politics – Alexander Matthews

Justice Cameron: Judge of character

Justice Edwin Cameron’s book, Justice, explores the power of South Africa’s constitution.

Lessons from a Nobel Laureate: the late Nadine Gordimer on South Africa’s turmoil

A chat with the late Nadine Gordimer in which she discussed her last novel, banned books and her life’s big regret.

Pieter Hugo: State of confusion

Pieter Hugo’s exhibition, Kin, captures a South Africa caught between a troubled past and uncertain future.

Martin Meredith on Africa’s tumultous history and staggering wealth

An interview with historian and journalist Martin Meredith whose book, The Fortunes of Africa: A 5000-Year History of Wealth, Greed and Endeavour is a sweeping, magisterial and eloquently detailed account of the continent’s history.

On the campaign trail with Mmusi Maimane

In the run-up to South Africa’s 2014 general elections, I joined Mmusi Maimane — then the Democratic Alliance’s Gauteng premier candidate — for a morning on the campaign trail. Five years later it still offers clues about the head of the official opposition.

Eswatini budgets for change

Eswatini’s new finance minister is trying to put the country on a new economic path. He may meet resistance along the way.

Gay rights in Africa: “one step forwards, one step back”

Though there are signs of progress towards tolerance, life for sexual minority groups in many African states remains legally and socially difficult — and downright dangerous in some regions.

Brexit: an uncertain separation

The date of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU is drawing ever nearer. What this exactly will entail and how it will affect South Africa is yet to be seen, but the UK says that, regardless, it is pushing for closer economic ties with Africa.

Tanzania’s descent into despotism

John Magufuli came to power in Tanzania amid much fanfare. He’s done much in the way of reform — but the slow creep towards autocracy is concerning.

Zimbabwe has reason to hope — but not everyone shares in it

It is almost six months since the dramatic departure of Robert Mugabe from Zimbabwe’s presidency. As more than 100 political parties gear up for elections in July, citizens’ hopes for the future range from cautiously optimistic to fiercely sceptical.