Opinion and Analysis

Dying with dignity

Nelson Mandela may not be aware of it but he has got us talking about death; something we have never had the courage to do before. This is certainly a discussion he wanted us to have. As President of the country he appointed the South African Law Commission to write a report on end-of life issues, and it was Nelson Mandela himself who tabled this in parliament.

Sean Davison

Opinion | 6 August 2013

The Kurdish Question: Is a political solution possible?

A process has begun in Turkey which has the potential to find solutions to the Kurdish question.

Mansoor Jaffer

Opinion | 5 August 2013

Labour backs child beating ban

Sex scandals, amid accusations of conspiracy, strikes and ongoing fears of violence have dominated the news about trade unions over the past week and more. And the spectre of Wonderkop and the dead and crippled miners, both pre and post Marikana has continued to loom large.

Terry Bell

Opinion | 5 August 2013

World Cup or not, Brazilian protesters have had enough

South Africa and Brazil have quite a few things in common. Both are economic powerhouses and members of BRICS. They both play an important role in regional and global affairs acting as political advisors to their nearby countries.

Fabio da Graca

Opinion | 5 August 2013

Don’t be fooled: Zimbabwe’s land reform is no success

It is election day in Zimbabwe. This is a good day to reconsider the Zimbabwean land reform experience and what to make of it, especially as we consider what should be done about land reform in South Africa.

Jack Lewis

Opinion | 31 July 2013

Are we ready for universal breastfeeding in South Africa?

The government is discontinuing the provision of free formula milk at public health facilities. This policy is intended to promote exclusive breastfeeding for all mothers, including those living with HIV.

Vuyiseka Dubula

Opinion | 30 July 2013

The rights role of the labour movement

The discussion of socialism and nationalisation in this column last week has upset some trade unionists and at least one academic. They felt that the demands of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) of Julius Malema were equated with those of movements of the traditional Left.

Terry Bell

Opinion | 29 July 2013

What should be done about land in South Africa?

I think about land matters quite a bit, especially now that I’m living on a small holding in the Karoo. In 1999, I was invited to make a video showing the "challenges" (yes that was still an acceptable word back then) of land reform in the Free State.

Jack Lewis

Opinion | 24 July 2013

Solal Technologies actively promotes pseudoscience … and here’s how

Kevin Charleston explains why he stands by the comments a popular vitamin company is suing him for.

Kevin Charleston

Opinion | 23 July 2013