Witnessing the Transition
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
South Africa Office
Publication for political and socio-economic issues in South Africa FOCUS South Africa Effects of the global financial crisis South Africa in a balancing act between Focus South Africa Focus South the economic crisis and the election campaign After the lengthy growth phase of the South African economy, the country at the Cape now also finds itself afflicted by the turbulences of the global finan- cial and economic crisis. The economic growth has weakened exports, while business and domestic demand have decreased. The interim government of President Kgalema Motlanthe does not plan any hasty interventions during the period running up to the elections in April 2009. The collapsing econo- Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, mies and the election campaigns have forced the parties, however, to position themselves clearly. Notably the African National Congress (ANC) has found itself facing serious competition for the first time. The newly-created party, the Congress of the People (COPE) has already submitted its first concepts. Business federations, trade unions and the media have used the pre-election 2009-01-26 campaign in order to place demands. SOUTH AFRICA OFFICE “The biggest challenge we face is how to ensure greater equality, imroved human development and social justice in South Africa.” Kgalema Motlanthe, Edition 03/09 South African President Effects of the global financial crisis The current situation May platinum reached record prices in the international markets. The governing statistics body in South Africa, After more than nine years of uninterrupted growth Statistics South Africa (SSA) recorded a dissolution of and development a distinctly downward trend in South 32 000 jobs in the mining industry sector in the third Africa’s economic growth has become apparent. -
South Africa: Democracy, Poverty and Inclusive Growth Since 1994 by Jeremy Seekings
DEMOCRACY WORKS | CONFERENCE PAPER | 2014 South Africa: Democracy, Poverty and Inclusive Growth Since 1994 by Jeremy Seekings Voices FROM THE South www.li.com www.prosperity.com www.cde.org.za DEMOCRACY WORKS | 1 A PROJECT OF CDE is an independent policy research and Based in London, the Legatum Institute (LI) advocacy organisation. It is one of South is an independent non-partisan public policy Africa’s leading development think tanks, organisation whose research, publications, and focusing on critical development issues and programmes advance ideas and policies in support their relationship to economic growth and of free and prosperous societies around the world. democratic consolidation. Through examining LI’s signature annual publication is the Legatum South African realities and international Prosperity Index™, a unique global assessment experience, CDE formulates practical policy of national prosperity based on both wealth and proposals outlining ways in which South wellbeing. LI is the co-publisher of Democracy Africa can tackle major social and economic Lab, a journalistic joint-venture with Foreign Policy challenges. CDE has a special focus on the Magazine dedicated to covering political and role of business and markets in development. economic transitions around the world. SUPPORTED BY: Instituto de Estudos do Trabalho I E T S Instituto e Sociedade, Brazil Centre for Policy Research, India de Estudos do Trabalho www.cprindia.org e Sociedade www.iets.org.br The views expressed in this paper are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the Legatum Institute (LI) or the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE). Executive Summary This is a revised version of a working Despite the predictions of most political theory and the expectations of most paper prepared for presentation at the commentators on South Africa, the formal establishment of representative Democracy Works Project seminar at democracy provided weak impetus to pro-poor policy making and implementation. -
Trekking Outward
TREKKING OUTWARD A CHRONOLOGY OF MEETINGS BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICANS AND THE ANC IN EXILE 1983–2000 Michael Savage University of Cape Town May 2014 PREFACE In the decade preceding the dramatic February 1990 unbanning of South Africa’s black liberatory movements, many hundreds of concerned South Africans undertook to make contact with exile leaders of these organisations, travelling long distances to hold meetings in Europe or in independent African countries. Some of these “treks”, as they came to be called, were secret while others were highly publicised. The great majority of treks brought together South Africans from within South Africa and exile leaders of the African National Congress, and its close ally the South African Communist Party. Other treks involved meetings with the Pan Africanist Congress, the black consciousness movement, and the remnants of the Non-European Unity Movement in exile. This account focuses solely on the meetings involving the ANC alliance, which after February 1990 played a central role in negotiating with the white government of F.W. de Klerk and his National Party regime to bring about a new democratic order. Without the foundation of understanding established by the treks and thousands of hours of discussion and debate that they entailed, it seems unlikely that South Africa’s transition to democracy could have been as successfully negotiated as it was between 1990 and the first democratic election of April 1994. The following chronology focuses only on the meetings of internally based South Africans with the African National Congress (ANC) when in exile over the period 1983–1990. Well over 1 200 diverse South Africans drawn from a wide range of different groups in the non- governmental sector and cross-cutting political parties, language, educational, religious and community groups went on an outward mission to enter dialogue with the ANC in exile in a search to overcome the escalating conflict inside South Africa. -
