The entire ‘refugee’ exercise is quite obviously absurd. But it is entirely in keeping with the lies, drama and illogic of the Trump administration. For Trump the show is the point. And it’s quite a show having people virtually airlifted from South Africa, so great is their suffering. As initially appeared in Daily Maverick on […]
While the world is dominated by small-minded rulers, we must reclaim and nurture our democracy, confronting authoritarianism and championing freedom for all to heal societal wounds. Of The Empire We will be known as a culture that feared deathand adored power, that tried to vanquish insecurityfor the few and cared little for the penury of […]
As the US and Israel confront Iran amid escalating tensions, global stability falters. Donald Trump’s chaotic leadership and disregard for democracy complicate the crisis, while South Africa braces for fuel impacts and deeper economic instability. By Judith February 27 Mar 2026 Judith February is executive officer: Freedom Under Law and editor of Daily Maverick’s legal newsletter, Judith’s […]
Whatever happens this week, we need as a society to fully understand and act against the forces of hate, division and chaos that simmer beneath the surface of our constitutional democracy. By Judith February29 Jun 2026 Ubuntu — I am because you are. There is talk of burning everywhere. Xenophobia stalks the land – not for the […]
Winnie Mandela’s life, as complex and divisive a figure as she was, reminds us that we can and must do better to improve the material conditions of those who are marginalised. Originally published in Daily Maverick on 24 May 2026 Ours is a country which satisfies no particular narrative. Many compete; the “rainbow nation”, as Desmond […]
In a rapidly changing world, for South Africa to meet its challenges effectively will require tough decisions and a commitment to the things that matter. Originally published in Daily Maverick on 31 Aug 2025 Looking at the plethora of challenges that our South Africa faces, one could place them (loosely and unscientifically) into the following trio […]
The Brenthurst Foundation and the In Transformation Initiative (ITI) hosted a presentation on research into South Africa’s possible futures, entitled “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Scenarios for South Africa. The presentations were delivered on 13 December 2022 by Dr Greg Mills, director of The Brenthurst Foundation and Roelf Meyer, director of ITI. The […]
The spate of military takeovers and attempted coups across Africa over the past two years has led to speculation in some quarters about a generalized “return to military rule” or “coup contagion” on the continent. In August 2020, a group of Malian officers led by Col. Assimi Goita overthrew the government of former President Ibrahim […]
By Roelf Meyer and Daryl Swanepoel Civil society bodies such as the Inclusive Society Institute and In Transformation Initiative have been worried about the high levels of crime, low levels of arrests and poor prosecution rates. Their intuition is that crime intelligence has broken down and that it is dysfunctional. Their inkling was confirmed by […]
