Winnie had to ‘fall’ for South Africa to rise
During the 1980s Winnie Mandela was the public symbol, face, and embodiment of the radical domestic turn of the struggle against apartheid, when the…
Why the ANC won’t be able to stay in power by unconstitutional means
Very few African liberation movements – especially those who had armed wings during the struggle for liberation – which went on to come to…
Rebuilding trust is Ramaphosa’s next struggle
On the steps of Cape Town City Hall on 11 February to celebrate the 28th anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela from prison…
Policy Brief 24: Rebuilding Zimbabwe
The recent change of guard within the ruling ZANU-PF party in Zimbabwe from Robert Mugabe to Emmerson Mnangagwa provides a ready opportunity to stimulate a…
Policy Brief 25: The power of philanthropy to build resilient citizens, institutions & democracies
The act of giving through providing financial assistance and different types of support to people and communities in need can often transform the lives…
Policy Brief 23: Changing long-held undemocratic beliefs
Open engagement and dialogue are integral to consensus building and having a diversity of opinions in order to foster democratic values. This policy brief…
Inheriting a divided ANC
Once Jacob Zuma finally steps down, Cyril Ramaphosa will inherit a deeply divided African National Congress (ANC) which many supporters have abandoned, a public…
Zexit: The formidable risks to weigh up
There are formidable risks preventing ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa and his allies from outrightly firing South African President Jacob Zuma. It is forcing him…
Coalitions as the best options for African countries
Given the widespread failure of dominant party governments in Africa since the end of colonialism, coalitions, even in cases where parties win outright majorities,…
Democracy, racism and other long-held beliefs
Changing long-held beliefs, perceptions and values are not easy. Such change can either take place at the individual, community or societal level. At the…