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South African politicians vs judges: new book defends the Constitution

South African politicians vs judges: new book defends the Constitution

IN 1994, South Africa became a democracy founded on a supreme constitution. The Constitution’s preamble affirms the nation’s quest to establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights. The Constitution clearly envisioned political accountability and judicial review of executive and legislative actions. But, almost three decades on, this vision is increasingly under virulent criticism by populist politicians. ANTHONY DIALA, Director, Centre for Legal Integration in Africa, University of the Western Cape Dan Mafora’s new book, Capture in the Court – In Defence of Judges and the Constitution, likens the rising rebellion against judges and the…
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Israel-Palestine conflict divides South African politicians – what their responses reveal about historical alliances

Israel-Palestine conflict divides South African politicians – what their responses reveal about historical alliances

HAMAS’ brazen and deadly attack on Israel on October 7 elicited varied responses within the South African political scene. These diverse reactions reflect the long history, since before democracy in 1994, of South African engagement with the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The conflict holds symbolic significance for many in the country. ASHER LUBOTZKY, Scholar in Residence, University of Houston As with the war in Ukraine, taking sides on the issue also allows the different parties to highlight their position on the struggle for or against global Western dominance The South African government, led by the African National Congress (ANC), characterised the recent…
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COVID-19 claims the lives of South African politicians

COVID-19 claims the lives of South African politicians

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER TWO prominent South African politicians and two leading trade unionists have died within days of each from COVID-19, as the second wave of the pandemic gains momentum, with South Africa passing the one millions mark in infections. Nomvuso Shabalala, an ANC member of parliament and  former deputy mayor of Ethekwini, Dr Nchaupe Mokoape, the former president of the Azanian People’s Organisation and the South African Students Organization and  David Simpunzi, the secretary-general of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Patrick Mkhize died within days of each other. In its tribute to Shabalala (60), who was a…
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