Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
Union BuildingsIn the news

Portraits of Power celebrates women who changed the course of history

The 'Portraits of Power' exhibition has officially opened at the historic Union Buildings in Pretoria, honouring women who have made significant contributions globally. Hosted by…

The crowd at the Union Buildings on August 9 1956. About 20 000 women marched to Pretoria to protest against passes for black women.

The unfinished march: Why women's empowerment remains South Africa's greatest infrastructure challenge

The 1956 Women's March against apartheid pass laws was a pivotal moment for South African women. Decades later, the fight for true gender equality and economic inclusion remains…

Author: South African-Canadian novelist and playwright, Kagiso Lesego Molope. Photos: Supplied

Kagiso Lesego Molope wants us to remember what we inherit

South African-Canadian novelist Kagiso Lesego Molope's latest work, 'We Inherit the Fire', delves into the devastating impact of apartheid on families and black women, exploring…

The unfinished fight for South Africa's young women

Seventy years after the historic Women's March, South Africa reflects on progress while confronting the ongoing challenges faced by young women today, from healthcare access and…

Adila Hassim

The women holding power to account

As South Africa celebrates Women's Day, discover the influential women leading the Madlanga commission of inquiry, investigating political interference, corruption, and organised…

Migration tests SA's standing in Africa

The diplomatic fallout from South Africa’s migration tensions escalated this week after The Presidency accused Ghana of helping to drive a campaign portraying Pretoria as…

A 1990 file image of former president Nelson Mandela.

Madiba a role model to emulate

Nearly 13 years after his death, Nelson Mandela remains the benchmark for servant leadership. This article explores the challenges faced by subsequent South African leaders in…

The country that forgot its own lesson: Xenophobia, memory and the pass book that never quite left

A powerful analysis of South Africa's deepening xenophobia, drawing parallels between current anti-migrant movements and the country's apartheid past. It explores how economic…

Hostility: South Africa is broken ... but it must not become brutal, if we want renewal, we must confront systems, not strangers.

A broken home looking for a villain to blame

As many marched to demand the removal of undocumented migrants from South Africa, the message was clear: migrants must go. But this article argues that the anger is misdirected,…

Subject of discussion: Ghana MPs call for continental action against xenophobic violence in South Africa. Photo: Parliament of Ghana

Tension at home; citizens quizzed

Growing criticism across Africa questions South Africa's handling of migration, with countries like the Republic of Congo and Malawi initiating repatriation. The backlash is…

Leadership: South African voters must move beyond personality-driven politics and adopt a more disciplined, evidence-based approach. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

How can South African voters avoid electing a Trump-like leader?

Drawing parallels with Donald Trump's presidency, this article explores the potential emergence of a similar leader in South Africa and outlines critical steps citizens can take…

File Photo

Our women are crying out but government pretends not to hear

South African mothers, like Jacinta Zuma-Ngobese, are pleading for action against undocumented migrants involved in drug dealing and trafficking, speaking for millions whose…

Education for liberation, dignity and empowerment: A call to action

This article reflects on three significant anniversaries: 70 years since the women's march against pass laws, 50 years since the 1976 Soweto uprising, and 30 years of South…