Two decades ago, an important development philosophy emerged that would redefine prosperity: “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” Known as the “Two Mountains” theory, it challenged the conventional trade-off between development and the environment by arguing that they are inseparable. I recently visited Zhejiang Province in east China to see how this philosophy… Continue reading How China’s Two Mountains Philosophy Can Inspire Africa
Category: Opinion
The Platinum Price: What Trump’s G20 Rant Really Costs
President Donald Trump’s foreign policy pronouncements present a chaotic search for meaning. His threats against South Africa, Nigeria and Afghanistan, coupled with the termination of AGOA and “crazy” tariffs, seem inconsistent. However, reading this as a complex strategy grants it undue sophistication. The driving force is not a nuanced doctrine but a raw thirst for… Continue reading The Platinum Price: What Trump’s G20 Rant Really Costs
Makate Injustice: Please Call Me Later
Large multinationals hate to be taken to court, this announcement was quite expected. For matters involving justice and human dignity, they’d rather settle out of court. The recent court outcome, where the court imposed a R13m legal bill, may have had something to do with forcing the expensive Mr Nkosana Makate to sign. This corporate… Continue reading Makate Injustice: Please Call Me Later
China’s Rural Revitalisation Shows That Sustainable Development Grows From Local Agency, Strong Institutions and Thoughtful Policy — Not From External Assistance
The Summer School of Global Development & Country and Region Studies at China Agricultural University brought together scholars, students and practitioners in development from all corners of the globe to critically examine the complexities of development from an interdisciplinary perspective. The programme comprised a mix of theoretical and practical educational activities that enhanced my understanding… Continue reading China’s Rural Revitalisation Shows That Sustainable Development Grows From Local Agency, Strong Institutions and Thoughtful Policy — Not From External Assistance
China’s Counties on Track for High-Quality Development Rooted in Local Conditions
County economies form a distinctive, integrated regional economic structure. Their growth is shaped by specific social and historical conditions, and it influences many aspects of wider economic and social development. In China’s modernisation process, they have always played a vital role. The 2024 Central Economic Work Conference placed strong emphasis on vigorously developing county economies. … Continue reading China’s Counties on Track for High-Quality Development Rooted in Local Conditions
South Africa is Deliberately Being De-Industrialised: What Must Be Done?
In the heart of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where the hum of factories once promised progress and prosperity, silence now reigns. On August 16, 2025, Goodyear announced the closure of its tyre manufacturing plant in Gqeberha, condemning over 900 workers to unemployment in a province already staggering under a 49% jobless rate. This is no… Continue reading South Africa is Deliberately Being De-Industrialised: What Must Be Done?
China Played an Imperishable Role in the Victory of the World Anti-Fascist War
The preamble of the United Nations Charter, adopted after World War II, noted the determination of the peoples of the world “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind.” Given the scale of devastation, human suffering, and loss of life, it is appropriate… Continue reading China Played an Imperishable Role in the Victory of the World Anti-Fascist War
From Influence to Exploitation: Why South Africa Must Tackle the Dark Side of Social Media Marketing
In today’s world, influence is a form of currency. Young people often trust social media influencers more than traditional advertising or even official government communication. They see them as relatable, aspirational and authentic. This trust has turned influencer marketing into one of the most powerful tools of persuasion in the modern era. But when influence… Continue reading From Influence to Exploitation: Why South Africa Must Tackle the Dark Side of Social Media Marketing
The Constitutional Court has Ruled that Men may Legally Adopt their Wives’ Surnames: What’s in a Name?
In a landmark ruling that champions equality, the Constitutional Court has declared that men may legally adopt their wives’ surnames. This decision, which strikes down archaic and discriminatory provisions of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, is rightly celebrated as a victory for human dignity and a blow to patriarchal norms. But to fully appreciate… Continue reading The Constitutional Court has Ruled that Men may Legally Adopt their Wives’ Surnames: What’s in a Name?
The Global South is Finding its Voice, and China is Providing the Framework for that Voice
Events in the first few days of September have confirmed what was already in motion. A new rhythm in world affairs is emerging. In Tianjin, a metropolis in north China, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. In Beijing, China’s capital, President Xi reviewed troops… Continue reading The Global South is Finding its Voice, and China is Providing the Framework for that Voice