Democracy
latest news & developments
Ramaphosa warns newsroom losses weaken democracy
Speaking at a Black Wednesday event, President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that newsroom job losses, digital disruption, and community media closures threaten democratic accountability.
Uganda at 64: Between confusion, fear, hope and back again
As Uganda marks 64 years of independence, the nation faces democratic backsliding, heightened political repression, and deep uncertainty over succession amidst the early…
The quality of voters will decide the 2026 Local Government Elections
As local government elections approach, the spotlight must shift from mayoral candidates and party lists to the voters themselves, whose demand for meritocracy will ultimately…
When crime starts calling the shots
Elections and constitutional structures can remain intact even as organised crime quietly infiltrates institutions. Insights from Colombia and South Africa reveal the growing…
From hope to fear: A tale of Zambia's democracy in contrast with other States
An analysis of Zambia's democratic trajectory following the 2026 elections, contrasting its civic space and challenges with governance trends across Africa.
Lessons from Peru and SA for the Global South
As Peru and South Africa prepare for subnational elections, their shared governance challenges highlight the delicate balance between subnational autonomy, state capacity, and…
Building a human rights agenda fit for 21st-century realities
As aid cuts threaten essential healthcare and disillusionment grows, Africa faces a vital opportunity to renew and reimagine a human rights agenda fit for 21st-century realities.
Zimbabwe: When the grave digs itself
Zimbabwe's proposed Constitution Amendment Bill No 3 extends presidential terms and criminalises communication with foreign entities, threatening the core of the country's…
Judge the election, not the winner
Treating incumbent victories with automatic suspicion and opposition wins as proof of fairness is flawed. African elections must be judged on process and evidence, not just the…
How Zambia lost the plot: Inside a troubled election
An expert analysis delves into Zambia's 2026 election, highlighting a troubling weakening of institutional safeguards. The article raises legitimate questions about procedural…
Legacy Foundations Impact
As South Africa's political landscape faces challenges from declining party leadership and a lack of evidence-based policy, legacy political foundations are emerging as critical…
Has South Africa lived up to Walter Sisulu's vision?
The second annual Walter Sisulu Memorial Lecture, delivered by former President Kgalema Motlanthe, reflected on whether South Africa's democracy truly embodies the values of…
Active citizenry is not xenophobia
The South African Constitution champions a government based on the will of the people, expressed through citizen participation in elections. However, recent protests against…
The Republic of the Replica
Our US correspondent recounts a chaotic 250th birthday celebration in Washington D.C., where a quest to see the Declaration of Independence and attend the national parade turned…
Minding the language gap: Why ordinary citizens are thrown under the train
The Botmaskop dispute in Stellenbosch reveals a significant gap between what authorities intend, what they write, and what the public can reasonably understand. This article…