state

Q&A with Public Protector Thuli Madonsela

Q&A with Public Protector Thuli Madonsela

At a time when people's trust in the body politic is eroding fast, Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has emerged as a national heroine, almost universally revered for her refusal to bow to political pressure and a dedication to her office that few can emulate. Even in...

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Marikana … from June 16 to August 16: 36 years

Marikana … from June 16 to August 16: 36 years

South Africa is by all accounts the world's richest country in terms of the value of its mineral resources. In 2010 these were valued at $2.5–$4.5 trillion. Mining is a lucrative business opportunity right now. The demand for commodities for the growing economies of...

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Interview with Gavin Capps on Platinum

Interview with Gavin Capps on Platinum

Amandla (A!): Is platinum the new gold for the South African economy and how has the global crisis impacted on the industry? GC: Platinum has historically been a relatively marginal metal in the world economy. South Africa has 88 percent of the world's known reserves...

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What the Marikana Massacre Highlights

What the Marikana Massacre Highlights

by Shawn Hattingh The sight of policemen gunning down striking workers at Marikana was truly galling. Reports too have now emerged that on the day of the shooting some workers may have been executed far from the view of the press’s cameras; and allegations have also...

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It’s the coal, stupid

It’s the coal, stupid

South AfrIca's coal-fuelled development path delivers jobs that are less than decent and results in massively negative externalities – water contamination, air pollution, loss of farmland and community commons and livelihoods. With theexception of Sasol, coal is still...

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