Opinion
Cold war echoes and trade union reform
Both the Cold War and the bitter battles between communists and social democrats in
Germany of the Thirties found an echo at the 11th Cosatu national congress in
Midrand last week; an echo that is now being assessed by labour organisations and
activists around the world.
Terry Bell
Opinion | 3 October 2012
Zuma, the bible and the COSATU Congress
Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven was amazed at the media interest shown in the
eleventh national congress of the federation. Shortly before the congress opened its
doors, 347 media accreditations had been processed, with additional enquiries still
being dealt with.
Terry Bell
Opinion | 26 September 2012
Government’s fuel policy makes us all poorer
Expect another hike in the price of petrol, diesel and paraffin in October. This is because the price is staying above $110 a barrel and the rand is weakening.
Jack Lewis
Opinion | 19 September 2012
Why the school closures are wrong
This is an edited version of a speech that was delivered on 15 September at a march in Cape Town against the proposed closure of 27 schools.
Ntshadi Mofokeng
Opinion | 19 September 2012
Cosatu Congress will paper over the cracks
Amid unprecedented media interest, Cosatu’s eleventh national congress gets underway in Midrand on Monday. Many of the nearly 300 journalists, photographers and members of camera crews accredited to attend the event are clearly expecting drama.
Terry Bell
Opinion | 19 September 2012
Another disappointing delivery failure by the education department
In 2011, a new Backlogs Grant was introduced. The National Treasury allocated R700 million to it. The grant's main purpose was to eradicate inappropriate structures and mud schools as well as the provision of basic services to schools such as water, electricity and toilets.
Yoliswa Dwane
Opinion | 18 September 2012
Why fascism is a real danger
Last year Rhodes University academic Jane Duncan warned of "proto fascism" emerging in South Africa. At the same time, in an article for a local publication, I wrote that "the first loud, trumpet calls to fascism in modern South Africa have been sounded".
Terry Bell
Opinion | 12 September 2012
NPA’s response to Marikana has undermined the right to life
South Africa has one of the most progressive constitutions in the world. The Constitution states that everyone has the right to basic healthcare, education and shelter, but upon reading further, there are limitations placed on these rights such as the state acting "within its available resources".
Zamandaba Sibiya
Opinion | 12 September 2012
Injury, bleeding, delayed healing and mangled penises by design
Dalli Weyers looks at the design problems with the Tara KLamp circumcision device.
Dalli Weyers
Opinion | 5 September 2012