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa Report: Volume 2
VOLUME TWO Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa Report The report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was presented to President Nelson Mandela on 29 October 1998. Archbishop Desmond Tutu Ms Hlengiwe Mkhize Chairperson Dr Alex Boraine Mr Dumisa Ntsebeza Vice-Chairperson Ms Mary Burton Dr Wendy Orr Revd Bongani Finca Adv Denzil Potgieter Ms Sisi Khampepe Dr Fazel Randera Mr Richard Lyster Ms Yasmin Sooka Mr Wynand Malan* Ms Glenda Wildschut Dr Khoza Mgojo * Subject to minority position. See volume 5. Chief Executive Officer: Dr Biki Minyuku I CONTENTS Chapter 1 Chapter 6 National Overview .......................................... 1 Special Investigation The Death of President Samora Machel ................................................ 488 Chapter 2 The State outside Special Investigation South Africa (1960-1990).......................... 42 Helderberg Crash ........................................... 497 Special Investigation Chemical and Biological Warfare........ 504 Chapter 3 The State inside South Africa (1960-1990).......................... 165 Special Investigation Appendix: State Security Forces: Directory Secret State Funding................................... 518 of Organisations and Structures........................ 313 Special Investigation Exhumations....................................................... 537 Chapter 4 The Liberation Movements from 1960 to 1990 ..................................................... 325 Special Investigation Appendix: Organisational structures and The Mandela United -
Secretariat Report to the Third Central Committee COSATU August 15-18, 2005
Secretariat Report to the Third Central Committee COSATU August 15-18, 2005 Taking the 2015 Plan to New Heights – Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of COSATU 1 Secretariat Report to the Central Committee...................................................................................1 COSATU ..........................................................................................................................................1 August 15-18, 2005..........................................................................................................................1 Part 1: Political Report .....................................................................................................................5 1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................5 2 Progress in the National Democratic Revolution.....................................................................6 2.1 The pillars of our 2015 Plan............................................................................................6 2.2 Fifty Years of the Freedom Charter ................................................................................6 2.3 Who has gained from democracy?.................................................................................7 2.4 Class Formation and Contestation .................................................................................9 2.5 Lessons from Zimbabwe...............................................................................................11 -
South Africa: the Next Republic
Briefing Note 0802 October 2008 South Africa: The Next Republic The resignation of former president Thabo Mbeki can be seen as the ending of a “First Republic” in democratic South Africa. The liberal left tradition of the governing African National Congress is fading, and the “Second Republic” will be shaped by more competition for political power both inside and outside the ANC. These notes consider Mbeki’s legacy, the challenges facing President Kgalema Motlanthe, and the prospects for a “Second Republic” under presidential aspirant Jacob Zuma. • ANC deeply divided as Mbeki loyalists contemplate breakaway party. • SA Communist Party and Trades Unions gain influence in ANC structures. • New leadership pledges to maintain market-friendly economic policies. • Cabinet re-shuffle recognises failures in health, education and crime. • Democratic institutions damaged by fall-out from controversial arms deal. • Zuma’s authority rooted in ANC security and intelligence network. The “Zuma Tsunami” On September 20th 2008, the national executive of the African political influence” in the prosecution of Zuma on charges of National Congress agreed to “recall” Mbeki from the national corruption and tax evasion, related to a R50 billion presidency. His resignation follows a turbulent shift in the (£4 billion) government defence contract sanctioned by balance of power within the party leadership – dubbed the Mbeki in the late 1990s. “Zuma Tsunami” by supporters of ANC president Jacob Zuma. Zuma is widely expected to assume the national presidency “The -
