From Zuma to Ramaphosa

Jacob Zuma won't be remembered as a liberation hero, but as a corrupt leader who broke the South African left.

Cyril Ramaphosa Is Not the Answer

South Africa needs more than a new leader: it needs a new vision, one that levels economic inequality and dismantles patronage systems.

Why Do So Many Western Leftists Defend Robert Mugabe?

Apologetics for a kleptocratic tyrant have nothing to do with anti-imperialism.

Lessons Earned

What have we learned from the Pink Tide’s years in power?

Zuma Is Not the Only Problem

From Donald Trump to Jacob Zuma, we can’t reduce politics to “getting rid of the bad guys” and expect to win.

South Africa Doesn’t Need a “Lula Moment”

A real political alternative in South Africa will come from powerful social movements — not charismatic leaders.

Remaking the South African Left

A revived South African trade union movement could challenge the ANC from its left.

Jacobin Radio South Africa, Ep. 4

Racism and crime in post-apartheid South Africa.

Jacobin Radio South Africa, Ep. 3

What happened to the African National Congress?

Twenty Years of Defeat

Today, South Africans will likely reelect Jacob Zuma and his African National Congress. But the party of Nelson Mandela is losing ground.

The Two Mandelas

While Mandela was certainly a “great historical figure,” too many tributes have been unable to move beyond hagiography.

Dispatch from South Africa