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ANC

Mashatile honours Mosiuoa Lekota as a giant who carried the torch of freedom

Known for speaking truth to power, Lekota’s contributions to democracy, education and social development have left an indelible mark on South Africa’s journey toward equality and…

  • Sheree Bega
7 min read
ANTI APARTHEID STRUGGLE

Mourners gather in Bloemfontein to honour struggle veteran Mosiuoa Lekota

Political leaders and mourners gather in Bloemfontein to honour Mosiuoa Lekota, remembered for fierce convictions, humility, and a lifelong commitment to ordinary South Africans

  • Lesego Chepape
2 min read
Jobrg Mayor Dada Morero speaking. A memorial service is underway in Soweto for late politician and struggle stalwart, Mosiuoa Lekota. The 77-year-old anti-apartheid activist died last week after a long illness. In the years before his passing, Lekota served as the leader of the Congress Of The People (COPE), a party he helped form after breaking away from the African National Congress (ANC). Photo Delwyn Verasamy
ANC

Morero jokes about no-confidence motions at Mosiuoa Lekota memorial

Joburg mayor humorously urged UDF leader Bantu Holomisa to stop his party’s councillor from filing motions of no confidence against him. Morero also honoured Lekota’s…

  • Lunga Mzangwe
4 min read
Mosiuoa ‘Terror’ Lekota, who died at the age of 77. Photo: David Harrison
ANC

SA mourns Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota

The Congress of the People co-founder was lauded for his principled positions ‘even in the face of criticism and humiliation’ and for being outspoken against corruption

  • Lunga Mzangwe
3 min read
COPE co-founder Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota has died at age 77.
ANC

Cope leader Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota dies at age 77

Lekota died in the early hours of Wednesday after a long illness, surrounded by his family, a spokesperson said

  • Lunga Mzangwe
1 min read
The formation of the United Democratic Front was ‘the most important and truly organisational expression of popular resistance in South Africa in the 1980s’. Photo: Eli Weinberg/Robben Island Mayibuye Archive
APARTHEID

Let’s draw lessons from people’s power on 40th anniversary of State of Emergency

The planned National Dialogue should aim to achieve a resurgence of people’s power so evident in the 1980s resistance to apartheid

  • Tshepo Madlingozi
8 min read
Students protest against apartheid in 1976. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
APARTHEID

Lessons from South Africa’s past for a future of collective empowerment

Education’s role in fostering critical consciousness and political engagement has been side-lined in favour of a narrow focus on individual success and economic competitiveness

  • Vashna Jagarnath
6 min read
Objections: Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan has cried oul over ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula’s threats to give him the boot. (Gulshan Khana/AFP)
AHMED KATHRADA FOUNDATION

Trevor Manuel: Pravin Gordhan bowed out with courage

The former finance minister recalled Gordhan’s role in mobilising broad-based protest against apartheid and state capture

  • Emsie Ferreira
4 min read
Former public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan.
ACTIVISTS

Pravin Gordhan set the benchmark for public service and dedication to the cause

Not everyone liked the late former public enterprises minister, but everyone respected him

  • Ravi Pillay
3 min read
Pravin Gordhan. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
ACTIVISTS

Pravin Gordhan, former public enterprises minister and lifelong political activist, dies

Gordhan passed away after what his family said was a short battle with cancer

  • Paddy Harper
2 min read
APARTHEID

TIME TO ACT

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the United Democratic Front

  • Emilia Potenza
5 min read
Youth attend the UDF 40-year anniversary celebrations. (Photo: Yunus Chamda)
DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA

Rekindling democracy: UDF’s resurgence and the quest for an active citizenry

The UDF’s re-emergence stems from a deep-seated concern about the erosion of the values and principles that were its lifeblood

  • Popo Molefe
5 min read
The experience of the mobilisation and organisation attained during the UDF’s existence has in it critical lessons that are relevant today for application in mitigating the debilitating disempowerment felt by communities.
DEMOCRACY

Reviving the spirit of unity and hope: A call for an active citizenry in South Africa

Let us fight against despondency, retain our hope and exercise our democratic right to vote

  • Special Reports
6 min read
UDF

Reviving the spirit of unity and hope: A call for an active citizenry in South Africa

The fight against despondency and a quest for hope

  • Special Reports
6 min read
Blazing A Trail by Lincoln Mali (supplied)
ACTIVIST

Writer tells a lot, shows little

Activist-turned-banker Lincoln Mali’s memoir Blazing a Trail is well intentioned but sadly it misses the mark in many ways

  • Rithuli Orleyn
7 min read