South Africa

Jerry Harris — Some see multi-polarity as a new stage of non-alignment, and even the creation of an anti-imperialist bloc. But the economic and political elites of the Global South are too deeply tied to transnational capitalism to be truly independent.

Mazibuko Jara and Gunnett Kaaf look at the implications of South Africa’s new coalition government for the African National Congress-South African Communist Party-Confederation of South African Trade Union Alliance, and for the broader polity.

Patrick Bond — Given declining living standards, an elite transition will not stick nearly as well as Nelson Mandela’s 1994-99 reign. It may be a matter of just months before the centre can no longer hold.

Gunnett Kaaf — Voters have rejected the ANC, but other mainstream parties are not viable alternatives to exit the neoliberal crisis. That’s why South Africa is in the throes of a deepening political and social crisis.

Zabalaza for Socialism — The elections of May 29 and the inauguration of the Government of National Unity (GNU) mark a critical shift in the country’s political landscape.

Salim Vally discusses Israel’s war on Gaza and the global campaign against Israeli apartheid.

Mazibuko Jara looks at the African National Congress’s (ANC) prospects of holding onto power after 30 years in office, and how some of the new right and left forces are likely to fare.

Shawn Hattingh — The people of South Africa deserve better and, in some places in the world, we can see glimpses of a better system being built by people themselves, without handing power to politicians.

The following is the outcome document from the Global Anti-Apartheid Conference held at Johannesburg, South Africa, 11-12 May 2024.

Gunnett Kaaf — The African National Congress is certainly fighting its most difficult election since the dawn of democracy in 1994.

Niall Reddy — The May 29 national election is going to have a profound effect on shaping the political landscape in South Africa and therefore on how to construct a Left party.

Robin DG Kelley — The UN’s failure to dismantle the colonial order foreclosed the application of the Genocide Convention to Israel, South Africa, and the United States.