Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian

State Of The Nation 2020

latest news & developments
(Ryan Gray/Reuters)

Covid-19: An opportunity to reform the educational landscape

Policymakers and pundits, however, must ensure novel solutions do not exacerbate the inequalities of the South African education system

We have no blueprint for how to create an African NHI that addresses the injustices of the past. But this also gives us an incredible opportunity to lead. (Paul Botes/M&G)

The NHI could provide a dose of social justice for South Africa

But to do so, it will have to provide genuine universal access to marginalised communities, including refugees and migrants

Luminous characters: Where Light Shines Through tells the story of remarkable teachers like Freddy Marubini. (Illustration: Lungile Mbelle/Artist Proof Studio)

Can-do people achieve despite the odds

Our final freedom is the choice we make in our attitude to difficult circumstances — as the stories of 16 exceptional teachers show

AI is not a side issue; it is an economic governance challenge that will determine who captures value, who holds power, and whose interests technology ultimately serves for decades to come. (Science Photo Library/ Sergi Laremenko)

South Africa must have a stake in artificial intelligence technology

The country needs an institute that will be a conduit for AI knowledge to industry, society and government

(John McCann/M&G)

Preparing graduates for the workplace

Imbuing students with entrepreneurial thinking can also provide value to the larger economy

On the coal face: Eskom’s maintenance has fallen by the wayside under political pressure.  Plant breakdowns and coal supply problems put the grid under strain and necessitate load-shedding. (Paul Botes/M&G)

Dear EFF, it’s time for radical renewable transformation

The party’s vision for Eskom seems to be one designed to benefit vested interests rather than the greater good

It seems that politicians aren’t paying attention to the floods, fires and droughts spinning our world out of control.

Floods in Ireland: A postcard from the edge of the climate crisis

It seems that politicians aren’t paying attention to the floods, fires and droughts spinning our world out of control

(John McCann/M&G)

Basic literacy: reading comes before coding

Teaching coding in primary school could increase inequality if other skills are not prioritised

‘We’re satisfied with SA’s land reform policy’— US Ambassador

Top US official is lobbying multinational firms to invest in South Africa

DA’s Moodey joins leadership race

The head of the Democratic Alliance in Gauteng says he wants to take his experience to the national level

File photo by Paul Botes/M&G

Get TVET colleges to work first before investing in new campuses

There has been an effort by the state to expand the TVET college sector. But the reality is that the systems at many of these colleges are simply not working

Destruction: Train carriages at Cape Town Station were set alight in November last year. As of January this year there are reportedly only 32 train sets operating out of the 88 required.  (Rodger Bosch/AFP)

Cape Town commuters still derailed

Cape Town’s largest passenger rail line has been closed for months, hitting people’s pockets and adding to road traffic congestion in the city

(Mail & Guardian)

Editorial: Dealing with the sins of yesteryear

Life moves at a heady pace in South Africa and with it the march of history. In dealing with the sins of yesterday we must realise that we have to also deal with the sins of…

President Cyril Ramaphosa. (Reuters/Mike Hutchings)

Ramaphosa makes peace with Malema over gender-based violence comments

In his Sona response, the president apologised for the weaponising of gender-based violence, saying the attack on the red beret leader was “uncalled for”

(John McCann/M&G)

Be bold, Cyril, even if it’s politically risky

He must end the Mantashe problem and execute his strategy rather than keep the ANC onside