Topic: Soweto

Mandela meets the press: Monitor coverage after his prison years

The Monitor’s correspondents in South Africa followed Nelson Mandela closely throughout the 1990s, as he transitioned from world’s most famous political prisoner to president of a new nation to a continent’s elder statesman. Here are some snapshots of their reports from that period. 

Mandela's condition improving though still serious, doctors say

On Sunday, South African President Jacob Zuma said former president and national hero Nelson Mandela's health was improving. Mandela has been in the hospital for 9 days with a recurring lung infection.

Africa Monitor Black billionaire in South Africa pledges to give away half his fortune

The ruling party praised the mining magnate, Patrice Motsepe, and said he was part of a 'patriotic bourgeoisie' of rich black South Africans with a social conscience.

Keep Calm The real danger for South Africa after Lonmin mine shooting

Police shooting of 34 protesting mine workers has shocked South Africans, but the growing economic frustration that the miners' strike underscores does not equal growing support for the ruling ANC's rivals.

Global News Blog On Mandela's 94th birthday, some South Africans express ambivalence (+video)

While many South Africans spent today celebrating former President Nelson Mandela's 94th birthday and his efforts to maintain political stability, others say he 'sold out' poorer blacks.

20 non-fiction books to watch for in 2012

Oh, the promise of a new year! So many fresh starts and remarkable discoveries lie ahead – including the many that will be made between the pages of a book. For those eager for a preview, here’s a sampling of some of the more promising of the early 2012 titles.
12/30/2011 07:50 am

In South Africa, Michelle Obama helps rebuild trust and wows the young women

Many South Africans dislike what they see as US unilateralism. Mrs. Obama's visit is an attempt to remind South Africans of shared history and common goals.
06/22/2011 02:33 pm

Africa Monitor Michelle Obama starts South Africa goodwill tour

Mrs. Obama says her trip highlights the growing importance of Africa on the world stage, but it's also an attempt to smooth the somewhat strained relationship between the US and South Africa.
06/21/2011 10:52 am

Photos of the Day Photos of the Day: 06/17

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.
05/18/2011 01:05 pm

Africa Monitor 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?
04/26/2011 03:37 pm

Gabrielle Giffords and 5 others who persevered

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has moved from a Tucson, Ariz., hospital to the next phase of her recovery: rehabilitation. The Arizona Democrat has already shown signs of affection, determination, and appreciation for public support as she embarks on the comeback trail after being shot in the head two weeks ago. It's a difficult road, but one that others in the public eye have also walked. Here's a look at Giffords and five other profiles in perseverance. It can't claim to be a "Top 5" list, but the people exemplify grace and courage in the face of extreme adversity.
01/22/2011 06:37 pm

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.
07/22/2010 01:41 pm

Africa Monitor Spain celebrates World Cup win; Dutch blame Paul the Octopus

As fans of Spain luxuriate in the glow of the country's first World Cup championship, fans of the Netherlands search for an explanation of what went wrong. Some blame the referee, others point to Paul the Octopus.
07/12/2010 11:00 am

Netherlands' World Cup team gets Dutch Treat from South Africa's Afrikaners

The success of the Netherlands' World Cup soccer team is cause for celebration for the many South Africans with Dutch ancestry, but that dynamic leaves a bad taste in the mouths of some blacks.
07/05/2010 04:44 pm

As World Cup heats up, South Africa vendors' sales fall

The early exit of host-nation South Africa and France, Italy, England, and the United States has taken its toll on the vendors that had been doing well on the periphery of the World Cup.
06/29/2010 01:01 pm

Photos of the Day Photos of the Day 06/22

South Africa World Cup baby names: Moms choose Fifa, Bafana, and Soccer City

South Africa World Cup baby names such as Fifa, Bafana, and Soccer City are proliferating in the Rainbow Nation as white and black families name their children after stadiums and teams.
06/22/2010 10:23 am

Bafana Bafana: Embarrassing early exit looms for World Cup host

Bafana Bafana sadness: South African officials are asking local fans to find other World Cup teams to root for.
06/17/2010 06:05 pm

Soweto uprising in South Africa remembered 34 years later during World Cup

Soweto, a South African township, was the scene of an uprising that is remembered 34 years later on Wednesday, during the World Cup soccer tournament.
06/16/2010 04:38 pm

In Pictures Vuvuzela overload

World Cup goals

A Christian Science perspective.
06/14/2010 02:05 am

Africa Monitor Joe Biden at World Cup: 'We're going to beat England.'

Amid the blare of horns and the waving of flags at the 2010 World Cup, friendly nationalism is running high. South Africans predicted victory against Mexico, and US Vice President Joe Biden taunted the English.
06/11/2010 12:57 pm

World Cup 101: Is South Africa really prepared to host the World Cup?

In recent years, South Africa caught a lot of flack as it fell beyond on stadium construction and infrastructure improvements for the World Cup. The country got the job done in the end. But one question mark remains over the cup: Security.
06/10/2010 07:50 pm

All-world entertainment for World Cup concert

On the eve of the World Cup, a concert featuring the Black Eyed Peas, Shakira, and South African entertainers took place in Soweto.
06/10/2010 04:37 pm