Writing Worth Reading
Writing Worth Reading
"In the new South Africa that was reborn in the early 1990s, with its freedom hard-won from apartheid, we now have the imminent threat of updated versions of the suppression of freedom of expression that gagged us under apartheid"
South Africa is the source of 40% of all the gold ever mined. But those who dug it out are paying with their health. At a rate of 500 people a week, they're signing up for a class action lawsuit against the mining firms
Superb, succinct critique of South Africa's governing party, this week celebrating centenary of its birth. Lavishly, and at expense of South African taxpayers. Party of Mandela and anti-apartheid struggle looks inglorious now
"If anyone was well positioned to launch a political personality cult it was Mr Mandela. His refusal to do so is probably his greatest legacy to his homeland. It set S Africa on a course different from most other African nations"
As Europe wrestles with debt crises, austerity budgets, rising unemployment and social turmoil, sub-Saharan Africa enjoys economic growth, capital inflows. "Even Lagos has never witnessed looting on the scale of London"
Interview with Moeletsi Mbeki on the future of South Africa. "The ANC is run by the nouveau riche. For them, consumption today is the priority. The ANC is the party of those who want to own big cars, big houses, holiday in France"
Tremendously well-crafted, well-informed piece of writing, paying tribute to political skills and intelligence of former South African president. To focus on his (admirable) spirit of forgiveness is to underestimate the man hugely
Israel was main weapons supplier to apartheid-era South Africa, helped nuclear programme, tried to turn US against Mandela. All documented in new book, "Unspoken Alliance", by Sasha Polakow-Suransky
Obituary of South African white extremist leader. Violent, crude racist who undermined his own cause. "Had he been less of a buffoon, South Africa’s road to democracy might have been bloodier"
Image from Wikimedia Commons
A personal journey to the heart of one of South Africa's most dangerous neighbourhoods
