Thought Leader

Budget 2026: Between reform and reality

South Africa has been given a narrow window to turn the ship around. Whether this Budget becomes a footnote or a foundation depends on what happens next — in Cabinet, in the SOEs, in municipalities and in the daily grind of governance

Elections and power in the digital age

Elections and power in the digital age

These prosecutions mark a rising pattern: as elections approach across Africa, the distance between digital civic space and state power grows

Africa, don’t let Russia use you

Africa, don’t let Russia use you

Seeing Africans fight and die for this insane comeback of imperialism in its cruelest, boldest form is wrong on many levels

All African roads lead to Beijing

All African roads lead to Beijing

The same European governments that warn Africa about Chinese influence privately acknowledge that disengagement from China is neither realistic nor desirable

Seeking to profit from privatising prisons misses the point 

Seeking to profit from privatising prisons misses the point 

The only evidence Muller presents that “Prisons abroad are being run efficiently and humanely with much clearer accountability” are the examples of the GEO company and the unrelated privatisation of cemeteries. Let us be clear about GEO – it is an example of what we do not want our prisons to become

South Africa at a crossroads – minerals and mobility

South Africa at a crossroads – minerals and mobility

Can South Africa leverage its mineral wealth and manufacturing expertise to secure a meaningful position in Africa’s mobility revolution? The answer requires an honest assessment of our strengths, our limitations and the strategic role the country can realistically play. South Africa’s manufacturing strengths: A world-class foundation South Africa boasts the most advanced automotive industry in […]