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 […]
A Banana a day – What I learnt this Ramadaan.
By Zubeida Jaffer An apple a day keeps the doctor away. We all grew up with this familiar saying. This Ramadan (Islamic month of fasting), I learnt that a banana a day was an equally good idea. Fasting is a time for self-reflection and seeking to consciously become a better version of oneself. I want […]
Bokaap, Afriforum and Solidarity: The Call for Cultural Preservation
By Zubeida Jaffer The dusk was still, with not a leaf stirring in the wind. Yet, the streets of Wale and Rose in the Bo-Kaap were alive with energy. People of all ages, races, and faiths, had gathered for a special occasion. They came to break their fast or simply be part of the vibrant […]
Afriforum and Solidarity continue to draw on a toxic theology 40 years after the adoption of the historic Kairos Document
By McGlory Speckman (Photo by Zubeida Jaffer) As we celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Kairos Document in September 2025, we must look back at its impact on what it called ‘State Theology’ and how it influenced people’s behaviour. A case in point is the behaviour of theologically formed social formations such as the Afriforum […]
Launching Becoming Charlotte
View the full book launch Gallery here By Zubeida Jaffer Times are challenging in our country and in the world. To become fully ourselves it helps to draw on inspirational stories of others and our own. I decided to write this book because I realised that the researched biography that I completed in 2016, was reaching […]
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 […]
A Great Man Buried in Simplicity
Archbishop Desmond Tutu led by example in both his life and death. His central message upon death was twofold: live simply so others may simply live and embrace all religious faiths. Lying peacefully in his coffin, he wore a plain white robe, black socks, perfectly polished black shoes, and an interfaith stole around his neck […]
Resting in his Shade – A Tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu
My heart breaks today with the news that a great tree has fallen. Our dearest Arch Tutu has left us. He waited to bless us with his presence for the last Christmas and then he passed onto the other world, gracious and free. He has been with us every step of the way for decades. […]
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 […]
In Response to the President: Reflections of a Freedom Fighter
By Ashley Forbes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s most recent intervention, though welcome, is not proportionate to the gravity of our situation. (President Cyril Ramaphosa’s letter to ANC members about corruption). In 1994 our people trusted their leaders to restore land and assets to the dispossessed, and provide education, housing and dignified work for all. I remember […]