10:00-10:45 Key Note Address Mr. Zwelinzima Vavi, General Secretary Great Hall, University of COSATU, South Africa the Witwatersrand
10:00-10:45 Key note address Mr. Zwelinzima Vavi, General Secretary Great Hall, University of COSATU, South Africa the Witwatersrand 10: 45 -13:00 Positive contribution of migrants to the host Mr. Prosper Ladislas Agbessi, Chairperson Great Hall, University of countries: Pan-African Business Forum Panafrican Business Forum, South Africa the Witwatersrand 12:30-13:00 Street parade at Constitutional Hill TBC Braamfontein constitutional hill 13:00-13:15 Performance (African traditional dance) Two groups Great Hall, University of the Witwatersrand LUNCH Afternoon 14:00-16:00 Pillar 1: Mrs Nompulelo Nthuli-Zuma African First Great Hall, University of Session Ladies Mission (TBC), South Africa the Witwatersrand Asylum Seekers Refugees & Forced Migration Mr. Abbas Shiblak, Research Associate, University of Oxford. United Kingdom Dr. Chowra Makaremi, Research Fellow, National Center for Scientific Research, France Prof. Oliver Bakewell: International Migration Institute, Oxford University, United Kingdom Ms. Aline Mugisho: Doctoral Fellow, Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, University of Erfurt (DRC) Page 2 of 3 16:00-18:00 Self-organized Activity Workshop conveners Wits University Designated Areas Palestinian Refugees: Causes, results & Speakers Solutions • Abbas Shablaq • Al-Tayeb Al-Dajani Exhibition: The Nakba-Flight and Expulsion of the Palestinians in 1948 Exhibition: Al-Rokou’I Installation – Tent film projection Evening (19h00) Nelson Mandela Night (Tribute to the world Honorable Malusi Gigaba, MP, Minister of Great Hall, University of Icon Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in Home Affairs, South Africa the Witwatersrand commemoration of the first anniversary of his death) celebrating his legacy. DAY 2 : 6 DECEMBER 2014 TIME ITEM SPEAKERS venue 08:00- 09:00 Registration LOC University of the Witwatersrand Morning 09:00-11:00 Pillar 2: Mr. -
Committed to Unity
Committed to Unity: South Africa’s Adherence to Its 1994 Political Settlement Paul Graham IPS Paper 6 Abstract This paper reviews the commitment of the remaining power contenders and other political actors to the settlement which was reached between 1993 and 1996. Based on interviews with three key actors now in opposing political parties represented in the National Assembly, the paper makes the case for a continued commitment to, and consensus on, the ideals and principles of the 1996 Constitution. It provides evidence of schisms in the dominant power contender (the African National Congress) which have not led to a return in political violence post-settlement. The paper makes the point that, while some of this was the result of President Nelson Mandela’s presence, more must be ascribed to the constitutional arrangements and commitments of the primary political actors and the citizens of South Africa. © Berghof Foundation Operations GmbH – CINEP/PPP 2014. All rights reserved. About the Publication This paper is one of four case study reports on South Africa produced in the course of the collaborative research project ‘Avoiding Conflict Relapse through Inclusive Political Settlements and State-building after Intra-State War’, running from February 2013 to February 2015. This project aims to examine the conditions for inclusive political settlements following protracted armed conflicts, with a specific focus on former armed power contenders turned state actors. It also aims to inform national and international practitioners and policy-makers on effective practices for enhancing participation, representation, and responsiveness in post-war state-building and governance. It is carried out in cooperation with the partner institutions CINEP/PPP (Colombia, Project Coordinators), Berghof Foundation (Germany, Project Research Coordinators), FLACSO (El Salvador), In Transformation Initiative (South Africa), Sudd Institute (South Sudan), Aceh Policy Institute (Aceh/Indonesia), and Friends for Peace (Nepal). -
Ÿþm Icrosoft W
The launch of May 1, 1986, King's Park Stadium, Durban L 'WUSA %M ore than 80 000 people packed King's Park Stadium in Durban ___ ,on May 1 for the launch of the United Workers' Union of South Africa (UWUSA). This overwhelming show of support for the new union as well as for the President of Inkatha, Chief M G Buthelezi, who delivered the opening address, had several messages for the labour movement in South Africa as well as internationally. Firstly, by turning up in such large numbers, a significant block of black workers in South Africa made it known that they are not happy with being politically manipulated - particularly by COSATU who held a rival rally on the same day at a venue close to King's Park. It should be noted that COSATU rallied far less than 10 000 people that day. Secondly, when asked if they wished UWUSA to support disinvestment and sanctions in their name (as COSATU is doing) they t, rose as one to their feet and roared "no". This was recorded by the _national and international media present. There can no longer be any doubt that the tactic of disinvestment does not have the support of the majority of black workers - as claimed by COSATU (who have never held a general ballot on the issue) and churchmen such as Bishop Desmond Tutu and the Rev Allan Boesak. There has also been an obvious backlash to the "pirating" of black union members for party-political purposes by COSATU and its support for the pro-violence ANC Mission in Exile. -
