Opinion Archives

22Oct

By News SANo Comments

Opinion

We need to reject recolonisation

By Fumene George Tsibani: In my considered opinion, the trajectory of South Africa's political landscape appears to be undergoing a profound transformation, warranting scrutiny through the lens of historical materialism and critical discourse analysis. The contention that we are witnessing the unfolding of Apartheid Phase II, characterised by the Democratic Alliance's (DA) consolidation of power through modernisation theory rooted in neoliberalism, merits examination. Hegemony, Guptarisaton and Re-Bantusation Drawing upon the Gramscian concept of hegemony, it can be argued that the DA is attempting to exercise cultural and ideological leadership through its control of media and propaganda machinery. This is manifest in the creation of f...

OUR PRIDE: We need to take pride in our home languages

20Sep

By News SANo Comments

Opinion

OUR PRIDE: We need to take pride in our home languages

By Harold Lekhuleni: A close-up shot of the realistic flag of South Africa with interesting textures Language is a medium through which ideas and thoughts are created. We express our views and opinions through our languages. Since September is our Heritage Month, we need to dedicate and recommit ourselves, especially as Africans, in developing our home languages. The decolonisation of the mind will not have been achieved until Africans learn through the medium of their language, even up to the institution of higher learning. Already, the South African Constitution recognizes our home languages and urges the state to take practical and positive measures to elevate their status and also to advance their usage. It is unfortunate that the perception held by many South A...

How the Northern Cape is rewriting South Africa’s employment story

16Sep

By News SANo Comments

Opinion

How the Northern Cape is rewriting South Africa’s employment story

By Zandisile Luphahla: Image (Michael Lebakeng) The Author argues that a groundbreaking education program is transforming temporary work into permanent empowerment and other provinces should take note. When Premier Dr. Zamani Saul launched the Northern Cape's Expanded Public Works’ Second Chance Matric Program in Upington on September 5, targeting more than 600 students across five districts, he wasn't just announcing another government initiative. He was unveiling a blueprint that could revolutionize how South Africa approaches unemployment and skills development. A practical solution The numbers tell a compelling story: What began as a modest pilot program initiated by the Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Mme Fufe Makatong, on the 6th of Sep...

REGIME CHANGE: The proliferation of fashionable political parties is nothing but a regime change plot

11Sep

By News SANo Comments

Opinion

REGIME CHANGE: The proliferation of fashionable political parties is nothing but a regime change plot

By Fumene George Tsibani: Limkile magwala ndini! It is hardly surprising that the proliferation of black fashionable political parties in South Africa has become a poignant reminder of the erstwhile homeland system, rooted in the reprehensible ideology of swart gevaar. This system necessitated modernisation to maintain the status quo, ensuring the preservation of a dual economy and social Darwinism. The first becomers The Global North funders have astutely observed that many black South Africans are enamoured with the notion of being the "first" to achieve a particular milestone. This phenomenon is evident in various aspects of life, including claims of being the first black person to reside in a white suburb post-1995, the first black engineer, medical prof...

SACP lost both PUK number and Black Box in terms of the Global South political landscape

8Sep

By News SANo Comments

Opinion

SACP lost both PUK number and Black Box in terms of the Global South political landscape

By Fumene George Tsibani: The South African Communist Party's (SACP) decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently has sparked intense debate. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has strongly criticized this move, labeling it a "monumental disaster" that threatens the unity of the liberation movement. Mbalula argues that the SACP's decision is ideologically flawed and politically dangerous, as it will fracture the historic tripartite alliance between the ANC, SACP, and COSATU. The SACP has lost not just the PIN number but also the PUK number. It must look for the black box not from Global North but rather from Global South. The Global South has our revolutionary friends who have both the PUK number and Black Box for our incom...

