Topic: South African Politics

Top galleries, list articles, quizzes

In Pictures: Nelson Mandela Day
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 06/21
In Pictures: Michelle Obama travels with her girls
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 05/24
Strauss-Kahn resignation: Who are his potential successors?

The International Monetary Fund’s managing director has traditionally been a European male, often a Frenchman. But with Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s resignation amid sexual assault charges, the job is available. A woman is among the leading candidates, and contenders from emerging markets may vie for the top spot. Here’s a look at the possibilities.

All Content

Israel: South Africa's desire to label West Bank goods is 'racist'

When South Africa requested imports from Israeli settlements be labeled 'made in the occupied West Bank,' Israel's Foreign Ministry said the move 'bears clear racist characteristics.'
Bishop Tutu urges peace in upcoming Lesotho elections

Political violence has flared ahead of May 26 Lesotho elections, but Archbishop Desmond Tutu urges candidates to keep the peace and respect election results.
Africa Monitor
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.
The Vote
George Clooney arrested: how his protest could help Sudan (+video)

George Clooney was arrested Friday during a protest designed to draw attention to conditions in Sudan. With his star power, Clooney might just succeed. 
The Circle Bastiat
Will nationalizing mines make South African poverty worse?

South Africa has a 20 percent unemployment rate and rampant poverty, which will only get worse if the government begins interfering in mining operations.
South African ruling party expels Malema, but what's next?

Julius Malema, outspoken leader of the ANC Youth League, was expelled Wednesday for creating division within party. But ANC still faces challenge of appealing to youths.
The Circle Bastiat
A democracy funded by the few (it's not the US)

The South African Revenue Service announced a record number of tax returns filed this year. But the total is still from less than 10 percent of the population. 
Africa Monitor
Fiery South African youth leader suspended, but the fire remains (+video)

Suspension of ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema may soothe South Africa's political and economic elites. But guest blogger Zama Ndlovu says youths won't remain silent. 
South Africa's cautious UN vote for Syrian action

While Russia and China vetoed a UN resolution calling for Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad to step down, South Africa voted for the measure. But it voices qualms on foreign intervention.
African Union summit: disunity on display

With the leadership of the African Union in question, old powers like France and new powers like China are vying for influence. Will peacekeeping missions and conflict resolution efforts suffer?
Zuma tells the UN: Listen to African Union

South African President Zuma airs complaints of UN interference in Libya during a UN Security Council meeting on how the African Union and the UN can work more closely.
The Daily Reckoning
Biggest financial trap of 2012: US Treasury debt

US debt is becoming less valuable as Americans grow poorer and poorer
Stampede at university highlights South Africa's education shortage

A late application period at the University of Johannesburg led to a stampede that killed one and injured 22. Critics say South Africa doesn't provide as much access to higher education as it promises.
Sometimes There Is a Void

A messy memoir from an important African voice.
Global News Blog
Pushing racial buttons, a young firebrand stirs up South Africa

The ruling African National Congress party has suspended its youth league leader Julius Malema for hate speech, but his career is far from over. 
Comprehensive climate deal 'beyond our reach': UN chief

Political differences, the worldwide financial crisis and a divergence of priorities among rich and poor countries are barriers to an agreement on a future negotiating path accordig to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Mugabe grilled in South African chicken ad

A satirical ad by Nando's Chicken poked fun at Zimbabwe President Mugabe. His supporters were not amused.
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.
Javan rhino goes extinct in Vietnam after last rhino poached

Javan rhino extinct: The last Javan rhino in Vietnam was found poached for its horn.
Africa Monitor
A South African visa for the Dalai Lama? Not as simple as it sounds.

South Africa made the choice most in its national interest in not granting a visa to the Dalai Lama, a decision that risked angering China, a major partner, argues guest blogger Zama Ndlovu.
Dalai Lama cancels South Africa trip. Did China trade ties get in the way?

The Dalai Lama said he was forced to cancel a trip to South Africa due to visa delays. Critics say it's a foreign policy embarrassment.
Why dictators now face civilian revolt, from Syria to Swaziland

Protests in a growing number of countries show that citizens have more tools at their disposal to throw their dictators off balance, if not out of power.
Africa Monitor
China's bidding: Should South Africa issue a visa to the Dalai Lama?

South Africa's delay in issuing a visa to the Dalai Lama – scheduled to attend the 80th birthday bash of fellow Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu – has created a controversy over China's growing influence.
Difference Maker
Karin Alfredsson travels the world to help stop violence against women

Author and journalist Karin Alfredsson founded 'Cause of Death: Woman' to investigate the worldwide epidemic of violent acts against women
Global News Blog
Good Reads: Libya's oil, WikiLeaks' hit list, and Rwandan cyclists

Was the Libyan war really all about oil after all? Statements by France and Libya's interim government suggest it was a consideration, at the least. Today's Good Reads also shouts out pieces on WikiLeaks and a New Yorker piece about cycling enthusiasts in the hills of Rwanda.