Articles
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Apartheid developed in south Africa along with vicious repression of the non-white population. During most of this time it was supported by western countries and at times the situation of the black majority seemed hopeless. However, apartheid was defeated by the struggles of the South African people and international pressure and campaigns for boycotts and sanctions. This offers hope to the Palestinians today that they can achieve freedom and justice.
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Whilst Jacob Zuma was a problem he was not the only issue facing South Africa and the African National Congress. His departure has offered hope of change, but there are more deep-seated problems which need to be tackled. Despite advances, there has been corruption and growing inequality within South Africa. Opportunists have joined the ANC for personal advancement. Too often the needs of capital have come first. The ANC itself has produced critiques of these problems, but tackling them will be a major challenge.
Friday, March 23, 2018
The PR company, Bell Pottinger, collapsed after it was revealed that it orchestrated a campaign in South Africa designed to inflame racial hatred and divert attention from allegations of "state capture" against the Gupta family. This is the end of a long line of political interventions made by the company and its founder to promote reactionary policies. These include running Tory election campaigns, advising the government and the National Coal Board during the Miners Strike, working on FW de Klerk's election campaign, campaigning to halt the fraud investigation into the Al-Yamamah arms deal and producing propaganda for the US in Iraq.
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Obituary of the outstanding South African Poet who fought for the liberation of his country from apartheid. He was a major figure in African-American culture and played an important role in post-apartheid South Africa.
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Poems by the South African poet Keorapetse "Willie" Kgotsitsile: For Hugh Masekala, Anguish Longer than Sorrow and No Serenity Here.
Friday, March 16, 2018
An appeal has been established to honour the life and achievements of Nelson Mandela in the 100th anniversary year of his birth. It will be erected in Glasgow the first city to make him a Freeman while he was still imprisoned and sparking a worldwide campaign by Mayors to support his release. The appeal is supported by prominent Freemen, such as Kenny Dalglish and Sir Billy Connolly and was launched by fellow Freeman, Sir Alex Ferguson, along with Brian Filling, honorary consul for South Africa and Eva Bolander, Lord Provost of Glasgow. Other Patrons are Professor Denis Goldberg and Andrew Mlangeni both Rivonia trialists along with Mandela and both serving lengthy sentences.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Amid widespread allegations of corruption, Jacob Zuma is defying calls for him to resign as President of the ANC and State President. This and similar problems affecting other levels of the movement are having a negative impact on ANC support and its credibility. What can be done to address this crisis?