Local Campaign Trail 2024

A Case for Stronger Chapter 9 Institutions

Before Thuli Madonsela, the Office of the Public Protector (PP) was largely seen as a toothless appointment if it was seen at all. As with other standard Chapter Nine institutions, it might take on an underdog’s case, occasionally a government department, perhaps even oversee a class action lawsuit but mostly it tended to keep a …

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The Cabinet is Happy but the People Wonder…

In 1994, when Madiba was cobbling together a government of national unity (GNU) , his position was unenviable. No matter which way he played it, it was clear he could not please everybody. Through his reconciliatory offensive he was able to allay white fears around the trepidation of a swaartgevaar that supposedly wanted to grab …

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GNU or Coalitions? Therein Lies the Rub.

First thing that crept into this writer’s mind at the resurrection of ‘government of national unity’ (GNU) were the televised images of Rooivalk helicopters hovering eerily over Lesotho on the orders of the late Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Those of a certain age will remember the dramatic scenes with a sense of mild dread. Shenge, serving in …

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‘Ramaphosa is a Criminal;’ Malema Speaks in Colesberg.

Even without the bourgeoisie elevated Michael Jackson platform Julius Malema clearly nurses a fetish for theatrics. Why else would he go all out even in remote enclaves like Colesberg to put on the sort of showboating that brings an entire town to a virtual standstill? Maybe that’s because even though he’s mostly labelled as a …

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On the Local Campaign Trail: The ANC Speaks

When asking after one Siyabulela Phololo in Colesberg you are likely to be met with blank stares. That’s because here the podgy, diminutive ANC Sub-Regional Chairperson is universally known as Shuta – the short one – and whatever his deficiencies in centimetres, he is relied upon to compensate for in an accessible, humorous personality. His …

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On the Local Campaign Trail, an Interview with DA’s Johan Matthee

In this the first installment of an ongoing (hopefully) series on the May elections, we sit down with the Democratic Alliance’s councillor Johan Matthee at Umsobomvu Municipality. We hope that other parties will jump on board and make their voices heard. The Johan Matthee who upped and left Joburg some two decades ago was a …

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