Category Archives: Raymond Suttner writings

Raymond Suttner, Chief Albert Luthuli and the ‘gospel of service’

http://www.polity.org.za/article/chief-albert-luthuli-and-the-gospel-of-service-2014-03-11

Raymond Suttner, The persistence of the past in the present

http://www.polity.org.za/article/the-persistence-of-the-past-in-the-present-2014-03-05

Raymond Suttner, Race denialism nurtures racism

http://www.polity.org.za/article/race-denialism-nurtures-racism-2014-02-26

Dlamini faction of COSATU moves towards self-destruct of federation

The section of COSATU headed by president, S’dumo Dlamini appears headed for a route that will destroy the federation, or at least create a serious split. Continue reading →

Raymond Suttner, Loss of trust and legitimacy result in ungovernability

http://www.polity.org.za/article/loss-of-trust-and-legitimacy-result-in-ungovernability-2014-02-11

COSATU Boss warns unions of NUMSA’s agenda

Clearly the imminent secession of 15% of COSATU’s membership is a serious matter Continue reading →

Alex Eliseev, Bonfires of discontent in horrifying numbers

Alex Eliseev discusses the extent of violent protests Continue reading →

Raymond Suttner, Are developments in NUMSA moving towards an emancipatory project?

http://www.polity.org.za/article/are-developments-in-numsa-moving-towards-an-emancipatory-project-2014-02-05

Raymond Suttner, Realignments in South African politics

http://www.polity.org.za/article/realignments-in-south-african-politics-2014-01-29

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/

Pallo Jordan responds to Ellis on the role of white communists in finalising the Freedom Charter text

Pallo Jordan relates Stephen Ellis’s attack on the white communist role Continue reading →

Human rights watch slam SA police as ‘human rights threat’

There was a time during the struggle against apartheid when Human Rights Watch exposed the repression of the apartheid regime. Continue reading →

Pierre de Vos, Water is life, but the struggle for it is deadly

Important location of the battle for water in Mothutlung that has already cost three lives, allegedly as a result of police violence, in the context of constitutional rights, in the Bill of Rights and in judgments of the Constitutional court

 

http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2014-01-15-water-is-life-but-the-struggle-for-it-is-deadly/#.Utf0ef3H1SV

Pollice in Tshwane Metro kill hawker without facing charges

Jan Rivombo a hawker was apparently killed when refusing to hand over fruit without any form of receipt to Tshwane Metro police. He joins a long line of people who have died in the last few year at the hands of the police, apparently for reasons that did not require the use of deadly force.  No one has been charged with the offence, giving a sense that lawlessness is widely tolerated

 

http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2014-01-13-analysis-never-forget-jan-rivombo/#.UtOOdf3H1SV

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.

Changing the Constitution? Probably not.

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 →