighted by desperate struggles for basic needs. We have seen this in Marikana and the mineworkers' and...
Amplats’ Restructuring: reflective of broader trends
Anglo's platinum operations are not "unprofitable". Rather, they are not "profitable enough". Plans to restructure will jeopardize the income of 14 000 workers and more than 100 000 dependents. AMCUs call to nationalize in response reflects the growing consensus on...
It’s time for the real fight | by Harmony Goldberg
The re-election of Barack Obama represents one of the most important political opportunities of our time. I know that many people on the left will read that opening line, dismiss me as a hopeless radical-turned-liberal and refuse to read any further. They'll be wrong....
In labour: Zuma’s extractives empire hatched | Eleanor Momberg
President Jacob Zuma's nonprofit rural development project is diversifying into mining, just as the country faces a conjuncture in its extractive practices. A well-placed source has told Amandla! that the extended Zuma family is using the R2 bn Masibambisane Rural...
Police attack UKZN Students
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Grad Students at UKZN Attacked, Arrested by SAPS and private security without provocation Today, just after 12:30pm, students participating in a peaceful demonstration at Howard College were attacked and arrested by SAPS. Peaceful protests...
Lonmin Statement on Marikana Situation
Lonmin Chief Financial Officer, Simon Scott said: "On behalf of the whole Company I would like to express our sincere condolences to the families and friends of all those employees who have lost their lives, not only in the events of Thursday but also in the days...




