Topic: Democratic Alliance (South Africa)

South Africa's report card on democracy gets worse

South Africa ranks fifth for governance in Africa, but its scores have consistently declined over the past five years, with diminished press freedoms and rule of law, writes guest blogger Karl Beck.

Who's who in Egypt's election

Today Egyptians are wrapping up the first of several rounds of voting for the first Egyptian parliament since the ousting of former President Hosni Mubarak. Here are the options facing Egyptians as they go to the polls. 

South Africa's assembly passes 'secrecy bill,' stirring journalists' fears

Journalists and civic groups warn that the Protection of Information or 'secrecy bill,' will criminalize investigative journalism. The government says it will bolster South Africa's national security.

South Africa's ANC retains control in local elections, but grip is slipping

The ANC retained a majority, but a smaller one compared to 2006. The opposition Democratic Alliance made big inroads, particularly with non-white voters. Is South Africa creeping toward true multiparty democracy?

South Africans vent frustration, this time in municipal elections

In the fourth municipal elections since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africans voters say they are disappointed with politics in general.

South Africa's many small parties highlight vibrant democracy

The variety and number of parties – 121 in total – who've registered for today's municipal elections is a good indication of the strength of South Africa’s 17-year-old democracy, political analysts say.

South Africa election: Why some poor black voters may ditch the ANC this time

Failure to deliver basic services has debased the once-vaunted party of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) may lose some municipalities in Wednesday's local elections.

Court ruling ends Cape Town's 'toilet wars'

Today's court order for Cape Town to build enclosures around government-provided toilets is likely to become a matter of national political discussion.

Seventeen years after freedom came to South Africa, a status check

Black South Africans cast their first votes as full citizens in 1994. How far has the country come?

State of the Nation: Zuma's jobs focus brings sighs of relief in South Africa

South Africa President Jacob Zuma promised a $1.2 billion fund to create jobs, but critics and supporters alike question whether his government has the capacity or will to deliver.

South Africa's Jacob Zuma slammed for saying ANC voters will go to heaven

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma finds himself the center of controversy again, this time for saying that those who vote for his African National Congress (ANC) party will go to heaven.

The politics of being really, really rich

A recent article in The Atlantic about the world's super rich makes it clear that it's an interest in humanity binds the poor to the rich.

In Cape Town, a clamor for independence

A Cape Town political party is hoping to turn the differences between the Western Cape and the rest of South Africa into electoral votes and, ultimately, independence for the region.

South Africa corruption: Praise for 'historic' sentencing of former police chief Jackie Selebi

South Africa officials and citizens see the 15-year sentence handed to former police commissioner Jackie Selebi today as a warning for others in government.

Desmond Tutu to retire from public life

Desmond Tutu, one of South Africa's most beloved figures, announced plans Thursday to retire from public life after his birthday in October.

On eve of World Cup, South Africa's 'toilet wars' reveal volatile politics

Ahead of the South Africa World Cup, Cape Town has been gripped by its 'toilet wars.' After an opposition party erected shacks for the open air toilets in a shantytown, supports of the governing African National Congress tore them down, and did not replace them.

Can South Africa leaders cool racial tensions after killing of white supremacist?

South Africa leaders are racing to allay concerns about security during the World Cup in June as details of Sunday's killing of white supremacist leader Eugene Terreblanche grab headlines worldwide.

South Africa leaders urge calm after killing of white supremacist Eugene Terreblanche

The bludgeoning death of South Africa's top white supremacist leader Eugene Terreblanche was called a 'declaration of war' by members of his far-right group, but the nation's leaders are calling for calm.

Why Jacob Zuma's infidelity carries a small political price

South African President Jacob Zuma admitted this week to having a 'love child' out of wedlock with a mistress. While the media and opposition politicians are critical of his infidelity, South Africa's black majority electorate accepts that Zulu culture includes polygamy.

Sudan opposition parties forge alliance

A new deal between former southern rebels who hope to secede in 2011 and a northern opposition group could threaten President Omar al-Bashir's grip on power if fair elections are held next year.

ANC victory in South Africa a watershed for party

South Africa’s ruling party leads in high-turnout election

So many voters flocked to the polls that many stations ran out of ballot papers.

A promising rivalry in South Africa

In elections, the opposition chipped away at ANC dominance.

Big turnout in South African elections

Voters express frustration with ANC, but a large turnout favors the ruling party.

Nelson Mandela boosts Zuma at final ANC campaign rally

South Africa's ruling party candidate, Jacob Zuma, vows no constitutional changes ahead of April 22 vote.