Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
Robert MugabeIn the news
SOUTHERN AFRICA

South Africa’s SADC’s moment

As South Africa prepares to host the 46th SADC Summit in Durban, the article reflects on the state of democracy in the region and SADC's challenges in upholding its commitments.…

  • Stephen Buchanan-Clarke
7 min read
Unauthorised meeting: The duke and duchess of Windsor visiting Hitler projected a dangerous dual authority by undermining the British government’s position on Germany. Foreign adversaries sought to exploit this. Photo: The Heartfield Community of Heirs/VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2020
FOREIGN POLICY

Dangerous game of parallel diplomacy

South Africa faces systemic weaknesses when non-state actors engage in parallel diplomacy, undermining official foreign policy and risking national security and global influence.…

  • Lubabalo Cengani
7 min read
Former president Thabo Mbeki.
SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICS

Thabo Mbeki: The retired firefighter who arrives at the scene of his own fires

There is a trend, uniquely South African, with retired politicians. Unlike retired teachers, retired engineers or retired surgeons, they never seem to retire. They merely…

  • Reverend Lionel Jean Michel
5 min read
Constitutional amendments: The changes will make it easier for the ruling party to hold onto power and elect the candidate it wants as president. Photo: Parliament of Zimbabwe
ZIMBABWE POLITICS

Zimbabwe’s constitutional debates: Lessons from Mugabe, Nkomo and Tsvangirai

Zimbabwe is once again grappling with how leaders gain, maintain, and transfer power. Proposed constitutional amendments by the ruling Zanu-PF party aim to extend presidential…

  • Tinashe Harry
5 min read