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President Cyril Ramaphosa with late former deputy president David Mabuza.(Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
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Mabuza’s Russian jaunts and the slippery consequences of medical tourism

For more than five years the deputy president has remained steadfast in his right to travel abroad to receive medical treatment

The US once again has something  Africa wants: competent leaders

Africa must use its best minds to negotiate a mutually beneficial economic relationship

US-Africa policy can be reset under Biden

A lack of nuanced, in-depth analysis has in the past led to policy blunders – with disastrous consequences

Photo: Stephen Morrison/Africa Practice

Hungry for change: An open letter to African governments

The pandemic has provided humanity with a taste of a future at the limits of existence, as well as an appetite for change

Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara (C), smiles and greets supporters as he arrives for a rally at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium, in Abidjan, on October 22, 2016 ahead of a referendum on the adoption of a new constitution that changes contentious rules on presidential eligibility.

Yes, Cote D’Ivoire’s president is running for a third term. But this time it’s different

COMMENT: A senior Ivorian government official argues that President Alassane Ouattara is within his rights to run again

Despite mounting allegations of human rights abuse, Museveni has a close ally in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
A police officer beats a female orange vendor on a street in Kampala, Uganda, on March 26, 2020, after  Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni directed the public to stay home for 32 days starting March 22, 2020 to curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Badru Katumba / AFP)

The time to act is now: A letter to African leaders about the Covid-19 crisis

The dearth of political will and the extractive practices of external actors can no longer be used as an excuse for inaction. We no longer have a choice; we need a radical change…

The Zondo commission has filed an urgent Constitutional Court application for an order compelling former president Jacob Zuma to testify before it and forged an argument as to why the matter falls within the court’s exclusive jurisdiction. (Wikus de Wet/Pool/Reuters)

Moral leadership is essential for curbing corruption

The term ‘corruption’ is a convenient scapegoat that leaders deploy to mask their moral failings. Instead, they should re-evaluate their personal ethics

Although there are several state-sponsored initiatives aimed at creating work opportunities, these initiatives tend to miss many young people who are isolated as a result of vulnerabilities and social exclusion.

To silence Africa’s guns, empower its youth

It may be impossible to end the cycle of conflict in various countries on the continent without creating jobs for young people

Omar al-Bashir’s 30-year dictatorship came to an end after long-running protests by Sudanese demanding democracy.

Africa’s  ‘dinosaurs’ are dying out

Countries in political transition have very little time in which to deliver socioeconomic and political change

What might an African language of governance sound and look like?

At front and centre need to be the insights, knowledge and expertise of Southern scholarship on Africa.

Namibia’s leader wins Mo Ibrahim African leadership prize

The outgoing president is only the fourth winner of the $5-million annual prize, which recognises African leaders who have developed their countries.

Blaise Compaore’s former chief-of-staff declared announced a night-time curfew across the west African state

Until death do us part from power

Obama may struggle to persuade African leaders to step down timeously at leadership summit.

Women ­demonstrate for the release of several political prisoners

The Hague ‘targets Africa’

Leaders push for ‘local’ solutions to prevent the judicial system from preying on the weak. "All the statistics show only Africa is targeted."

Lonmin chief executive Ben Magara. (Gallo)

No Mo Ibrahim good leadership prize for Africa, again

Percy Zvomuya loses a little more hope in Africa’s leaders, and looks at Lonmin’s Ben Magara and his recent chocolate stint as inspiration.

The people vs their leaders

The Organisation of African Unity and its successor, the African Union, have developed a habit over the past five decades.

The bridesmaid of Timbuktu

The griots adjusted their robes and began some leg stretches in anticipation of the tremendous leaps they would soon be performing.

African money for African excellence

Last month the second Mo Ibrahim award went to ex-Botswanan president Festus Mogae. Robert Watkinson quizzed Ibrahim on the prize.

Beyond the machine gun

The question should not be whether Zuma is good for Nigeria, but rather, whether a president Zuma can afford to call the bluff of the Nigerian govt.

Africa ‘evolving in correct direction’

There is a strong level of understanding among African leaders on the need for stable democratic systems, President Thabo Mbeki said on Friday.