Few recent historical figures in South Africa provoke more divergent views than Frederik Willem (FW) de Klerk. He was president of the country from 1989 to 1994.
Democracy
Politics and Society South Africa: None of the Above wins local elections
None of the Above is arguably the winner of South Africa’s 2021 local election.
Politics and Society Zambians vote for economic reform
The election result was less about Hichilema’s popularity and more an expression of frustration with Lungu’s economic management.
Politics and Society Kenyan judges stop president’s reforms as attempt to ‘dismember’ the constitution
The purpose of a constitutional dismemberment is to unmake and remake the constitution.
Politics and Society Why Edgar Lungu and his party lost Zambia’s 2021 elections
Zambia’s new president will have to balance austerity and the high expectations of the many unemployed young people and struggling people who voted for him.
Politics and Society US bases in Africa and the future of African unity
The military presence of the United States in Africa is strategic and enduring. It ensures a fragmented continent, easily pliable to the West’s interests and a convenient site for the ‘new Cold War’.
Politics and Society Chaos in South Africa points to failures in the project to build a democracy
After 1994 efforts were made to embed democracy. The focus was on policy and institution-building. What was missing was ensuring all South Africans were on board.
Politics and Society Historic moment as Constitutional Court finds Zuma guilty and sentences him to jail
South Africa has many problems. But, as Jacob Zuma has found out, the strength of its rule of law and the independence of its judiciary should not be underestimated.
Politics and Society Can Samia Suluhu Hassan make a clean break from Magufuli?
Tanzania’s new president seems to be steering the country back towards democracy, but consolidating power won’t be easy.