Jacob Zuma, a prominent South African politician, held the presidency from 2009 to 2018. Throughout his political journey, Zuma's trajectory has been a blend of achievements and controversies, rendering him a polarizing figure within South African politics. His legacy is a subject of ongoing debate, as supporters commend his role in the anti-apartheid movement, while critics emphasize the scandals and legal challenges that overshadowed his tenure as president.
Eskom sacrificed for other social needs and ideological hang-ups
/ 22 January 2023

Eskom sacrificed for other social needs and ideological hang-ups

The government was advised by Eskom executives to invest in infrastructure to replace old power plants and to meet increased demand

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From ATM to Zuma: A court calendar full of political conundrums
/ 6 January 2023

From ATM to Zuma: A court calendar full of political conundrums

From a bid to overturn parliament’s rejection of the Ngcobo report to Jacob Zuma’s appeal to stay out of prison, political actors will fill the courts

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The ANC’s antics of adolescence
/ 18 December 2022

The ANC’s antics of adolescence

Lobbying at the party’s conference is akin to the top seven township playground game

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Phala Phala vs. Digital Vibes: As the voting kicks off, its anybody’s ANC presidency
/ 18 December 2022

Phala Phala vs. Digital Vibes: As the voting kicks off, its anybody’s ANC presidency

Zweli Mkhize has closed the gap between himself and Cyril Ramaphosa in the days leading up to the leadership vote

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Has the Phala Phala debacle helped Mantashe ingratiate himself in Ramaphosa camp
/ 18 December 2022

Has the Phala Phala debacle helped Mantashe ingratiate himself in Ramaphosa camp

The minerals and energy minister could be the de facto prime minister of Cyril Ramaphosa after aiding the president through turbulent times

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Ramaphosa sends legal warning to Zuma
/ 17 December 2022

Ramaphosa sends legal warning to Zuma

The president has termed his predecessor’s bid to institute a private prosecution against him as a direct attempt to derail his re-election as ANC leader

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Ramaphosa hits back at detractors at ANC conference
/ 16 December 2022

Ramaphosa hits back at detractors at ANC conference

Ramaphosa delivers his political report despite heckling by supporters of his predecessor Jacob Zuma

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Cyril Ramaphosa faces ‘ring-fenced’ second term
/ 15 December 2022

Cyril Ramaphosa faces ‘ring-fenced’ second term

The president is likely to head an NEC made up of people who
back Paul Mashatile

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Walus, Zuma: Judges are not intimidated
/ 9 December 2022

Walus, Zuma: Judges are not intimidated

The courts must be commended for upholding the law, but the Ngcobo report brings a new challenge

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Editorial: Danger in toeing the party line
/ 9 December 2022

Editorial: Danger in toeing the party line

How different are those who will toe the party line on Tuesday to reject the section 89 panel’s report to those who rejected the firepool report and many others? And what do they stand to gain from protecting Ramaphosa?

Economic policy a sideshow to ANC spectacle
/ 7 December 2022

Economic policy a sideshow to ANC spectacle

Investors will watch President Cyril Ramaphosa’s political fate closely, but the best outcome for the rest of us is that the factional battle exposes the ANC’s policy ambivalence

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Two reports urge reform of JSC
/ 2 December 2022

Two reports urge reform of JSC

There should be fewer MPs on the commission to limit political interference in judicial appointment, Freedom Under Law and the Helen Suzman Foundation argue

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Cyril’s loyalty lies with the ANC, not South Africa
/ 2 December 2022

Cyril’s loyalty lies with the ANC, not South Africa

In this edited extract from his new book, ‘Leadership for Transformation Since the Dawn of South Africa’s Democracy: An Insider’s View’, Malegapuru Makgoba focuses on the fifth president, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa

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