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Mail & Guardian
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Impoverished communities have a complicated relationship with political engagement, which is vital for their survival. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
AFRICAN POLITICS

The politics of the belly: Why poverty fuels, not suppresses, political engagement

Impoverished communities have a complicated relationship with political engagement, which is vital for their survival

  • Nyasha Mcbride Mpani
7 min read
Storm waters cascade off the mountain above Kalk Bay in Cape Town, South Africa, on Thursday, July 11, 2024. Cape Town, South Africa’s tourism hub, and the surrounding Western Cape province have been battered by torrential rains, howling winds and bush fires that caused extensive damage to buildings, roads and other infrastructure. (Photo by Dwayne Senior/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
ANC VOTER LOSS

A pivotal moment for South Africa: Energy crisis, climate action and inclusive governance

As young activists, we urge our government to take bold and decisive action to address the pressing issues of energy poverty and environmental justice

  • Lisa Makaula
4 min read
By fostering a sense of ownership and encouraging continuous, diverse forms of participation, we can provoke a new way of thinking about democratic engagement. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
ACCOUNTABILITY IN POLITICS

Participation beyond the ballot box is essential for democracy in South Africa

Despite consultations, public hearings, and government gazettes, efforts to foster meaningful engagement beyond elections remain inadequate

  • Patrick Kulati
7 min read
What comes after: During the 1994 elections, Nelson Mandela reminded the electorate that voting was merely the first step in building a democracy. (Paul Botes/M&G)
PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY

How to reverse the death of democracy

Public participation has become farcical in our tick-the-box democracy. We need to reverse this

  • Tessa Dooms
8 min read
Waiting: People queue in Alexandra, Johannesburg, to get grants from the South African Social Security Agency. The pandemic has caused offices to close when Covid-19 cases are found. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G) (Photo by Gallo Images/Roger Sedres)
AUDITOR GENERAL

A partnership between citizens and the state is needed to manage the pandemic

Covid-19 has taught us that we need an effective local government, a preventative and curative health system, evidence-based policing, a politically neutral public service and…

  • Paul Kariuki
4 min read
The killings of two council workers at the Amathole district municipality appear to be linked to tender fraud and corruption. (Paul Botes/M&G)
CITIZENS

Covid-19 pandemic offers municipalities rare opportunity to restore trust

Local government and councillors have largely failed to deliver services and on their mandate because of a lack of will to do their jobs, corruption and a shortage of people with…

  • Harlan Cloete
5 min read
The landscape of technology-driven elections is fast mutating. With the current deficits, there is a need for adequate digital skills if Africa is to be recognised for effective handling of elections.
2019 ELECTIONS

The democratic process of voting was wearing thin before lockdown

The number of adults who didn’t vote in the 2019 elections reflects citizens’ disenchantment with their representatives. Perhaps Covid-19 presents government with the chance to…

  • Mikhail Moosa
7 min read