Alex Eliseev discusses the extent of violent protests Continue reading
Category Archives: Jacob Zuma
Raymond Suttner, Are developments in NUMSA moving towards an emancipatory project?
Gareth van Onselen, Ramphele’s ego lands on the DA
Raymond Suttner, Realignments in South African politics
Raymond Suttner interview on current situation with Creamer Media’s Polity
General council of the bar slams government for silence over homophobic steps on the continent
State action used to threaten those who may not give Zuma warm reception in Eastern Cape
Note how police are present and those who are not inlined to give Number one a warm reception are threatened not only with organisational discipline but the arm of the state
http://www.citypress.co.za/politics/boo-face-arrest-eastern-cape-anc-warns-members/
Kwanele Sosibo, On dynamics within the EFF
Bling queen off hook as state messes up case
Continued protests over lack of water and police violence and killings in Mothutlung, outside Brits.
Protests continue and police appear to have thrown a man out of a Nyala leading to his sustaining severe head injuries
http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/cops-are-killing-us-1.1631690#.UtYj2v3H1SU
Carol Paton analyses the meanings and implications of the ANC election manifesto
Pierre de Vos on suggestion that ANC might change constitution
I like this article by Pierre de Vos. I have two suggestions. In the sixth paragraph he speaks of those irritated by aspects of the constitution being driven by ‘traditional values’. I know and he makes clear that he is referring to the TCB, which in some cases entrenches dubious versions of tradition. My problem is of a different nature. Surely our belief in democracy is itself a traditional value, part of a long tradition? So my suggestion is that we should not allow that word to be appropriated by reactionaries. My second point is that in paragraph 3 de Vos provides a valuable basis for assessing when a constitutional amendment may be illegitimate. But I think it is time for concerned citizens to elaborate on what type of amendments should or could be entertained as enhancing and deepening our democracy. If we say, correctly, that there is nothing wrong with changing the constitution, it may assist debate to indicate what type of directions could be entertained in the future.
Raymond Suttner: Depoliticised ANC not equipped to address African/Indian business tensions in KZN
The tensions brewing in KZN between African and Indian business people over access to tenders could spark violence and death. (See City Press article below) Continue reading
Turmoil over alleged attempt to purge SAPS of senior MK officers
Two articles in the Mail and Guardian address the question of an alleged hit list within the SAPS, aimed at ridding the senior ranks of mainly former MK operatives. Continue reading
Unprecedented use of state security and ANC monitoring to prevent booing at launch of election manifesto
State security is being deployed through the intelligence services in particular, in order to ensure that the president is not booed Continue reading
ANC leadership prepares to defend Nkandla expenditure
One of the most problematic features in current political life, is that there is no real debate Continue reading
Foul play alleged over allocation of fishing licences, with seasoned fishermen denied licences
The allocation of fishing licences overseen by the acting Director General of Agriculture and Fisheries, who is also Treasurer of the MK Veterans association Continue reading
Richard Pithouse, Another annus horribilis for the ANC
Very insightful analysis of the decline of the ANC by Richard Pithouse. There are also some important remarks about organisations outside of the ANC, including the NGO sector, and the general absence of a powerful movement that can relieve the decadence and violence of the present.
Raymond Suttner 