South Africa: Village thinking at a national level

We can cherish our cultural identities, but we can't let politicians exploit small-scale cultural values, writes Chris Mann.

Viva to the SA pencil-pushing angels who simply do their jobs

Chris Mann wonders whether it is elitist to cherish a burning desire to see the great South African dream come true.

Quo vadis university education?

Graduations took place all over the country last month. Flashbulbs popped on stages as chancellors conferred degrees on the bowed heads of thousands.

Universal leap of faith

Chris Mann explores the connection between poetic vision, science and religious belief.

Breaking the silence

I write to register my outrage as a citizen, an African and an artist at the worsening repression in Zimbabwe. The arrest of journalists, the shutting down of the independent press and the violent intimidation of the judiciary and opposition make a sham of the government's claim to be legitimate.