The IEC has confirmed that South Africa has 340 parties registered provincially and nationally and thus eligible to participate in the 2024 elections. 1 Not all will actually take part, but South Africa is the country in Africa with the highest number of political parties. It is thus arguably the most competitive country in Africa, election-wise. BP 592 With Regard to […]
Election fever has been ratcheted up several notches over the past few weeks, as one by one various political parties have launched their election manifestos. Some commentators, such as radio’s Tshidi Madia, now speak of the potentially high impact of ‘stadiumology’,1 referring to the nexus between filling stadia, providing lavish entertainment, enhancing the cult of the leader, and generally associating the contents of […]
A total of 115 political parties (14 of these are already represented in parliament) and 11 independent candidates will be contesting the elections on 29 May. Voters are spoilt for choice but this comes with a challenge: how do they choose? Manifestos may be a way to help voters to make informed decisions. Whether you call them ‘blueprints’, […]
On 29th May South Africans will vote in what is increasingly being regarded as the most significant national and provincial elections since the first democratic vote in 1994. By definition, all truly free and fair elections are important – they are the key means whereby the people choose who will govern on their behalf – but there are various reasons for assessing […]
There is a growing consciousness about disability and the rights of people with disability (PWD). This awareness arises from critical engagement with models of disability that have shaped the formulation and implementation of policy on PWD in our society, and in other Southern African countries.1 BP 588 New Approaches to Disability in Southern Africa by Tanyaradzwa Gwenhure Final
Ever since he made his debut on radio in 1933, and later on the silver screen, the Lone Ranger would typically mysteriously arrive just when he was needed to overcome whatever evil prevailed. He would then depart, leaving behind only his calling card – a silver bullet. The silver bullet has become entrenched in folklore as the only […]
It is widely acknowledged that South Africa has one of the highest rates of sexual crime in the world. Over 35% of children face sexual abuse, with an increasing concern about child-on-child sexual abuse.2 Childline South Africa estimates that 43% of all cases of sexual assault reported to them have been committed by other children under the age of 18. In South […]
The resignation of the Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, after being charged with corruption and money-laundering, means that senior leadership in all three arms of government have had to step down on the grounds of serious allegations of misconduct. Response – Fixing the Speaker by Mike Pothier
The Department of Home Affairs is seeking to set aside the High Court’s ruling overturning the Minister’s decision to end the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits. The DHA says that the Court overemphasised the rights of children in its judgement. It holds that the rights of children do not trump all other fundamental rights. Refugee Digest 83 – Migrants, Refugees […]
International Women’s Day is held annually on the 8th March, during Women’s History Month, and is a focal point in the women’s rights movement. Women’s Day was marked for the first time in March 1911 – and the date was fixed as 8th March in 1913. The United Nations celebrated it for the first time in 1975 and […]
