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Tag: NELSON MANDELA

Synergistic Revolutionary Attributes: Lessons from Revolutionary Leadership of Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela
Opinion

Synergistic Revolutionary Attributes: Lessons from Revolutionary Leadership of Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela

By Dr. Zamani Saul: This video clip recounts the thrilling moment of the 1991 ANC 48th National Conference, the first conference after the unbanning of the ANC. Depicted in the video clip is the leadership triad of Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela. This triad constituted one of the most durable collective synergies in the history of liberation politics. Their partnership, sustained across more than fifty years, was forged in the radical politics of the 1944 ANC Youth League driven by a shared ideological imperative of "freedom in our lifetime". That imperative was not merely rhetorical. It was the organising logic through which the ANC was re-engineered, radicalised, and transformed from a deputations-based and elitist politic...
THE SOUND OF FREEDOM: South African icons unite for historic London concert
Culture

THE SOUND OF FREEDOM: South African icons unite for historic London concert

By Sitha Maliwa:  South Africa's rich cultural heritage, powerful musical legacy and enduring spirit of unity will command the world's attention on 18 July 2026 when Trafalgar Square in London is transformed into a spectacular celebration of Nelson Mandela Day. In a landmark event commemorating Nelson Mandela Day and the 30th anniversary of South Africa's Constitution, some of the country's most celebrated artists will perform on one of the world's most recognised public stages. Headlining the concert are Sjava, Jesse Clegg, Msaki, Sun El Musician, Thakzin and the legendary Sipho Mchunu, with additional artists expected to be announced in the coming weeks. More than a concert, the event is a powerful celebration of South Afr...
China’s ready to share its high-level opening up, opportunities and dividends with the world and South Africa in particular, says Consul-General
Opinion

China’s ready to share its high-level opening up, opportunities and dividends with the world and South Africa in particular, says Consul-General

By Thobile Jiwulane: Chinese Consul-General in Johannesburg, Pan Qingjiang, at Wits University. (Image: Supplied by the Consular-General) China's Consul General in Johannesburg, Pan Qingjiang, says China is committed to expanding high-level opening-up, and providing new opportunities to and sharing more dividends with the world, including South Africa, through its new development.   Delivering a speech at a seminar titled the "Reflections Seminar:  The Journey of Discovery in China” held at Wits University on April 15, 2026, Pan said China adopts a people-centred approach in dealing with its external relations. China will continue to strive together with South Africa to translate our close relationship and pragmatic cooperation into more tangible and real benefits to o...
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s departure, when the time comes, could complicate succession in the ANC and the State
Opinion

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s departure, when the time comes, could complicate succession in the ANC and the State

By Thobile Jiwulane: President Cyril Ramaphosa's succession election may be complex (Image: MyANC Facebook page) As South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) confronts an existential crisis, doubts loom over whether the once-dominant ruling party can retain relevance in the upcoming local government elections.  Once celebrated as a liberation movement under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, the ANC now faces predictions of eventual national defeat after its dismal performance in the May 2024 general election. The year-end municipal polls are widely seen as a decisive test—a barometer that will signal either the party’s recovery or its impending demise. At the weekend, the ANC’s top leadership convened a Lekgotla—a high-level caucus to chart strategy for th...
From Liberation to Neoliberalism: Why Workers Must Develop a Class Analysis (1995–2025)
Opinion

From Liberation to Neoliberalism: Why Workers Must Develop a Class Analysis (1995–2025)

By Zwelinzima Vavi: Saftu banner (Image: https://saftu.org.za) Introduction: Why Class Consciousness Matters Workers are constantly told that South Africa’s crisis is about personalities, factions, or “bad implementation.” This narrative is designed to confuse, divide, and depoliticise the working class. In reality, what we face is the outcome of a 30-year class project — a deliberate shift away from the Freedom Charter and towards neoliberal capitalism. To build real power, workers must understand when, how, and why this shift happened — and whose interests it served. 1. The First Turning Point: 1995 and Privatisation In November 1995, the African National Congress, under Nelson Mandela, adopted privatisation as “a fundamental policy of the ANC.” Th...
WALKING IN MADIBA’S FOOTSTEPS: Thousands to honour Nelson Mandela in Annual Remembrance Run
Lifestyle

WALKING IN MADIBA’S FOOTSTEPS: Thousands to honour Nelson Mandela in Annual Remembrance Run

By Sitha Maliwa: Twelve years after the passing of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, South Africans will once again lace up their running shoes and take to the streets of Tshwane - not merely to race, but to remember. The Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run (MRWR) returns on Sunday, 7 December 2025, a powerful annual tribute to the global icon whose footsteps continue to guide a nation’s conscience. Hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) and the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR), the event unites athletes, families, and dreamers under one banner  -to honour Madiba’s towering legacy of justice, equality, and unity. The race begins and ends at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the very seat of the democracy Mandela helped forge. P...
REGIME CHANGE: The proliferation of fashionable political parties is nothing but a regime change plot
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...
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: Mamabolo opens a new party, calls it Mandela for President
Politics

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: Mamabolo opens a new party, calls it Mandela for President

By Becker Semela: Fed up former African National Congress (ANC) Member of Parliament, Boy Mamabolo, has shocked many South Africans by opening his own political party, which he named Mandela for President. The Limpopo-based young politician made the announcement during an interview on Lesedi FM's current affairs show on Wednesday. Mamabolo, who has been vocal about his frustrations with the current government leadership, said the party's name is meant to remind South Africans of the true values that Nelson Mandela stood for. “I chose the name Mandela for President to reclaim the legacy that has been damaged by the current ANC leadership. The late President Nelson Mandela built a democratic South Africa with love, peace and unity. I want to bring that spirit back,” M...
JUSTICE, NOT HASTE: Why President Ramaphosa’s response upholds constitutional integrity
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...
WALKING THROUGH  HISTORY: 702 marks 45 years with iconic community event
Lifestyle

WALKING THROUGH  HISTORY: 702 marks 45 years with iconic community event

By Zenoyise John:  The beloved 702 Walk the Talk is making a powerful comeback this year, and it promises to be more meaningful than ever. Scheduled for Sunday, 27 July 2025, this year’s edition not only marks the return of one of Gauteng’s most iconic community events - it also commemorates a remarkable milestone: 702’s 45th anniversary. The walk is being hosted in partnership with Freedom Park in the City of Tshwane and is set to begin at the historic Freedom Park site, with participants ending their journey at the newly upgraded Southern Lawns of the Union Buildings. This symbolic route reflects South Africa’s heritage, progress, and the spirit of unity the event has come to represent over the years. Walkers can choose between three distances: A ...