Patronage
latest news & developmentsWicknell Chivayo’s gifts: The price of political influence
Following reports of Wicknell Chivayo's death, an incisive analysis explores the political meaning of his conspicuous philanthropy and the complex web of patronage, public…
Why the allure of the ‘Rwanda Model’ is misplaced
Dropping democracy for aspirant autocrats who will put everything in order with a big stick might not be all it’s cracked up to be
Two city managers, one municipality: Why reforms are urgent
As a recent court case in Nelson Mandela Bay shows, the city management appointment process should be purely administrative and stripped of politics
Meet Norman Chisale, Malawi’s richest bodyguard
Norman Chisale, the former Malawian president’s security chief, is struggling to account for his enormous wealth.
Editorial: Arrests expose the rot in the ANC
The ANC has used its power to create networks of patronage. And this means going after corruption will cost the party financially
Rid the infrastructure spend of patronage in the post-Covid-19 reconstruction
This can be done by making the project’s 30% of the budget for local broad-based black economic empowerment a separate budget to break the feedback loop that greases the wheels…
Reining in the public protector
As well as its scathing findings on Mkhwebane’s investigation into Ramaphosa, the high court also made important in-principle pronouncements
How to refresh SA’s jaded democracy
We should look to the Philippines, where barangays, or neighbourhood governments, help to empower communities
Three Ps against progress
The level of outrage at wrongdoing should be weighted by harm done to the vulnerable. Instead, the Ombud seems more sensitive to harmed privilege
Economic exclusion feeds the politics of patronage in South Africa
President Jacob Zuma is part of a faction which embraces patronage politics writes Steven Friedman
Amnesty ‘not the answer’ for Zexit
Indemnifying Zuma from prosecution is unlikely to pass legal muster, experts say.
Editorial: Eskom hand-out gets red card
Parastatals are not primarily seen as development drivers or even as providers of services answerable to citizens, but as a source of patronage.
ANC donors should expect nothing in return, says Mkhize
Those who make a private donation to the ANC should not expect anything in return, newly-elected treasurer general Zweli Mkhize has said.