A Moment of Presence: On Welcoming Ebrahim Rasool Home

By Aslam Fataar Among those gathered at Cape Town International Airport to welcome Ebrahim Rasool, wife Rosieda and son Tanwir, on their return from the United States—following Ebrahim’s sudden designation as persona non grata—was a galvanising sense of solidarity. The vast gathering was, for many, a moment of personal connection, reflection, and ethical presence. The […]

In Memory of Phindile Xaba on Black Wednesday

Zubeida Jaffer, Shepi Mati, Frank Meintjies and Phindile Xaba South Africa has come a long way from the dark day of October 19, 1977 when the Apartheid regime squeezed the noose tightly around press freedom. Known as Black Wednesday, the day has appropriately become the official South African Media Freedom Day. On that day in […]

De Klerk poorly advised

By Zubeida Jaffer In his last days, Mr F W De Klerk appears to have been poorly advised by those around him.  His statement has disturbed the psyche of our nation. Instead of bringing closure, it has unleashed memories that are difficult to process. It required a monumental effort from many to stop apartheid. And […]

Tiny ripples can lead to tsunamis of change

By Ashley Forbes Death seems everywhere, as does suffering and despair. I recently visited an old comrade, a respected activist who feels isolated and severely depressed, grieves the loss of family and close friends who due to COVID19 have recently passed, and like many I know, is driven to despair, even to the point of […]

Israeli lobbyists distort Mandela legacy

By Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela  “Where is the Palestinian Mandela?” is a question I have often heard from Israel’s defenders. What they are really asking is where is the Palestinian equivalent of Nelson Mandela – a man who, they believe, offered only olive branches and dialogue? Where is the Palestinian version of Mandela, who – in […]

The Zindzi I knew

By Shannon Ebrahim Zindzi Mandela was larger than life, someone I deeply admired and loved for her immense bravery and passion for justice. She was absolutely her Mother’s daughter, and that is how she would want to be remembered. Having spent the past two years since her Mother’s passing in deep anguish and pain, mother […]

Remembering Ashley

Ashley Kriel was murdered on 9 July 1987. This is an excerpt from Our Generation, my memoir, to be released in a second edition soon.