THE PERILS AND PITFALLS OF THE MOMENT: A Clarion Call for Leadership

14Aug

By News SANo Comments

Opinion

THE PERILS AND PITFALLS OF THE MOMENT: A Clarion Call for Leadership

By Fundile D. Gade and Fumane G. Tsibani: As South Africa stands at the cusp of a new era, we are compelled to ask: what will it take for our nation to rise anew? What visionary leadership, what innovative policies, and what collective efforts will be required to transform our nation into a beacon of hope, justice, and prosperity for all? The journey ahead will require a fundamental rebirth, rethinking, and reimagining of our nation's future, driven by a shared commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity. As we navigate the complexities of our revolutionary journey, we are reminded of the profound wisdom that "the dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present”. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasio...

NATIONAL DIALOGUE: Did you know that National Dialogue is for Presidency?

14Aug

By News SANo Comments

Opinion

NATIONAL DIALOGUE: Did you know that National Dialogue is for Presidency?

By Fumene G. Tsibani: President Cyril Ramaphosa, joined by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Cabinet ministers, hosts the inaugural meeting of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. ( Image: X/GCIS (File) I am personally aware that the National Dialogue in South Africa is led by the Presidency, as mandated by Section 83(c) of the South African Constitution. This emphasizes the President's role in promoting national unity and cohesion through inclusive and people-driven dialogue. As I reflect on the significance of national dialogue in South Africa, it is essential to recognize the President's pivotal role in leading this process, as mandated by Section 83(c) of the South African Constitution. The President's leadership is crucial...

THE PUBLIC HEALTH RISK WE’RE IGNORING: Medical xenophobia

25Jul

By News SANo Comments

Opinion

THE PUBLIC HEALTH RISK WE’RE IGNORING: Medical xenophobia

By Zenoyise John: (Image: Sandz) When a virus knocks at your door, it won’t ask for your ID. Let’s be honest: there is fear in our hospitals. Fear of overcrowding, fear of under-resourcing, fear that there's not enough for “our own.” But what happens when that fear leads us to make decisions that put everyone - citizen and migrant alike = in danger? When a sick foreigner is chased away from a clinic, some may feel justified. But let’s pause. What if that patient had tuberculosis? What if they had a contagious strain of meningitis? What if they had Ebola? When they are denied access to care, they don’t disappear = the danger simply shifts location, quietly multiplying among the very communities we claim to be protecting. South Africa has always carried itsel...

CROWN HIM: In the land of the vanishing fathers, Premier Mabuyane stood tall

18Jul

By News SANo Comments

Opinion

CROWN HIM: In the land of the vanishing fathers, Premier Mabuyane stood tall

By Zenoyise John: Caption:Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane walks away from the ibhoma, the sacred initiation hut, moments after ensuring his son's safe return - a rare display of presence, protection, and cultural pride in a time when many fathers are painfully absent (Image: Facebook) Let me be clear from the outset: I hold no brief for Premier Oscar Mabuyane. I am not a fan of his politics, nor do I admire his leadership record. But today, I set that aside - because some acts transcend politics. When Mabuyane took leave from his official duties to be present for his sons’ traditional initiation, he did more than fulfil a cultural obligation. He led - not from a podium, but from within his family. In a country buckling under the weight of absent fathers, h...

JUSTICE, NOT HASTE: Why President Ramaphosa’s response upholds constitutional integrity

15Jul

By News SANo Comments

Opinion

JUSTICE, NOT HASTE: Why President Ramaphosa’s response upholds constitutional integrity

By Dr Fumene George Tsibani: President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa (Image: Facebook) A credible process was announced by the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa. In the absence of prima facie evidence, it is imperative that we uphold the principles of justice and fairness, as enshrined in our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The allegations and accusations levelled against Minister Senzo Edward Mchunu, whilst troubling, do not in and of themselves constitute sufficient grounds for his suspension, but rather warrant a placement on special leave, as announced by the President. In the interests of justice and fairness, it is essential that we adhere to the presumption of innocence, a fundamental tenet of our legal system...