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The elephant and lion meet in the white jungle house
Opinion

The elephant and lion meet in the white jungle house

FG Tsibani and T Ngcetane-Vika: President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation meeting Donald Trump at the Oval Office (Image: The Presidency) The article ultimately envisions a transformative shift in global geopolitics and economic models, where the traditional reliance on propaganda and aggression is supplanted by a new paradigm of all-inclusive, productive engagement. This visionary approach seeks to foster a global environment where nations and stakeholders engage in collaborative, mutually beneficial relationships, prioritising cooperation, empathy, and understanding. By doing so, the article aims to promote a more harmonious, prosperous, and peaceful world, where the interests of all nations and peoples are respected and valued. Through the jungle analogy, the article...
NEW COLONISATION: The Trump-led right-wing collaboration against South Africa carries a recolonisation agenda
Opinion

NEW COLONISATION: The Trump-led right-wing collaboration against South Africa carries a recolonisation agenda

By Mnyamezeli Booi and George Tsibani Comrades enjoying the occasional rite of eating Intloko yegusha while debating issues, hosted by Booi As we see it, the US, as a leader of NATO, and the Global North royal monarchies view South Africa as a strategic gateway to recolonise Africa. This perspective is rooted in South Africa's complex history of colonialism and ‘colonialism of a special type’, which has created a unique dynamic where colonisers and the colonised coexist in the same country, yet with starkly contrasting living conditions and class contradictions. Historical materialism reveals that unexpected alliances facilitated the ANC's rise to power. At the same time, Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher supported the apartheid regime, refusing to impose sanctions and inste...
DAMON BATISTE INTERVIEW: Exploring the intersection of the arts and activism
Opinion

DAMON BATISTE INTERVIEW: Exploring the intersection of the arts and activism

By Cathay Yenana – Media Specialist /Broadcaster/Business Owner In an age where voices are often drowned out amidst the clamour of indifference, art emerges as a powerful beacon of hope and resistance. It transcends mere aesthetics, becoming a vital conduit for expression and change. This intersection of art and activism serves as a canvas where the vibrancy of creativity meets the urgency of social justice, shedding light on pressing issues and fostering empathy in a fractured world. In this edition of Candid Reflections, I converse with New Orleanian Damon Batiste, from the Royal Family of Jazz in New Orleans, a cultural activist, musician and founder of the New Orleans South African Connection (NOSACONN). Batiste’s work has been instrumental in fostering cultural exchange and ...
CELEBRATE DIFFERENCE: Embracing diversity through music therapy in Autism Acceptance
Opinion

CELEBRATE DIFFERENCE: Embracing diversity through music therapy in Autism Acceptance

By Cathay Yenana - Media Specialist /Broadcaster/Business Owner As we approach Autism Acceptance Month, April 2025 this week, a time dedicated to advocating for and embracing the unique characteristics of individuals on the autism spectrum, the theme ‘Celebrate Differences’ resonates profoundly within the fabric of our society.In my journey as a social activist in the arts and a broadcast/entertainment specialist, I have witnessed the transformative power of music therapy in the lives of children living with autism. This piece aims to shed light on how music therapy not only enhances the quality of life for these children but also fosters a culture of acceptance and celebration of differences. Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a compl...
NOBODIES: Has the power relations picture changed as is allied intents and purposes?
Opinion

NOBODIES: Has the power relations picture changed as is allied intents and purposes?

As South Africa marks Human Rights Day, March 21 in remembrance of the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960, the question stands: has the power relations picture changed? Margaret Thatcher said there were a lot of nobodies in the UK who are somebodies in SA. Applying sanctions would increase the number of nobodies in the UK. Thatcher’s rationale for opposing sanctions. A nobody in the UK, a British citizen angry with the Monarchy Phil Craig, is here in South Africa demonstrating audacity to advocate for the independence of the Western Cape from the rest of the Republic of South Africa. Craig is white. Anyone black, from South Africa, doing the same in the UK, is beyond imagination. Margate Thatcher's US counterpart and former actor Ronald Reagan dressed his opposition to sanctions with a p...
OPINION: MK soldiers who perished in Mpumalanga combat remembered
Opinion

OPINION: MK soldiers who perished in Mpumalanga combat remembered

By Harold Lekhuleni Harold Lekhuleni, senior member of the Oral History Association of South Africa and History Subject Advisor of Bohlabela District, Mpumalanga Department of Education This month marks the 40th anniversary of the skirmish that took place between one of the gallant Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) cadre, Frank Thabane and the apartheid South African Police (SAP). It was on 19 March 1985 at around 12h00 when a police contingent flooded the house of Thabo Chiloane at Bafaladi Village in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, where Thabane was harboured. When the apartheid police arrived in the house, they instructed all the occupants to come out and they complied except Thabane who clearly understood that the mission of the police was to capture ...
OPINION: Trump’s challenges mount as BRICS gains ground and China’s influence grows in Africa
Opinion

OPINION: Trump’s challenges mount as BRICS gains ground and China’s influence grows in Africa

By Thobile Jiwulane The US-China information and communication technology ‘cold war’ will intensify under Donald Trump. However, the president may be cautious about imposing tech sanctions against other countries, fearing that China could exploit the situation. Beijing's technological advancements have kept Washington on high alert for quite some time. It’s a challenge that US President, Donald Trump knows would be difficult to overcome, just as the trade war has proven to be a significant struggle for him. Without a doubt, China’s rapid growth in technological innovation concerns Trump more than it has any other U.S. president in history. His decision to ban Huawei and other technologies from entering the U.S. market to protect local products was a part of this strategy. Despite ...
Tributes Pour in for Lebo M’s Mother
Opinion

Tributes Pour in for Lebo M’s Mother

By Sitha Maliwa In a heartfelt announcement that has touched many, internationally acclaimed composer, performer, and Grammy Award-winning producer, Lebohang Morake, better known as Lebo M, has lost his beloved mother, Magogo Nomvula Grissel Morake. The news, shared by his management on Friday, revealed that she passed away peacefully after a serene night, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience. Known for his significant contribution to Disney’s iconic production of The Lion King, Lebo M has always highlighted the influence of his family, particularly his mother, on his artistic journey. The statement released by his team emphasised her role as a "true matriarch" who served as a pillar of strength and wisdom in her family and community. “Magogo Morake passed away peacef...
Let us reclaim our communities and make tangible difference
Opinion

Let us reclaim our communities and make tangible difference

In the past few years, many of us have witnessed a troubling trend - politicians making decisions that feel increasingly out of touch with the realities of our daily lives. As infrastructures crumble and our local services wane, it is clear that the time has come for us to reclaim the reins of power from leaders who have lost sight of their communities. We find ourselves at a critical juncture where the need for change has never been more pressing. Crumbling roads, lack of public services and neglected public buildings and public spaces are just symptoms of a larger problem: a disconnection between elected officials and their constituents. Politicians too often seem to prioritise their own corrupt interests, leaving the very people they represent to fend for themselves. This ...