Page 4 - Roelf Meyer News Today

President Cyril Ramaphosa hails a leader who ‘epitomised the ethos and expectations of our then fledgling Constitution’, as tributes start pouring in for the founding Speaker of South Africa’s democratic Parliament.

A microsatellite made in SA was launched in the US on Tuesday, 3 January — the first time since 2009 a microsatellite from the country has gone to space.

State circles in Sri Lanka have begun voicing the need for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) for the country, on the lines of South Africa’s historic TRC, and the time could not be more appropriate for a comprehensive discussion in Sri Lanka on the questions that are likely to arise for the country as […]

In the 1980s he was robust and resolute whereas he is now seen as cautious and risk-averse. But there may be value in his ‘waiting a bit’

Ethiopia's civil war is among the world's deadliest conflicts and has turned even more deadly with Eritrea recently joining the fray on the side of the Ethiopian government, helping it gain the upper hand, writes Carien du Plessis.

The approach of BOSA is intended to set it apart from other parties, presenting itself as a new type of politics.

3 October 2022 - Something I can say with depressing regularity these days is that ‘I’m old enough to remember…’ I have traded youth and vigour for experience and memory (though the latter may be an equally transitory state). One recurrent theme I’ve observed is that there is something in the South African political psyche that awaits a strong, decisive leader, that can capture the Zeitgeist, and promise redemption; a Moses-style figure who will lead us to the promised land. Another is...

Africa has seen significant democratic backsliding in recent years, driven in large part by leaders who undermine constitutional norms, bypass presidential term limits, and shrink political space to gain or maintain power. To stimulate a discussion on how to reverse this trend, NDI partnered with the Government of Botswana to organize an Africa-wide Summit on Constitutionalism and Democratic Consolidation, in Gaborone from July 6 to 8, 2022.

I thought we should acknowledge this important day in our South African calender by refreshing our memories on Madiba’s extraordinary life.

The final report of the Zondo Commission closes with its boldest recommendation yet: scrap the system which sees the party that wins elections select the country’s President, and let voters choose the President directly.