The City of Tshwane’s Approval of Special Leave for Ukuthwasa Represents a Significant Employment Law Shift in the Recognition of African Spirituality

PROGRESSIVE: The City of Tshwane has approved a policy that provides special leave for employees who need to undergo 'ukuthwasa'. The authors argue that this is a positive and progressive development as it aligns with Constitutional values, recognising African customary law and indigenous practices. Photo: ActionSA

Recently, the City of Tshwane has approved a policy that provides special leave for employees who need to undergo ukuthwasa. This is a significant approval in South Africa, especially from a government institution. The announcement is a positive and progressive development from the employment law’s perspective. It also aligns with the Constitution’s values, recognising African… Continue reading The City of Tshwane’s Approval of Special Leave for Ukuthwasa Represents a Significant Employment Law Shift in the Recognition of African Spirituality

Preserve, Don’t Destroy: Rethinking the Future of the Swazi Monarchy and African Traditional Governance

The recurring political tension in Eswatini, the informal alliances between former heads of state in the region, and the swelling debate around monarchy versus democracy are not isolated events. They signal a much deeper crisis—one of identity, governance, and historical reckoning. The case of King Mswati III and the Swazi monarchy offers us a rare… Continue reading Preserve, Don’t Destroy: Rethinking the Future of the Swazi Monarchy and African Traditional Governance

When a Nation Forgets its Heroes, it Forgets Itself

I recently journeyed with Comrade Cascar — that fierce son of Thokoza, who fought on the frontlines against Inkatha’s brutal attacks in defence of Ekurhuleni’s people — to the Heroes Acre in Diepkloof, Soweto. There, nestled between the bustle of township life, lies the memorial site dedicated to the Silverton Trio and the fallen heroes… Continue reading When a Nation Forgets its Heroes, it Forgets Itself

African countries can learn a lot from China in their quest for modernisation

A ship loaded with cranes from China arrives at Kribi Deep Seaport, Kribi, Cameroon, on 12 September 2024 (XINHUA)

For China, modernisation is a journey of hardship and perseverance. In modern times, the Chinese people tried to adopt modernisation formulas from the West, but none worked. Through its own efforts, China has modernised under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. It has transformed from an impoverished and backward nation into the world’s… Continue reading African countries can learn a lot from China in their quest for modernisation

Defending Governance: A Generational Appeal for Rational Leadership in the Age of Reactionary Noise

The recent decision by the Minister of Finance, Comrade Enoch Godongwana, to retract the proposed VAT increase has triggered a whirlwind of commentary—from within the African National Congress (ANC) itself, and predictably, from the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and other reactionary actors now fishing in judicial waters. While we await the… Continue reading Defending Governance: A Generational Appeal for Rational Leadership in the Age of Reactionary Noise

Black People are Divided and Segmented Now more than Ever Before and Focus on what Divides them than what Unites them: Who has Bewitched us?

On the 11th of March 2025, at the funeral of Dr Gomolemo Mokae, Tim Modise, a veteran journalist, broadcaster, public speaker and philanthropist, asked a classical biblical question from the letter to Galatians 3:1-14 asking: “Re loilwe kemang?” (who has bewitched us) The preacher of the day, Bishop Sidwell Mokgothu, of the Methodist Church of… Continue reading Black People are Divided and Segmented Now more than Ever Before and Focus on what Divides them than what Unites them: Who has Bewitched us?

The Constitutional Amendment Debate in Zambia: A Nation at a Crossroads

STRUGGLE: Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema meets members of the UPND at Lusaka on 18 December 2024. The author notes that Zambia’s constitutional journey has been far from smooth, with the nation grappling with numerous revisions since the end of one-party rule in 1991—most notably in 2003, 2011, and 2016. Photo: X/Hichilema

On March 8, 2025, as Zambia celebrated Women’s Day in Kasama, Northern province, Zambia, President Hakainde Hichilema dropped a political bombshell: the nation’s constitution, he declared, would be amended before the 2026 general elections. Four days later, addressing youth day commemorations in Mongu, Western Province, Zambia, he doubled down, promising changes to the constitution to… Continue reading The Constitutional Amendment Debate in Zambia: A Nation at a Crossroads

Zuma Knew Exactly What He Was Doing When He Brought Floyd Shivambu into the MKP

When President Jacob Zuma brought former EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu into the MK Party in August 2024, it wasn’t a gamble — it was a calculated masterstroke. This wasn’t just about gaining a high-profile figure. It was about strengthening the movement with someone who understands the language of power, policy, and planning. His ability… Continue reading Zuma Knew Exactly What He Was Doing When He Brought Floyd Shivambu into the MKP

Trump’s return to the White House spells trouble for Africa

US President Donald Trump shows to the audience an executive order he had signed in Washington D.C. on 20 January. (Xinhua)

During his second White House term, Trump’s governing style remains characteristically assertive, launching a full-scale offensive from day one. Domestically, he’s pushing for sweeping government reforms. On the international stage, he’s swiftly announcing withdrawals from numerous international organisations and aggressively deploying foreign policy moves, seeking to reshape the landscape of American influence globally.  So, what does Trump’s return mean for Africa? Despite his stated policy goal of maintaining American… Continue reading Trump’s return to the White House spells trouble for Africa

As Western countries, especially the US, look inward, China is advancing global cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping and foreign leaders arrive to attend the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Since the start of its “going global” strategy in March 2000, China has pursued a more open approach to cooperation, backed by the aspiration for shared prosperity. Needless to say, this has not been without resistance. Indeed, there has been a wave of anxiety-driven economic policies in the West, particularly in the US. In contrast,… Continue reading As Western countries, especially the US, look inward, China is advancing global cooperation

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