Thought Leader
Zambia’s poisoned children have waited long enough for justice. Africa needs to act
Decades of toxic lead waste in Kabwe, Zambia, continue to endanger generations of children, prompting a landmark complaint before the African Union’s child rights committee…
A Nobel for the poor people’s lawyer
The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to South African jurist Navi Pillay recognises a lifetime dedicated to human rights, international justice, and championing the rule of law.
Africa must own the future of food
Producing more food at any cost cannot sustain Africa. Transforming food systems demands a shift toward animal welfare, environmental resilience, and empowering smallholder…
To end hunger, think beyond the tech
On World Food Day, experts argue that true innovation to end hunger goes beyond new technology. By supporting small-scale agroecological farmers, local procurement, and community…
Digitising national identity is not the solution you think it is
Across Africa, digital identity systems are championed as remedies for public sector inefficiency. However, outsourcing biometric enrolment to private players risks reinforcing…
Why elections prove to be a Faustian pact more than anything
Despite regular municipal elections since 2000, South Africa's local government remains plagued by poor service delivery and financial paralysis, prompting questions about the…
Condemn the person, shield the ideology
Following viral racist outbursts in Norwood over Palestinian flags, Ebrahim Fakir argues that treating these incidents as isolated anomalies conveniently protects the political…
Ramifications of an ANC electoral decline
A potential drop in ANC support during the 2026 local government elections could fundamentally shift the balance of power within the Government of National Unity, elevating the…
Zoning wars: When rules lose the plot
Lengthy zoning battles in Sandton and Sea Point highlight systemic planning delays, disputed development conditions, and growing questions over municipal enforcement.
Psychology congress to tackle GBVF
As outrage over femicide mounts, the Psychological Society of South Africa convenes in Ekurhuleni to explore evidence-based, psychological approaches to ending gender-based…
The classroom is an ecosystem, not a one-person job
As South Africa faces rising educator resignations and high rates of burnout, building collaborative support networks and mentorship programmes is crucial to keeping teachers in…
Social media, success and self-worth: How comparison may affect our mental health
As World Mental Health Day approaches, research highlights how social media comparisons impact self-worth and well-being, showing that how we interpret curated online lives…
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…
Sol Plaatje: The tragic cost of serving his people
An examination of Dr Modiri Molema’s 1965 biography of Solomon Plaatje reveals the personal sacrifice, financial distress and heartbreak behind the intellectual and political…
Private words, public consequences: The SCA on hate speech and privacy
The Supreme Court of Appeal has delivered a precedent-setting judgment clarifying that private communications between business associates can constitute hate speech and…
Tribute to the late South African music icon Babsy Mlangeni
A heartfelt tribute to the late South African music icon Bernard 'Babsy' Mlangeni, whose timeless melodies like 'Iphupho Lami' gave voice to hope, dignity, and liberation.
OR Tambo land is ready for take-off
With air travel rebounding and cargo demand surging, ACSA is revisiting major development plans around OR Tambo International Airport, creating fresh commercial opportunities for…
The dangerous business of online jobs
As fraudulent overseas recruitment leads jobseekers into human trafficking and scam compounds, digital platforms and labour laws must evolve to trace and verify paid employment…
Older persons, social grants and the politics of election promises
Politicians are promising to double the Older Persons Grant, but higher payouts alone cannot fix South Africa's deep-rooted elder care crisis without investment in community care…
When good deeds go unrewarded
A reflection on the life, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of PAC Underground struggle stalwart Bra Mike Sello Matsobane, exploring how African philosophy honours unsung heroes.