UN RESOLUTION 2797 CAUSES ANC TO RETHINK STRATEGY FOR WESTERN SAHARA
In a frank conversation with renowned political analyst, Prof Sipho Seepe, he offers some interesting food for thought for the ANC on the party’s foreign policy stance regarding Western Sahara. “The ANC should not confuse sovereignty with self-determination. Nations have been able to create self-determining regions within one sovereign state,” he says, before adding: “Canada, […]
THE VISIBLE COUNCIL, GUIDED BY THE INVISIBLE
For three days and two nights, tucked away in the quiet embrace of a farm, I sat with men who have lived more than half a century of South Africa’s unspoken histories. It was less a gathering than a council. Visible in our laughter, debate, and storytelling, yet guided always by an invisible hand of […]
“ABSURD FOR ANYONE IN ANC TO EQUATE SACP’S ELECTION CONTESTATION TO THE MKP – A PARTY FOUNDED ON ETHNIC MOBILIZATION AND CHAUVINISM” – SAMBATHA
A few days ago, I read with distraught an article in one of the country’s leading newspapers titled: “Consider the implications’: ANC officials warn SACP against contesting elections”. The opening sequence of the article goes further proclaiming the following: “The ANC’s national officials have warned the SACP it could suffer the same fate as former […]
THE STRUGGLE AND THE SPIRIT WORLD: ANCESTORS APPARITIONS, AND THE AFTERLIFE OF RESISTANCE
Beyond the Physical Battle While the liberation struggle in South Africa is often narrated through guns, chants, marches, and negotiations, another dimension operated in tandem, one largely unspoken, sometimes mocked, and yet profoundly real to many who participated. The spiritual dimension. The realm of ancestors. The invisible world of rituals, dreams, and prophecies. For many, […]
JUNE 16, 1976: THE DAY THE CHILDREN ROARED
“History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.” Each year, as June 16 approaches, our nation stirs with memory, pain, and a yearning to understand. The date, etched in blood and fire, is more than a memorial. It is a mirror—of what was, what is, and what still must […]
ZAMA-ZAMAS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE
An exploration of memory, myth, and the posthumous mining of liberation credentials Gold from the Grave These days, it seems that to die in South Africa is to finally receive your liberation stripes. A friend sent me a link to a social media tribute the other day. The dearly departed was someone we had all […]
MINISTER LAMOLA MOUNRS MA SHOPE AND SAYS DIRCO WILL CONTINUE ASSOCIATION
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, joins the country in mourning the passing of anti-apartheid veteran Gertrude Shope, who passed away on 22 May 2025 aged 99. Shope lived an extra-ordinary life as a teacher, trade unionist, chief representative of the ANC, President of the ANC Women’s League and Member of […]
THE DAY THE STRUGGLE WENT CORPORATE
There was no drumroll. No grand announcement. No whisper even. But it happened — quietly, suddenly, and irrevocably. Somewhere between the last exile’s return and the first BEE deal signed, the South African liberation struggle changed outfits. It swapped khaki fatigues and wood-handled AKs for navy-blue suits, Montblanc pens, and private equity portfolios. That day, […]
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE LATE COL DANIEL “TOUCH” KGWETE
This is my final salute to an officer and a gentleman, a dear friend, comrade and colleague. The Early Days A Freedom Fighter, a Journalist, a Legal Mind and an Air Force Officer, Maokeng Daniel Kgwete (best known as Zetkin ‘Touch’ Nokwe in uMkhonto weSizwe [MK]), passed away on 29 April 2025 after a short […]
STATEMENT FROM THE CHRIS HANI FAMILY
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the government, the South African Communist Party, the African National Congress and other Alliance partners, our traditional leaders and the people of the Eastern Cape and South Africa at large for their unwavering support during the 32nd annual commemoration of Chris Hani, held in Cofimvaba, Chris Hani District, on […]
DEPUTY PRESIDENT MASHATILE TO LEAD 32ND CHRIS HANI COMMEMORATION
As part of his delegated responsibility to foster social cohesion and champion nation building initiatives across South Africa, Deputy President Paulus Mashatile will on Thursday, 10 April 2025, lead the 32nd Commemoration of the late liberation struggle icon and freedom fighter, Chris Thembisile Hani, taking place at the Chris Hani Memorial Site, Sabalele Village, Cofimvaba […]
DR GOMOLEMO MOKAE TO BE IMMORTALISED BY FREEDOM PARK
The name of Dr Gomolemo Mokae, slain Black Consciousness leader, will be immortalized for generations to come. The announcement was made during the memorial service held at Freedom Park in Pretoria. Console Tleane, a top official at Freedom Park who addressed the dignified service in honour of the “People’s Doctor”, said Dr Mokae’s name has […]