Is a truly global democratic future possible?
There is an assumption that when we use the word ‘democracy’, we all have a common understanding of what the word means and how…
Articles
Democracy Works produces opinion pieces and more journalistic reporting which we share with our media partners where we can.
This page captures these articles.
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…
African democracies badly need a new generation of leaders – where are they?
In every single African country, young people make up the majority of the population – and they are generally very ill-served by their ageing…
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…
The International Criminal Court and Accountability in Africa
Lack of accountability has been one of the single biggest reasons for Africa’s continued underdevelopment, failed states and civil wars. In Africa, the protection…
The Zuma Years are virtually over
Will Cyril Ramaphosa eventually appoint an independent National Director of Public Prosecutions, and will he be able to build sustained support within the ANC…
Ex-armed opposition have turned into their nemeses
African opposition movements with armed wings, which fought autocratic, corrupt and incompetent post-independence governments and leaders, often behave as undemocratically as the independence governments…
The monkey business of H&M and the hokey-pokey of the EFF
Given centuries of offensive racist tropes associating black people with monkeys ought to have informed the entire chain of product developers, copywriters, marketers and…
Moving beyond H&M to really tackle racism
The controversy hit when clothing store H&M ran advertisements featuring a black boy wearing a hoodie with the words ‘Coolest monkey in the jungle’….