Creator
Roger Southall
Roger Southall is an Emeritus Professor in Sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand.
A tale of two statesmen: Smuts, Mandela and the making of South Africa
An examination of how Jan Smuts and Nelson Mandela navigated the challenges of their eras
Queen Elizabeth – the monarch who had to adjust from Empire to Commonwealth
The late British monarch played a low-key role in helping to keep the commonwealth together through many disputes about race
A referendum on electoral reform is not a silver bullet
After 28 years of democracy, South Africa is having to reform its political party-based electoral system to make it fairer
Motlanthe predicts the end of the ANC – history is on his side
South African politics is in a state of flux which must necessarily result in a realignment of political forces
Repression in Zimbabwe exposes South Africa’s weakness
The pattern is now well established: crisis, intervention, promises by the Zanu-PF regime to behave, and then relapse after a decent interval to the sort of behaviour that…
Events in Lesotho point to poor prospects for political stability
Since the demand for resources far outmatches the patronage available, Lesotho’s political arena has become brutally competitive
Party’s woes signify historical dilemma of South Africa’s liberals
The Democratic Alliance’s problems can be traced back to the politicisation of race, which has persisted even after the dawn of democracy in 1994
Electoral systems need urgent reform. South Africa is no exception
The current crisis in British politics is significant for countries like South Africa where a change in electoral systems is needed
Can the centre hold, or will South Africa get its own Bolsonaro?
Polls indicate that voters are unlikely to abandon the African National Congress
The law can change racist minds
Unexpressed racism may be even more dangerous if it’s left lurking below the surface
Ramaphosa has started the clean up job. But can he turn the state around?
Cyril Ramaphosa has done well so far but more challenges relating to reigniting the economy lie ahead.
I’m alright, Jack — I’ve got a borehole
‘The approach of Day Zero has put Capetonians into panic mode and suburbia is getting distinctly nervous’
Zuma’s reluctance to leave office is offering sound lessons in democracy
President Jacob Zuma’s resistance to vacate the top job may be a blessing in disguise as it will stress test the country’s political systems.
Ramaphosa should end the presidential merry-go-round
Ramaphosa should do more than simply ensure that he replaces Zuma immediately.
South Africa needs electoral reform, but president’s powers need watching
Changing the system to allow for direct election would require SA to look carefully at how a directly elected president should be held accountable.