South Africa After Apartheid: a Whole New Ball Game, with Labor on the Team
r , * ',-,- - i i-.-- : ii ii i -ii,,,c - -. i - 198 Broadway * New York, N.Y. 10038 e (212) 962-1210 Tilden J. LeMelle, Chairman Jennifer Davis, Executive Director MEMORANDUM TO: Key Labor Contacts FROM: Mike Fleshman, Labor Desk Coordinator DATE: June 7, 1994 South Africa After Apartheid: A Whole New Ball Game, With Labor On The Team Friends, The victory parties are finally over and, in the wake of Nelson Mandela's landslide election as South Africa's first-ever Black President, South African workers are returning to their jobs and to the enormous challenges that lie ahead. For the 1.2 million-member Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), whose support for Mandela's ANC was critical to the movement's runaway 62.5 percent victory, the end of apartheid brings new opportunities for South African workers, but also some new problems. One result of the ANC victory is the presence of key labor leaders in the new government. Two high ranking unionists, former COSATU General Secretary Jay Naidoo, and former Assistant General Secretary Sydney Mufamadi, were named to cabinet posts -- Mufamadi as Minister of Safety and Security in charge of the police, and Naidoo as Minister Without Portfolio, tasked with implementing the ANC/COSATU blueprint for social change, the national Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP). Former National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) economist Alec Erwin was named Deputy Minister for Finance. Former Mineworkers head Cyril Ramaphosa, elected General Secretary of the ANC in 1991, will exert great influence on the shape of the permanent new constitution as the chair of the parliamentary constitution-writing body. -
Political Report to the Tenth Cosatu National Congress
Political Report to the Tenth Cosatu National Congress Theme: Consolidating Working Class Power in Defense of Decent Work and for Socialism Table of Contents I. Preamble II. Introduction Part 1: Reflection on the Domestic and Global Balance of Forces 1. Sharpening our Ideology and Theory of Revolution 1.1 Building Marxism for Contemporary Challenges 1.2 Debates on the Nature and Trajectory of the National Democratic Revolution 1.3 The Ndr and the Struggle for Socialism 2. The Global Situation 2.1 Impact on GDP and Jobs 2.2 Impact of the Economic Crisis on the Budget 3. Progress in the National Democratic Revolution 4. The Road to Polokwane and its Outcomes 4.1 The Road to Polokwane 4.2 Strategic Considerations Informing the Federation's Approach to Polokwane 4.4 The Meaning of Polokwane: Assessing the Outcomes of the Conference 5. The Elections and the Outcomes 5.1 The Political Environment under which Elections were held: 5.2 The Media, Conservative Academics and Commentators 5.3 The Jacob Zuma Factor 5.4 The Emergence of Cope 5.5 Understanding the reasons behind the Split 5.6 What is Cope offering the working class? 5.7 The Mythical Investors 5.8 Subjective and Objective weaknesses of the ANC and Alliance 5.8.1 Western Cape 5.8.2 Eastern Cape 5.8.3 Northern Cape 5.8.4 North West 5.8.5 Free State 5.9 Mobilisation 5.10 ANC Elections Manifesto 5.11 Transition to the New Cabinet 5.12 The Green Paper on Strategic Planning: A Big Step Back towards Pre-Polokwane Shenanigans 5.13 The Impact on Cosatu 5.14 The Impact on the Anc 5.15 Impact on SACP 5.16 The Programme of Action of Government 5.17 Summary of the Mandate 6. -
In South Africa's Transition
The role of business IN SOUTH AFRICA’S TRANSITION to democracy About the Centre for Mediation in Africa The goal of the CMA is to help make mediation efforts throughout Africa more effective. We do so by offering academic and practical courses in mediation, researching new and current best practices, and offering support to organisations and governments involved in mediation processes. The Centre is hosted by the Department of Political Sciences, in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, at the University of Pretoria. About the International Labour Organisation The International Labour Organization is a United Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards. Founded in October 1919 under the League of Nations, it is the first and oldest specialised agency of the UN. Acknowledgements This report would not have been possible without the support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Department of Political Sciences, in the Faculty of Humanities, at the University of Pretoria. We are grateful to the 17 interviewees who made time available to answer our questions thoughtfully, and agreed to participate in our digital archive. The team from the CMA contributed to this research in a number of ways, including through transcribing and analysing interviews, engaging with the scholarship, and participating enthusiastically in team workshops towards the development of this report. Authored by Cori Wielenga, Quraysha Sooliman and Harry Gouvelis Research assistance offered by M. Holtzhausen, N. Kasselman, A. Shangare, N. Ndhlovu and S. Igba Edited by Sanet Oberholzer Design by Media Chef Published February 2021 © The content of this publication is protected by copyright.