South Africa unity under threat
African National Congress secretary-general Gwede Mantashe voiced ANC concern this week at increasing disunity in trade union federation Cosatu.
South African unions stage huge marches against road tolls
South Africans marched across the country in support of a trade union campaign against electronic tolling on motorways and privatizing roads.
South Africa: Guptagate and the class nature of corruption
The so-called Guptagate scandal that has gripped South Africa over the past month has further exposed the scale of corruption dogging the ruling ANC. President Zuma was reportedly incandescent with rage.
Marikana mine massacre reflects South Africa's persistent inequality and social turmoil
More astute analysis highlights the appalling situation of South Africa's mining communities as being fertile ground for the crisis that has developed at Marikana.
“Let them eat cake,” says king as Swaziland plunges into crisis
Opposition to Mswati's royal despotism has been arising through the trade unions. Demands include increased wages and union rights, as well as democratic reforms.
Today in history: Nelson Mandela's birthday
Mandela was elected South Africa's first black president in 1994 after spending 27 years in prison for his fight against racist apartheid, and was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his work towards world peace
World honors Nelson Mandela at 93
The 93rd birthday of Nelson Mandela was celebrated around the world July 18, paying tribute to the hero who spent 27 years in prison for his leading role in the fight against South Africa's apartheid regime.
World Notes: Venezuela, South Africa, Romania and more
Thousands marched in Caracas on June 7 demanding protection for small farmers determined to take over unused land in accordance with the Lands and Agrarian Development Act of 2001.
Swazi king in desperate bid to bail out ailing dictatorship
Cash strapped and beset by political turmoil, the tiny kingdom of Swaziland, Africa's last absolute monarchy, is petitioning neighboring South Africa for a USD $1.4 billion bailout to stave off collapse.
World Notes: Cuba, Israel, Venezuela - and more
Pakistanis are protesting U.S. drones while South Africans are negotiating better prices for anti-HIV drugs. All of this and more in World Notes.
